Des Moines building developer issued $500,000 fine by Polk County judge.
Des Moines, IA –As reported by the Des Moines Register, a Polk County District Court judge ruled against a Des Moines building contractor and issued a $500,000 fine for asbestos materials violations. The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission (IowaEPC) www.iowadnr.gov agents stated asbestos fiber testing in a 19-story historic building, built in 1924, the developer was renovating, revealed toxic asbestos containing materials throughout the structure.
The IowaEPC inspectors can only fine construction companies a maximum of $10,000 for violating state asbestos abatement, exposure, demolition, and handling laws through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IowaDNR) www.iowadnr.gov. Fibrous asbestos products are known to cause life-threatening illnesses, including mesothelioma lung cancer. The IEPC referred the serious asbestos exposure violations to the Iowa Attorney General’s office who sought the fine in Polk County District Court. The building was being renovated and converted to luxury condominiums.
