U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cracks down on Georgia companies for mishandling asbestos

Atlanta, Georgia – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has settled lawsuits with multiple Georgia companies in a major regulatory action over their non-compliance with federal asbestos rules during rehabilitation and demolition projects. These violations, found throughout the state, mostly related to the incorrect handling of asbestos-containing items, a recognized health risk.

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The EPA claims these businesses failed to conduct required inspections to find asbestos in buildings prior to start of demolition or refurbishment. Furthermore, at least 10 days before beginning such operations, they neglected to inform the relevant authorities—a necessary step meant to protect public health. The EPA intervened because these mistakes sparked concerns regarding possible asbestos exposure among workers and surrounding homeowners.

“Federal asbestos laws protect the health of workers and the community during demolition and renovation projects,” said Keriema Newman, Director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division in EPA’s Southeast Region, in a news release.  “When companies fail to follow asbestos requirements, asbestos can become airborne and put people at risk of exposure to a known carcinogen, including workers and residents at neighboring properties.”

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Previously a common element in building materials because of its insulating qualities and fire resistance, asbestos is now strictly controlled because of its carcinogenic nature. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, the fibers can become airborne and, if inhaled, cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis among other severe lung disorders.

The settlements demand the involved businesses to fix their compliance procedures and guarantee more rigorous adherence to the asbestos rules of the Clean Air Act in next projects. These steps are supposed to greatly reduce the risk of asbestos exposure, in line with the EPA’s continuous initiatives to enforce environmental rules and safeguard public health all throughout the country.

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The list of companies across Georgia that settled lawsuits with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• AACR, Inc.– A Clean Air Act Expedited Settlement Agreement (ESA) was filed on November 15, 2023, in the matter of AACR, Inc., located in Box Springs, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $1,378.
• Wells Contracting – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on April 1, 2024, in the matter of Wells Contracting Inc., located in Columbus, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $195.
• David Pearson Communities, Inc.– A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on November 11, 2023, in the matter of David Pearson Communities, Inc., located in Marietta, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $1,951.
• Southeast Restoration Group of Georgia – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on April 3, 2024, in the matter of Southeast Restoration Group of Georgia in Canton, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $1,951.
• Horizon Construction Company – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on May 23, 2024, in the matter of Horizon Construction Company located in Alpharetta, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $5,425.
• KMD Management, LLC – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on May 28, 2024, in the matter of KMD Management, LLC located in Conyers, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $1,378.
• Meadowlark Contracting, Inc. – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on June 24, 2024, in the matter of Meadowlark Contracting, Inc. located in White, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $3,832.
• American Logistics International – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on July 24, 2024, in the matter of American Logistics International located in Hampton, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $2,205.
• Blue Star Houses, LLC – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on August 1, 2024, in the matter of Blue Star Houses, LLC located in Atlanta, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $6,544.
• Rand Construction – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on August 12, 2024, in the matter of Rand Construction Corporation located in Atlanta, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $5,425.
• Total Renovation Services – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on August 12, 2024, in the matter of Total Renovation Services located in Alpharetta, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $1,533.
• D.R. Construction & Design, Inc.– A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on August 14, 2024, in the matter of J.D.R. Construction & Design, Inc., located in Savannah, Georgia, to settle alleged violations of the inspection and notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $8,223.
• Central Industries, Inc. – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on August 19, 2024, in the matter of Central Industries, Inc., located in Savannah, Georgia to settle alleged violations of the notice requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $1,533.
• Pro Tech General Construction, Inc. – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on August 26, 2024, in the matter of Pro Tech General Construction, Inc., located in Alpharetta, Georgia to settle an alleged violation of the requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $5,425.
• Sunshine 365 – A Clean Air Act ESAwas filed on August 26, 2024, in the matter of Sunshine 365 located in Atlanta, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $3,832.

These legislative measures in Georgia remind us of the great significance of following safety guidelines while handling dangerous substances. They also emphasize the EPA’s dedication to upholding environmental rules meant to protect human health from possible damage as well as the surroundings.