Oregon DEQ issues penalty for unlicensed asbestos abatement

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a $28,800 civil penalty to Michael Fuller, doing business as Fuller's Remodeling and Repair, for conducting unlicensed asbestos abatement; for failing to properly wet and securely enclose asbestos-containing material; and for failing to dispose of asbestos-containing material at a DEQ-approved site. Violations allegedly occurred with materials removed from 1008 SW Davenport St., Portland, Oregon.

DEQ considered subsequent efforts to minimize the impacts of these violations when calculating the amount of the civil penalty.

The violations had the potential of asbestos fibers being released into the air with possible exposure to workers and the public. Asbestos fibers are known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. There is no known safe level of exposure. To protect the public from these hazards, DEQ requires that only licensed asbestos abatement contractors handle asbestos-containing materials and that materials be adequately enclosed to prevent the release of asbestos fibers. The failure to follow these requirements presented a significant risk to the public.