Queens, NY Co-Op and Property Manager Charged with Criminal Disposal of Asbestos

In August 2008, a Queens, NY co-op and the complex’s former property manager were charged with conspiracy to violate the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) with regard to the illegal removal and disposal of asbestos at the property.

The residential community, comprised of 109 buildings, had been heated by a series of asbestos-insulated underground steam pipes connected to a central boiler plant. The complaint alleges that between 2002-2006, the defendants illegally removed and disposed of asbestos-containing materials in the pipe insulation, that work was performed at times by workers not licensed to handle and remove asbestos, and that workers had not been provided with provided with protective equipment.

In September 2006, buried asbestos waste was discovered as part of an EPA and FBI investigation. Five separate dumping sites contaminated with asbestos were found, which were properly cleaned up as part of the investigation.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease. If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form below, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.