Aurelijius Baltusis, Asbestos Endangerment, Florida 2017

St. Petersburg, FL – Aurelijius Baltusis has been sentenced to a $4,000 fine and three years of probation for his role in a negligent endangerment case involving the illegal disturbance of asbestos during a large-scale renovation project in December 2010. The case, pursued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and culminating in a July 7, 2017 sentencing, reveals a pattern of disregard for public health and safety during the redevelopment of a 480-unit apartment complex.

Baltusis, who served as a worksite supervisor for developer Philip J. Farley, III, was found to have knowingly participated in practices that released dangerous asbestos fibers into the environment. Records indicate Farley was explicitly alerted to the presence of asbestos within the building via the purchase agreement. Despite this knowledge, Farley allegedly directed workers – without proper training or protective gear – to renovate areas containing asbestos-laden materials.

The indictment details how workers were instructed to “dry-scrape” textured ceiling materials and dismantle asbestos-containing floor tiles. These materials were then improperly disposed of in a standard waste dumpster and transported to a local county incinerator, a clear violation of federal regulations designed to contain and safely remove hazardous substances. Even after county air quality inspectors detected the violations and arrived on site, the dangerous practices continued.

According to court documents, Baltusis and Farley then directed workers to wash down appliances contaminated with asbestos, allowing the resulting wastewater to flow directly into public sewer drains. This act further exacerbated the risk of public exposure to the carcinogenic fibers. While Farley eventually engaged licensed asbestos abatement contractors, the pair continued to oversee renovation activities, ensuring the ongoing, improper handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials throughout the complex.

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Legal Ramifications

Baltusis pleaded guilty to a violation of the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. § 7413(c)(4). This section of the law addresses negligent endangerment related to asbestos removal and handling. The penalty for this violation includes a $4,000 fine and a three-year probationary period. Further legal action against Philip J. Farley, III, is expected, though details of any ongoing investigations have not been publicly released as of this report.

Key Facts

Defendant: Aurelijius Baltusis
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Timeframe of Violations: May 2010 – December 2010
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. § 7413(c)(4) – Clean Air Act (Negligent Endangerment)
Improper Disposal: Asbestos-containing materials were disposed of in regular waste and sent to a county incinerator.
Public Health Risk: Contaminated wastewater was directed into public sewer systems.
Penalty: $4,000 fine and three years of probation

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments, including potential legal action against other parties involved in the hazardous renovation project. The EPA has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding broader investigations into similar cases in the Florida region.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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