ITD settles over asbestos violations

PRIEST RIVER — The Idaho Transportation Department has settled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over federal asbestos violations at a commercial building demolition site.

The settlement includes a $51,986 penalty, the EPA announced on Thursday.

The transportation department was accused of failing to inspect the building for possible asbestos contamination and neglecting to notify EPA of the demolition project.

The violations stem from the razing of the Jachetta office building at the corner of U.S. Highway 2 and state Highway 57 in November 2014. The state’s acquisition and demolition of the building enabled the expansion of the busy highway intersection.

Under federal asbestos law, building owners are required to inspect and report the presence of any asbestos products before commencing demolition.

According to case documents, ITD hired a consultant in response to a public complaint, but did so only after the building was demolished. The consultant found materials with a range of 2- to 55-percent asbestos in the debris pile, prompting ITD to retain a certified asbestos cleanup contractor.

The contractor removed a total of 14 cubic yards — approximately two truck loads — of contaminated debris in December 2014, EPA said.

It’s the second time ITD has been penalized in an EPA asbestos enforcement case since June 2014. Similar allegations against the department were raised in conjunction with the demolition of a building in Rigby, resulting in a $55,800 penalty.

In that case, ITD hired inmates at the Idaho Department of Correction’s St. Anthony Work Camp to remove 460 feet of flooring tiles at the department’s maintenance station using mechanical chippers and buffers, according to a Boise Weekly news report.

Ed Kowalski, director of EPA’s Office of Enforcement, admitted frustration with ITD’s continuing lack of due diligence in responsible asbestos management.

“Despite assurance from ITD that they will close follow asbestos regulations and protect their workers, we are still issuing penalties on what should be straightforward asbestos project management,” Kowalski said in a statement.

Kowalski added that EPA is confident that its enforcement and compliance program will “ultimately help them to realize the value of doing the right thing.”

Asbestos are fibers that occur in rocks and soil, and are commonly found in building materials such as floor tiles, roofing shingles, heat-resistant fabrics, packaging materials, gaskets and coatings. The release of asbestos fibers can cause lung disease and cancer, in addition to mesothelioma and asbestosis.

The EPA has regulated asbestos since the 1970s to protect public health.