The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has fined Quincy-based Karma Environmental Services, Inc., $17,355 for asbestos violations while working at a Worcester site, the state agency announced Tuesday.
The asbestos violations, which occurred on a demolition job at the former Kelley Square Flea Market at 149 Washington St., consisted of failing to properly follow procedures to ensure no asbestos fibers would be released into the air, according to the MassDEP press release.
“As a licensed asbestos contractor, Karma Environmental Services, Inc., is required to know MassDEP’s regulations mandating specific procedures when conducting work with asbestos-containing building materials. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and by failing to follow required work practices, the company put workers and the public at risk,” said Mary Jude Pigsley, director of MassDEP’s central regional office in Worcester, in the press release. “Failure to follow requirements will result in significant penalties, as well as escalated cleanup, decontamination and monitoring costs.”
MassDEP ordered Karma Environmental to pay $13,884 of the penalty, with the remaining $3,471 suspended so long as no other violations occur within a year of the incident.
