Phoenix, AZ Company Fined for Asbestos Violations at Maricopa County Landfill

Maricopa County, AZ judge fines area company for alleged illegal disposal of asbestos debris at Yavapai County. Those living or working near the landfill were put at risk for exposure to asbestos, a dangerous mineral known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

In November 2009, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) announced that a $71,100 judgment had been assessed against a Phoenix-area landfill owner for illegally disposing of asbestos-containing materials (ACM). The fine also addressed the company’s failure to obtain an aquifer protection permit that was required for solid waste disposal facilities at a landfill in neighboring Yavapai County, AZ.

History of the Case
In April 2009, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office filed a complaint against the company for a number of alleged violations relating to asbestos abatement, including:

Failure to perform an asbestos survey before beginning demolition projects;

Failure to properly remove ACM from structures before demolition;

Failure to properly dispose of ACM; and

Failure to have employees trained in asbestos removal regulations at demolition sites.

When the company began to demolish structures at the landfill in July 2007, ADEQ inspectors visited the site. That inspection found that asbestos was present in siding materials, roof paint, and floor tiles that were demolished at the site.

ACM Presents Serious Health Risk for Area Residents
While those who work in industries where they may be exposed to ACM are at a greater risk to develop an asbestos disease, even those who may only be exposed to the cancer-causing mineral on a limited basis are still at risk to develop a serious asbestos disease.

When a landfill is contaminated with asbestos, the dangerous carcinogen can poison the earth, can leach into groundwater and contaminate streams and public water sources, and cause asbestos dust to be discharged into the air.

The improper asbestos abatement and remediation placed all those who live or work near the landfill at risk to potentially develop an asbestos disease. Because asbestos has a long latency period (the time between exposure the cancer-causing mineral) and when symptoms of an asbestos disease are first diagnosed, those who may only have been recently exposed may not develop symptoms for 30-40 or more years later.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we may be able to help you to seek justice for your illness and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.