City of St. Louis, MO Facing Fines in Asbestos Removal Controversy

In February 2009, the city of St. Louis, MO was awaiting a ruling from a federal judge with regard to whether the city would be sanctioned for violating federal clean air laws. The sanctions stem from a September 2008 trial involving the removal of asbestos during the city’s demolition of homes and businesses to make way for a new runway at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

The demolition, which took place between 2000 and 2004, resulted in a lawsuit being filed by residents of neighboring Bridgeton, MO. It was then revealed the city had used a controversial and unapproved method to remove asbestos from the buildings during the demolition. The city used what was known as the “wet method,” where structures are sprayed with water while being torn down. Neither the state or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves that method for the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

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 mesothelioma 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.