Alexandria Bay, NY – Burtt Sweet, former Caretaker and Maintenance Supervisor of the historic Singer Castle on Dark Island, was sentenced to probation and hefty fines in 2007 for knowingly and illegally removing asbestos-containing materials, endangering the public health of Jefferson County. The case, investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a reckless disregard for proper asbestos abatement procedures and a callous indifference to the potential health consequences for nearby residents.
According to court documents, Sweet directed the removal of approximately 600 linear feet of friable asbestos pipe wrap from Singer Castle. Rather than employing licensed asbestos abatement professionals and following stringent safety protocols, Sweet ordered the work to be carried out improperly. Investigators discovered that the asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were not contained or handled safely, resulting in visible asbestos debris scattered across the Alexandria Bay work site. Furthermore, the hazardous waste was commingled with ordinary construction debris, increasing the risk of airborne contamination and public exposure.
The EPA’s investigation began in September 2005, swiftly leading to criminal charges against Sweet. He was initially charged with violating the Clean Air Act (CAA), specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), which prohibits knowingly violating regulations designed to protect air quality. Sweet was also charged with conspiracy to violate federal law, a violation of 18 U.S.C. 371. The charges stemmed from his direct involvement in authorizing and overseeing the unsafe asbestos removal.
The case took a turn in September 2006 when Sweet pleaded guilty to a parallel violation of New York State Environmental Law Section 71-2712, a Class E felony involving the endangerment of public health. This plea indicated an admission of responsibility for creating a hazardous situation that posed a tangible threat to the community. The state charge allowed for a quicker resolution while addressing the immediate local impact of Sweet’s actions.
Sentencing and Penalties
On October 25, 2006, Sweet received a sentence of three years probation and was ordered to pay a combined total of $25,000 in fines and restitution. While the sentence may seem lenient to some, federal and state authorities emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for environmental crimes, particularly those involving hazardous substances like asbestos. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious and often fatal illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
The Singer Castle incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improper asbestos handling. The case underscores the critical need for strict adherence to environmental regulations and the potential legal consequences for those who prioritize cost-cutting measures over public safety. The EPA continues to actively pursue enforcement actions against individuals and companies that violate environmental laws, protecting communities from hazardous materials and ensuring responsible environmental stewardship.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Burtt Sweet
- Location: Singer Castle/Dark Island, Alexandria Bay, NY
- Crime: Illegal asbestos abatement and endangerment of public health
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371, 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), NY Envtl. Law § 71-2712
- Sentence: 3 years probation, $25,000 in fines and restitution
- Asbestos Removed: Approximately 600 linear feet of friable asbestos pipe wrap
- Year of Sentencing: 2007
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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