The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a complaint against Allegheny County, Pa., for allegedly violating federal asbestos regulations related to the 1997 salvage at a demolished terminal building at the Pittsburgh International Airport.
EPA's complaint seeks a penalty of $108,900 for violations of work practice safeguards that are designed to reduce asbestos emissions during demolition and renovation operations.
With the building closed to the public, contractors for Allegheny County were permitted to conduct salvage activities in the old terminal building before its 1997 demolition. During an investigation, an EPA inspector observed asbestos-containing debris from salvage operations – including pipe insulation, fireproofing materials, ceiling tiles and caulking – scattered in various areas of the building. This material was not wetted or enclosed in leak-tight bags, as required by Clean Air Act regulations.
Earlier, the Allegheny County Health Department ordered that work be stopped. Following its inspections, EPA also ordered Allegheny County to cease work, and ordered the cleanup of asbestos-containing debris in the building.