All News Releases By Date

Easton Area School District Settles Case Over Alleged Violations of Asbestos Management Regulations

Release Date: 7/13/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that
the Easton Area School District has settled alleged violations of federal regulations on the management of asbestos materials in school buildings. In a consent agreement with EPA, the Pennsylvania school district agreed to complete asbestos removal projects costing $27,500 at three school buildings.

EPA cited the school district for violating the federal law requiring schools to inspect and manage asbestos-containing building materials such as insulation, wall paneling, and floor tiles that may release asbestos fibers.

Under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), schools are required to develop a management plan for asbestos-containing materials, detailing procedures to prevent asbestos releases during any activity that may disturb these materials. The plan must be available to all parties interested in the school’s efforts to minimize asbestos hazards. The law also requires schools to conduct surveys of asbestos-containing materials in their schools, conduct follow up inspections every three years and conduct twice-yearly surveillance of these materials.

In July and September 2000, EPA inspected the March, Tracy, and Cheston elementary schools, Easton Area Middle School, and Easton Area High School. These inspections revealed violations of notification requirements, record keeping, and management plans. These violations involved precautionary measures. EPA did not find that students, teachers or other building occupants were exposed to asbestos emissions.

In place of a potential $27,500 penalty for these violations, the school district has agreed to spend at least that amount to remove and properly dispose of asbestos-containing building materials from the wrestling rooms in the Easton Area High School; the main lobby in Tracy Elementary School; and the boiler room at the Easton Area School District Field House.

These projects will be conducted during the summer months, or other periods, when the buildings are not in use.