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Hershey Entertainment and Resort Co. And Pdg, Inc. To Pay 27,030 to Settle Asbestos Violations at Hotel Hershey

Release Date: 10/7/1999
Contact Information: David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

HERSHEY, Pa. -- Hershey Entertainment and Resort Co., Inc. and PDG, Inc. have greed to pay a $27,030 penalty for improper asbestos removal at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pa.

According to a settlement agreement with the U.S.EPA, Hershey hired contractor PDG, Inc. of Drum, Pa. to remove asbestos-containing materials during hotel renovations between January 16 and March 16, 1998. During three EPA inspections of this project in February and March 1998, inspectors discovered residual amounts of dry, asbestos-containing pipe insulation on the floor. The area was sectioned off from hotel patrons during the renovations.

The companies were cited under Clean Air Act regulations that require that asbestos-containing materials that may release asbestos fibers during demolition or renovation must be wet during removal. These materials must remain wet, or be securely bagged or otherwise treated to minimize asbestos emissions until disposal.

The companies cooperated with EPA’s investigation of these alleged violations and approached EPA to settle these violations prior to the issuance of any EPA complaint. Hershey has represented to EPA that post-inspection cleanup and air monitoring results have shown no detectable asbestos in the areas under renovation. The companies have also certified that they are now in compliance with EPA asbestos regulations. The companies neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations in the settlement agreement.

Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant that was once heavily used in insulation and other building materials. Exposure and inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause cancer and asbestosis, a serious respiratory disease.