Two Washington Men Sentenced for Asbestos Violations

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News Summary

Ronald Chamness and Ryan Richter face severe penalties for negligent asbestos removal in Washington, highlighting the dangers of improper handling.

Two Washington Men Sentenced for Asbestos Violations

In a significant legal ruling concerning the handling of hazardous materials, two men from Washington, Ronald Chamness and Ryan Richter, alongside their companies, have been sentenced for their negligence in asbestos removal. The verdict was issued on April 3, 2025, by U.S. District Court Judge Marco Hernández.

Plea Deals and Probation Terms

Both Chamness and Richter will serve three years of supervised probation, with their respective companies, Chamness Dirt Works and Horseshoe Grove LLC, receiving five years probation. This outcome follows their guilty pleas from February 2025, wherein they acknowledged breaching the Clean Air Act National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, specifically concerning the improper management of hazardous substances.

The Asbestos Incident

The troubling events trace back to November 2022 when Richter acquired a property in The Dalles, Oregon. This acquisition included a mobile home park and two old apartment buildings, which were found to contain a staggering amount of asbestos—over 5,000 square feet according to a precursor survey conducted in 2021. Despite being informed of this grave concern, Richter acted without caution, neglecting necessary precautions.

Further complicating the situation, Richter sought demolition services from Chamness Dirt Works without factoring in any asbestos abatement costs. The demolition, carried out in March 2023 for a fee of $49,330, failed to adhere to established safety protocols. Chamness did not secure the services of a certified asbestos abatement contractor, recklessly dumping asbestos-laden debris in a typical landfill and endangering community health.

Potential Consequences

The penalties for Chamness and Richter can be severe. Each faces a possible one-year prison term, a hefty $100,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Their businesses could incur fines amounting to $500,000. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division spearheaded the investigation, leading to these legal actions.

Wider Implications in Oregon

This case underscores the ongoing dangers associated with improperly handled asbestos, specifically friable Chrysotile asbestos that can release hazardous fibers into the air. As Oregon grapples with environmental contamination, the public health implications are profound, especially with the state also battling a mental health and addiction crisis.

With a reported 3,700 bed shortage for mental health treatment, the gap emphasizes urgent needs for comprehensive solutions. In an effort to address this issue, Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill has proposed a novel “behavioral health campus” dedicated to both mental illness and addiction recovery. However, financial and regulatory challenges have plagued this initiative.

Funding Challenges and Asbestos Hurdles

The ambitious project faces a funding shortfall of approximately $30 million, compounded by delays resulting from federal regulations. One critical obstacle is a regulation prohibiting Medicaid funds for facilities with more than 16 beds, significantly hampering plans for a larger treatment center.

Additionally, the site earmarked for the behavioral health campus currently stands occupied by an asbestos-ridden structure, further complicating development endeavors. The need for a thorough remediation plan is evident, highlighting the long-term impacts of environmental negligence like that seen in the actions of Chamness and Richter.

Corporate Accountability

Meanwhile, ongoing regulatory scrutiny is evident as demonstrated by the fine imposed on M&M Auto Wrecking in Woodburn for environmental violations amounting to $49,979. They are mandated to rectify current operational issues, illustrating a broader movement towards accountability in environmental management practices.

This unfolding narrative around asbestos handling and its profound implications for public health serves as a crucial reminder of the interconnectedness between proper environmental practices and community health necessities.