EPA Settles Case with Company Owner Over Asbestos Removal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled charges with Huffner Contracting over alleged Clean Air Act violations relating to the June 2001 removal of asbestos-containing floor tiles at a Moundsville, W.Va., public housing apartment complex.

Earl Huffner, the owner of the Wheeling, W.V.,-based company, will pay a penalty of $9,973, plus interest, to settle allegations of improper removal of asbestos-containing floor tiles. These violations occurred during renovations at 25 residential units at the Housing Authority's Dorsey Street/Burly Court apartment complex.

EPA's June 2003 complaint cited Huffner Contracting, the Housing Authority of the City of Moundsville, and subcontractor Carpeting Unlimited Inc. for violating rules governing demolition and renovation projects involving asbestos-containing materials. EPA's alleged that these parties failed to conduct an initial asbestos survey, failed to notify EPA of the asbestos renovation project, failed to adequately wet the asbestos floor tile during removal and disposal, and failed to ensure that the renovation project was supervised by an employee who was trained in safe asbestos removal and handling practices.

The settlement does not resolve EPA's case against the Moundsville Housing Authority and subcontractor Carpeting Unlimited, Inc.