Kansas City developer Anthony Crompton was sentenced to five months in federal prison and three years of probation after admitting to knowingly violating Clean Air Act regulations during the demolition and renovation of the Citadel Plaza site. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, highlights a pattern of negligence regarding the handling of dangerous asbestos-containing materials.
Crompton, 41, pleaded guilty in October 2011 to two counts of violating the Clean Air Act (CAA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) – knowingly violating the act – and 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(B) – failure to properly notify authorities regarding asbestos removal. The violations occurred between April 2001 and July 2006 while Crompton directed demolition work at the Citadel Plaza site, a large-scale redevelopment project in midtown Kansas City.
Citadel Plaza Demolition: A Hazardous Undertaking
According to court documents, Crompton failed to adhere to basic asbestos safety protocols. He neglected to properly inspect the site for asbestos-containing materials *before* demolition began. This failure led to the disturbance of asbestos, releasing harmful particulate matter into the air. Further compounding the issue, Crompton did not ensure the safe removal, containment, or disposal of the hazardous materials. Investigators found no evidence of proper wetting or ventilation systems to control dust, leak-proof containerization, accurate shipment records, or trained personnel overseeing the asbestos abatement process.
The prosecution detailed a systemic disregard for public health and environmental safety. Asbestos waste was not transported in properly labeled containers, nor was it disposed of at approved disposal sites. These breaches of protocol put workers and nearby residents at risk of developing serious respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Legal Ramifications and Sentencing
Federal statutes stipulate a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for violations of the Clean Air Act. While Crompton ultimately received a lighter sentence of five months incarceration followed by 36 months of supervised probation, the case serves as a cautionary tale for developers and contractors handling potentially hazardous materials. The Department of Justice, through First Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Ketchmark, emphasized the importance of compliance with environmental regulations.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Anthony Crompton
- Crime: Clean Air Act (CAA) Violations – Improper asbestos handling and disposal
- Location: Citadel Plaza Redevelopment Site, Kansas City, Missouri
- Timeframe of Violations: April 2001 – July 2006
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(B)
- Sentence: 5 months imprisonment, 36 months probation
The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of environmental laws, particularly those concerning hazardous materials like asbestos. This case demonstrates the agency’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for endangering public health and the environment through negligent or illegal practices.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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