Copper River Campus LLC, Negligent Release of Asbestos, Alaska 2010

Anchorage, Alaska – Copper River Campus LLC was convicted of violating the Clean Air Act after negligently releasing asbestos into the air at its property on East 5th Avenue, endangering employees and the public. The company, which owns and manages the building occupied by Copper River Seafoods, Inc., knowingly initiated demolition and renovation work despite being aware of the presence of asbestos-containing materials within the structures.

According to court documents, Copper River Campus purchased the property in 2009, fully aware that asbestos was present in the walls, ceilings, and floors. Despite this knowledge, in early 2010, the company directed an employee of Copper River Seafoods to demolish an older building on the site and instructed others to begin renovations on a second building, including removing flooring. Crucially, these instructions were given to workers who were unaware of the asbestos hazard, and no safety precautions were taken.

On March 16, 2010, a Copper River Seafoods employee began demolishing the older building using a backhoe, without any attempt to wet down or safely remove the asbestos. The operator lacked environmental training and wore no protective gear. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was alerted to the activity and dispatched an air inspector, halting the demolition and initiating a temporary mitigation effort. The following day, inspectors discovered employees using electric grinders on flooring in the newer building, again without training or protective equipment. That work was also immediately stopped.

The negligent actions of Copper River Campus resulted in the release of friable chrysotile asbestos, a known hazardous air pollutant, both inside and outside the buildings. While no confirmed illnesses have been directly linked to the release, authorities emphasize the significant risk of serious health consequences for those exposed. The company failed to notify the EPA of the demolition and renovation work, or the presence of regulated asbestos-containing materials, a clear violation of federal regulations.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Copper River Campus LLC
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Crime: Negligent release of asbestos, violating the Clean Air Act
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4)
Penalty: $70,000 fine and three years of probation
Additional Requirement: Contract with an environmental consultant to ensure future compliance

On December 17, 2012, Copper River Campus pled guilty to the Clean Air Act violation. On December 20, 2012, the company was sentenced by Chief District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline to a $70,000 criminal fine and a three-year probationary period. As part of the sentencing, the court mandated that Copper River Campus retain an environmental consultant to prevent future environmental and safety lapses. The case was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska. This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious legal and health consequences associated with improper asbestos handling and the importance of adhering to environmental regulations.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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