Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Mark Sulzbach, 651-757-2770 St. Paul, Minn. -- EnviroTech Remediation Services, Inc. has agreed to complete a $12,000 Supplemental Environmental Project and pay a $1,200 civil penalty to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for alleged environmental violations. The alleged violations include improper handling, disposal and notification of the removal of regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM). EnviroTech, a licensed asbestos removal contractor headquartered in Blaine, Minn., failed to give proper notification to the MPCA for the regulated removal of 18,700 square feet of Transite siding from two barracks at the South St. Paul Airport in January 2008. On January 11, 2008, MPCA staff responded to a complaint and observed EnviroTech improperly removing dry Transite with pry bars, not keeping it wet, and allowing large pieces to fall to the ground and crumble into smaller pieces, creating an airborne health hazard. As part of its Supplemental Environmental Project, EnviroTech has agreed to remove asbestos at Inver Grove Heights Schools (Independent School District 199) at a cost to EnviroTech of at least $12,000. The asbestos abatement must be competed by Dec. 24, 2009. When calculating penalties, the MPCA takes into account how seriously the violations affected the environment, whether they were first-time or repeat violations, and how promptly the violations were reported to appropriate authorities. It also attempts to recover the calculated economic benefit gained by failure to comply with environmental laws. For a comprehensive list of enforcement actions by the MPCA, visit the agency's Web site at hhref="/newscenter/enforcement.html. The MPCA offers outreach and training to help facilities that have the potential to release air pollutants. For more information on air quality permits and emission standards, stormwater permits, and water quality regulations, visit the agency's Web site at http://www.pca.state.mn.us.