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Hospital demolition violates federal asbestos regulations

Release Date: 07/10/2006
Contact Information: Lisa Fasano 415-947-4307

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled with Rideout Memorial Hospital and H & H Trenching, Inc. $5,802 for an alleged violation of the federal Clean Air Act asbestos regulations.

In June 2005, Rideout hired H & H Trenching Inc. to demolish a building, owned by the hospital, located at 605 4th Street, Marysville, Calif. Each party has agreed to pay $2,901 for allegedly failing to notify the EPA of the building demolition as required by the Clean Air Act.

“Companies that conduct or contract for building demolition must notify the EPA in advance so appropriate agencies can ensure asbestos is properly removed and doesn’t become a public health risk,” said Deborah Jordan, director of the U.S. EPA’s Air Division for the Pacific Southwest Region. “Notification protects public health and the environment, as well as the construction workers on these jobs.”

The EPA has classified asbestos, a known carcinogen, as a hazardous air pollutant. Individuals exposed to asbestos fibers are at risk of contracting illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.