BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed a $43,500 fine to Karma Environmental Services, Inc., a Massachusetts-licensed asbestos abatement contractor based in Quincy, for violations observed during asbestos abatement activities at the YMCA, located at 275 Chestnut Street, Springfield. MassDEP discovered the violations when performing inspections of asbestos abatement activities at the property. Multiple violations were observed regarding improper asbestos work practices and management of asbestos.

MassDEP conducted multiple unannounced compliance inspections between January 18, 2022, and March 11, 2022. During MassDEP’s inspections, MassDEP observed noncompliance with the asbestos-containing waste material packaging requirements, applying water in amounts which caused run-off and leakage outdoors and indoors, breeches in the outermost boundary of the work area, failure of the HEPA system to maintain -0.02 column inches of water pressure differential within the work area, and failure to keep asbestos-containing waste material adequately wet during abatement.

“This penalty could have been avoided entirely if Karma had followed industry-standard work practices and MassDEP guidance on removal of asbestos.” said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s Western Regional Office in Springfield. “Asbestos is a known carcinogen and following the required work practices is imperative to protect workers, tenants, and the public. As this settlement demonstrates, failure to follow the asbestos regulations will result in significant penalties, as well as escalated cleanup, decontamination, and monitoring costs.”

Karma Environmental will pay $22,500 of the assessed penalty, with MassDEP agreeing to suspend $21,000 pending Karma’s future compliance with the terms of the order.
  
Property owners or contractors with questions about asbestos-containing materials, notification requirements, proper removal, handling, packaging, storage and disposal procedures, or the asbestos regulations are encouraged to contact the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office for assistance.

MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water and land – to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all people, and a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities served by the agency.
 

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