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If you do not handle asbestos appropriately, you could be looking at expensive fines and jail time. A Washington corporation discovered this after pleading guilty to multiple violations of the Washington Clean Air Act.
A corporation and two individuals entered guilty pleas in Spokane County Superior Court. The charges were filed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson in May over the illegal handling of asbestos.
The case began with the improper handling of asbestos during renovations at the Spokane House Hotel. Asbestos was improperly removed and disposed of without requisite inspections, training, equipment, or permits.
Part of the plea agreement includes restitution paid by Dayabir Bath, Gee Grewel, and Bath’s company, 2013 Investors, LLC, in the amount of $115,000. The funds will be earmarked for asbestos education, awareness, and training.
The court also sentenced the two individual offenders to two years of probation. During the probationary period, they must comply with environmental regulations or face jail time.
A third defendant, employee John Hickson, pled guilty in August. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail for three counts of violating the Clean Air Act.
According to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), Kent-based 2013 Investors, LLC performed extensive renovations to the hotel in 2013 and 2014. Although the building was known to contain asbestos, the owners failed to obtain proper asbestos surveys or city permits.
The situation only became apparent when an investigator from Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency drove past the worksite and noticed a pile of debris. There was visible asbestos in the debris. During this time, there were reported winds of up to 40 m.p.h., which could have blown asbestos fibers across the neighborhood.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the offices of the “Strong Arm” attorneys at John Foy & Associates. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.
