Florida DEP Settles Asbestos Violations with Khazraee

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News Summary

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection proposes a settlement to Aram ‘Lee’ Khazraee for serious asbestos violations at a Beach Street property.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Offers Final Settlement to Aram “Lee” Khazraee for Asbestos Violations

In a surprising turn of events, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has uncovered serious violations related to asbestos regulations at a Beach Street property owned by Aram “Lee” Khazraee. The investigation, prompted by concerns from local officials, revealed a disturbing pattern of negligence and regulatory breaches occurring during renovations in 2016, 2023, and 2024.

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

As per the terms of a consent order proposed by the DEP, Khazraee is facing a hefty financial penalty totaling $150,440. This significant fee is broken down as follows:

$120,000 for civil penalties
$3,940 representing economic benefit
$24,000 due to a lack of good faith in responding to regulatory issues
$2,500 to cover investigative expenses incurred by the DEP

However, if Khazraee agrees to the settlement, he has the potential to lessen his civil penalty by $54,000, which equates to a remarkable 45% reduction. This reduction can be achieved through the implementation of a project that goes above and beyond the current legal requirements for pollution reduction.

Time is of the Essence

Khazraee has been given a deadline until next week to either accept or reject the DEP’s settlement agreement. Should he choose to accept, he faces several obligations. Most notably, he is required to conduct air sampling tests on the 64-year-old building and submit findings to the DEP within four months. Furthermore, he must hire a licensed asbestos consultant to determine the amount of remaining asbestos-containing material within the structure and report these findings within 240 days.

Strict Compliance Requirements

A pivotal aspect of the consent order mandates the abatement of all remaining asbestos-containing materials within one year, performed exclusively by a licensed consultant in strict accordance with both state and federal regulations. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in dire consequences, including:

Fines of $1,000 per day for each day of non-compliance
Civil penalties up to $15,000 per day for each violation
Judicial imposition of damages and potential criminal penalties

Background and Concerns

The DEP’s investigation began after City Commissioner Stacy Cantu raised significant concerns regarding the building’s renovation and potential exposure to asbestos. Following these concerns, the investigation uncovered a series of violations, including Khazraee’s failure to notify the DEP before commencing renovations and a lack of trained personnel on-site during the work.

The investigation revealed that disturbed areas in the building prompted further scrutiny, leading to alarming discoveries of regulatory infractions. Inspectors analyzed documentation from an asbestos survey conducted nearly a decade ago and reviewed samples taken from the site. Shockingly, Sun Glow Construction, Khazraee’s company, had failed to enforce adequate emission controls during the handling of asbestos materials and neglected to maintain essential shipment records.

Potential Acquisition by the City

Interestingly, the city has been contemplating the acquisition of the Beach Street property, engaging in discussions regarding the permits and licensing division as early as last summer. A proposed budget of up to $4.4 million was suggested for the purchase, with an additional $3 million earmarked for renovations, raising questions regarding the future safety of both workers and public health.

Khazraee purchased the 28,000-square-foot building in 2015 for $700,000, a steep reduction from a previous sale in 2002 at $1.22 million. The significant drop in acquisition cost reflects the ongoing issues tied to the building’s history and current condition. An alarming second warning letter from the DEP highlighted potential illegal removal of asbestos-laden materials on multiple occasions.

A Grim Reminder of Asbestos Risks

As we observe these unfolding events, it is crucial to remember the significant health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including severe diseases such as lung cancer and asbestosis. The strict regulations surrounding the handling and removal of asbestos materials are designed to protect both workers and the general public from these grave health implications.

The situation continues to evolve, with implications for Khazraee’s business and the safety of local residents hanging in the balance. The DEP’s determination to enforce compliance serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, especially when the health of the community is at stake.