Van Hollen
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has announced a settlement with three defendants over alleged asbestos regulation violations following the demolition of a large industrial building.
Vinton Construction Company, Eggers Industries, Inc., and Douglas M. Wanek, a superintendent/estimator for Vinton Construction, agreed to pay forfeitures and costs totaling $85,000 under terms of the settlement.
The defendants were the subjects of a civil complaint following the demolition of an Eggers Industries-owned industrial building in Two Rivers.
The defendants allegedly failed to thoroughly inspect the facility for asbestos prior to commencing demolition activities, failed to remove all asbestos from the facility prior to demolition, failed to adequately wet asbestos before removal, failed to carefully lower asbestos, failed to wet all asbestos during stripping operations, and failed to keep asbestos wet until collected and contained.
"Compliance with Wisconsin's asbestos removal regulations is essential in preventing a serious hazard to the environment and to public health," Van Hollen said.
"Failure to meticulously follow the regulations on the handling of asbestos can needlessly expose many unsuspecting citizens."
The Honorable Judge Patrick L. Willis, Manitowoc County Circuit Court, approved the settlement on November 11. The $85,000 will be used to pay forfeitures, costs and surcharges.