Piermont, NH Agrees to Fine for Air Pollution Violations Relating to Asbestos Reporting

Town of Piermont, NH cited for alleged failure to provide proof of asbestos inspection for building used for Fire Department training exercise. Potential exposure to the dangerous mineral puts those in the region at risk to develop serious asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.

Families facing a loved one’s diagnosis of an asbestos disease can obtain more information about your legal options by completing the form on this page.

In February 2010, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) announced that the town of Piermont had agreed to pay an administrative fine of $4,210 for alleged violations of the New Hampshire Air Pollution Control Act.

The incident that prompted the investigation took place on February 14, 2009, when the Piermont Fire Department conducted a controlled burn at a vacant house in the area. While the training exercise was conducted in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations, the town failed to provide the DES with documentation that the property had been inspected for asbestos prior to the training exercise.

Regulations Governing Asbestos
Asbestos is classified as a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by a number of federal and international health agencies. Because of the potential risk for those exposed to develop serious lung diseases, agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the NHDES have a number of regulations in place to protect against environmental contamination and potential health risks when removing or disposing of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or other asbestos debris.

While the Piermont investigation did not reflect that anyone in the area was at risk for exposure, the EPA and other agencies require that property owners hire state-certified asbestos contractors to inspect a property where asbestos is believed to be present before beginning any asbestos abatement, renovation or demolition activity where ACM will be disturbed or removed. The asbestos contractors are, in turn, responsible for:

Ensuring that areas where asbestos will be removed are properly sealed;

That air quality testing is conducted during the asbestos abatement and removal process;

That all workers performing asbestos removal have completed state-mandated asbestos removal training;

That all ACM is bagged and sealed in accordance with state and federal regulations; and

That all ACM debris is taken to an EPA-approved location for disposal.

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.