Asbestos Setbacks for Daytona Beach Property Purchase

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News Summary

Asbestos Setbacks for Daytona Beach Property Purchase

In a troubling turn of events, a proposed purchase by the city of Daytona Beach of a property located at 230 N. Beach St. has encountered significant hurdles due to asbestos violations uncovered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This five-story building, currently owned by general contractor Aram “Lee” Khazraee, has revealed a multitude of compliance failures during asbestos removal and disposal processes, raising concerns about public health and safety.

DEP Findings and Compliance Requirements

The DEP’s investigation highlighted that between 2016 and 2024, approximately 4,000 square feet of asbestos-containing materials were dangerously disturbed during renovations without following the necessary safety protocols. Khazraee has until the end of January to either accept a proposed consent order or suggest changes. If accepted, he will be obligated to conduct air sampling tests and submit the findings to the DEP, ensuring rigorous compliance with state and federal regulations.

A licensed Florida asbestos consultant will be hired to determine the extent of any remaining asbestos in the premises, with Khazraee facing a potential financial burden if he fails to meet the outlined requirements. Non-compliance could lead to daily penalties of $1,000 and civil fines of up to $15,000 per violation. Furthermore, Khazraee is required to pay the DEP a staggering total of $186,440, encompassing civil penalties, economic gains from the violations, and investigation costs.

History of Violations and Concerns Raised

Among the specific violations identified were the absence of proper notices for renovations and a trained on-site representative during work that involved disturbing asbestos materials. There were also significant lapses in safe handling practices, such as failing to wet materials to prevent airborne fibers, using unmarked vehicles for transport, and not sealing waste correctly in labeled containers. These findings have raised serious alarms about risks to workers and the general public, pushing local officials to scrutinize the building closely.

City Commissioner Stacy Cantu’s formal complaint with the DEP, which initiated the investigation, highlights a growing concern for the safety of workers potentially exposed to hazardous materials. The city’s initial interest in the property was tied to its permitting and licensing division, but the discovery of these violations has since led to a re-evaluation of such plans.

Potential Financial Ramifications

The financial implications spread far beyond immediate penalties. Reports estimate renovation costs required to make the building safe could reach a staggering $3 million, in addition to $4.4 million required for the property purchase. With such hefty expenses looming, the city is already exploring alternative properties to mitigate risks associated with the Beach Street location.

The Shadow of Legal Actions

If the violations prove to have caused harm, legal liabilities could surface, potentially leading to civil litigation from tenants or municipal authorities. Although Khazraee claims he has adhered to regulations during his operations, the documented history of his building raises the stakes for him and everyone involved.

With pressures mounting and deadlines approaching, the outcome of this situation remains uncertain. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding asbestos and the vital importance of following strict safety protocols to protect both workers and the community from hazardous materials.

Future Projections and Next Steps

The consent order issued allows the DEP to enforce compliance through legal means if necessary. Should Khazraee decide to sell the property before fulfilling all DEP mandates, he must notify the governing body 30 days prior, providing the potential buyer with a copy of the consent order. This underscores the complexities surrounding the property purchase and the critical nature of addressing these serious health concerns head-on.

As Daytona Beach navigates this challenging situation, the focus will undoubtedly remain on ensuring that all residents remain safe from potential asbestos exposure while holding responsible parties accountable.