Environmental Services Company Guilty of Serious Violations Linked to Asbestos

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News Summary

Franklin Analytical Services, Inc. pleads guilty to serious asbestos-related charges affecting worker safety, leading to heavy consequences.

Environmental Services Company Guilty of Serious Violations Linked to Asbestos

In a significant ruling, Franklin Analytical Services, Inc., an environmental services company based in Marion, has pled guilty to multiple charges connected with serious worker safety violations, particularly concerning illegal asbestos work. The company, owned by Thomas J. McCoog, Sr. and Amy Franklin McCoog, faces dire consequences as the Massachusetts Attorney General, Andrea Joy Campbell, announced the indictment this past April.

Multiple Counts Filed Against Franklin Analytical Services

The environmental services company and its owners are standing trial for an alarming total of 32 counts each for contravening the Massachusetts Clean Air Act. These charges put the company in a precarious position, as they are also facing one count each of reckless assault and battery causing serious bodily injury. This latter charge stems from a distressing incident involving an asbestos worker who fell several stories after repeatedly being denied essential protective safety equipment.

Under the terms of their sentencing, all defendants are now on probation for two years, but with significant restrictions. They are expressly forbidden from engaging in any form of asbestos abatement work within Massachusetts, a clear message regarding the seriousness of these violations.

Unlawful Asbestos Handling and Transportation

The Attorney General’s office has alleged that illegal asbestos operations were conducted at several locations, including old industrial and construction sites in New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, and North Andover. Furthermore, the defendants are charged with unlawfully transporting uncovered asbestos waste through areas like Brockton, West Bridgewater, and Bridgewater, ultimately leading to a recycling center in Stoughton for improper disposal.

Asbestos, a recognized hazardous material and a known human carcinogen, has been linked to severe health issues when improperly managed. It can lead to deadly diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Even minimal exposure to asbestos can pose serious health risks; once disturbed, these fibers can linger in the air for up to 72 hours, making any level of exposure dangerous.

Regulatory Requirements and Legal Oversight

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) mandates that all builders conduct thorough professional asbestos surveys prior to any demolition or renovation work. The strict regulations underscore the necessity of notifying MassDEP before handling any asbestos-containing materials and ensuring safe removal and disposal processes. However, the defendants blatantly disregarded these necessary protocols.

The investigation that led to these unsettling indictments was conducted by the Massachusetts Environmental Crimes Strike Force, which comprises various environmental police officers, prosecutors, and MassDEP investigators. Under the direction of Attorney General Campbell, the Strike Force emphasizes the severe implications of ignoring environmental safety regulations.

Wider Implications of Illegal Asbestos Activities

This case is not isolated, as similar allegations have emerged in relation to the demolition activities surrounding the Healy Elementary School in Fall River. Five individuals have been charged with 104 counts related to illegal demolition practices that exposed nearby residents and workers to harmful asbestos, lead, and dust pollutants. Notably, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had previously spent approximately $2 million to remove asbestos from the Healy site, further underscoring the extensive ramifications of illegal asbestos activities.

With the detrimental health impacts stemming from asbestos exposure unmistakably evident, strong enforcement measures are crucial to prevent future violations and ensure the safety of workers and the general public. The legal repercussions faced by Franklin Analytical Services, Inc. signal an attempt by state authorities to reinforce compliance with environmental safety standards and protect communities from hazardous practices.