Monterey County District Attorney Reaches $475,000 Asbestos Settlement with the Owners and Operators of Historic Building

A historic building in Pacific Grove, California that once served as a large retail establishment has been transformed into 25 modern residences. As is often the case when an older building is renovated or converted for new uses, asbestos-containing materials were encountered.

In this instance, there were legal ramifications for the owners and operators of the building for violations of asbestos-related laws and regulations that occurred during the condominium conversion project. According to information posted by the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, this case arose out of a series of inspections by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) between approximately November 2015 and September 2017. MBARD discovered that the defendants in the case had repeatedly disturbed asbestos-containing materials, many of which were previously identified in an asbestos survey that was conducted before the start of the renovation project. These disturbed asbestos-containing materials were then disposed of as regular construction waste rather than hazardous waste.

“This case was settled in October when it was announced that the building owners and operators would pay a total of $475,000, comprising of $375,000 in civil penalties and $100,000 in costs,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “This costly settlement is a reminder to building owners, managers and construction companies that many structures throughout California still contain asbestos. Also, as stated in a press release by the District Attorney’s Office, the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for demolitions and renovations, incorporated in MBARD’s Rule 424, applies to buildings regardless of the age of the building or date of construction. Owners and operators of demolitions and renovations must comply with the asbestos NESHAP even if a facility has previously undergone renovation or demolition.”

The experts at LA Testing help property owners, construction companies, management firms and redevelopers test for asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials. With multiple laboratories across the state, LA Testing offers asbestos, lead, PCB, mold and other testing services. The company also provides sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments and a range of personal protective equipment (PPE).

To learn more about environmental, building material, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794. To access asbestos, lead and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: : AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.

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