Owner, Foreman of Demolition Company Plead Guilty to Violating Clean Air Act

The Massachusetts Attorney General has announced that the owner of Northeast Demolition and Removal, as well as a company site foreman, have pled guilty to charges they violated the state’s Clean Air Act by failing to improperly remove asbestos from properties in Attleboro and North Attleborough, Mass.

Arthur Amaral, the owner of Northeast Demolition and Removal, and Shawn Amaral, pled guilty to charges of failing to comply with asbestos disposal regulations (two counts) and were sentenced to serve two years of probation and to pay fines.

Arthur Amaral was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and Shawn Amaral was ordered to pay a $500 fine. The sentence also requires both defendants to report to their probation officer if they are going to conduct asbestos removal during the terms of their probation. They also are required to adhere to the guidelines of the Clean Air Act and will be in violation of the terms of their probation if they do not comply with those regulations.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Massachusetts Environmental Crimes Strike Force (ECSF).

Authorities allege the defendants directed workers to demolish parts of buildings in North Attleborough and Attleboro, despite the fact that asbestos had not been removed. Prior to the demolition, a consultant had conducted a full asbestos survey of the building, as required, but the company did not properly remove asbestos from the site before it began demolition or renovation work.

MassDEP inspectors examined the two properties in September of 2007 and discovered evidence that floor tiles, piping, and other debris from the demolition was covered in asbestos. In the course of the investigation, MassDEP inspectors inspected a storage facility in Middleboro and discovered 76 cardboard drums containing tiles and pipe insulation that tested positive for asbestos.

Authorities also found that both Amarals violated the Massachusetts Clean Air Act by failing to follow mandated asbestos removal procedures during the demolition and renovation, and improperly disposing of asbestos waste.