Cleveland, OH – Cuyahoga Wrecking Corporation, a New York-based demolition and salvage company, and three of its supervisors faced federal charges in 1991 following a protracted investigation into illegal asbestos handling practices at a former LTV Steel Company site in Campbell, Ohio. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealed a systematic disregard for both public health and environmental regulations during the demolition of several LTV structures between 1985 and 1986.
The investigation centered around the demolition work overseen by Paul Buckley, Lawrence Button, and Richard Salvati. Prosecutors alleged that the company knowingly violated Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations concerning the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. Instead of adhering to mandated safety protocols designed to minimize the release of hazardous asbestos fibers into the atmosphere, Cuyahoga Wrecking allegedly prioritized speed and cost-cutting measures, putting nearby residents and workers at risk.
An indictment filed on September 21, 1989, detailed charges including conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371), violations of the Clean Air Act – specifically sections 112(c)(1)(B) and (e)(5) [42 U.S.C. 7412(c)(1)(B) and (e)(5)], and 113(c)(1)(C) [42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)(C)] – relating to improper asbestos demolition, and failure to report a release of a hazardous substance in violation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), section 103(b)(3) [42 U.S.C. 9603(b)(3)]. The charges stemmed from the company’s failure to adequately wet down asbestos-containing materials before demolition, the lack of proper containment measures, and the failure to notify authorities about the release of the hazardous substance.
The legal proceedings culminated in a guilty plea from Cuyahoga Wrecking Corporation on March 27, 1990. The company was ordered to pay a $1,000,000 fine, with $800,000 held in abeyance – a conditional suspension of the fine contingent upon future compliance. Individually, Buckley, Button, and Salvati were found guilty on one count each of violating the CAA and CERCLA on April 20, 1990. Sentencing reflected varying degrees of culpability, with Buckley receiving 36 months probation, 300 hours of community service, and a $5,500 fine ($5,000 plus a $100 special assessment). Salvati received 12 months probation and a $1,000 fine, while Button was sentenced to 24 months probation and a $3,000 fine.
This case underscores the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding companies accountable for endangering public health through negligent asbestos handling. Asbestos exposure is linked to severe respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The penalties levied against Cuyahoga Wrecking Corporation and its supervisors, while seemingly modest by today’s standards, served as a warning to the demolition industry about the importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols when dealing with hazardous materials.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Cuyahoga Wrecking Corporation, Paul Buckley, Lawrence Button, Richard Salvati
- Location: Campbell, Ohio (LTV Steel Company site)
- Crime: Illegal demolition and handling of asbestos-containing materials
- Statutes Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371, 42 U.S.C. 7412(c)(1)(B), 42 U.S.C. 7412(e)(5), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)(C), 42 U.S.C. 9603(b)(3)
- Corporate Penalty: $1,000,000 fine ($800,000 held in abeyance)
- Individual Penalties: Buckley – 36 months probation, 300 hrs community service, $5,500 fine; Salvati – 12 months probation, $1,000 fine; Button – 24 months probation, $3,000 fine
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to protect communities from hazardous materials.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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