Chicago, IL – Daniel Coyne, owner of Aces Demolition and Aces Environmental, was sentenced to probation and hefty fines in 2008 after pleading guilty to violating Illinois state environmental regulations concerning the improper demolition of a Chicago grocery store. The case, investigated by state environmental authorities, revealed a negligent disregard for public health and safety through the failure to adequately address hazardous materials present at the demolition site.
According to court documents, the violations occurred in May 2007 when Aces Demolition began tearing down the building without first removing asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Specifically, pipe insulation found in the building’s basement was left undisturbed, posing a significant risk of releasing dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos exposure is a known cause of serious respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The indictment, filed on May 24, 2007, charged Coyne and both of his companies – Aces Demolition and Aces Environmental – with violating state environmental statutes. The failure to properly abate the asbestos prior to demolition is a serious offense, as it jeopardizes the health of workers and nearby residents. Investigators discovered that standard asbestos removal protocols were completely bypassed, prioritizing speed and cost over safety.
On October 19, 2007, Coyne and both companies entered guilty pleas. The sentencing reflected the severity of the offenses. Daniel Coyne received 30 months of probation, a $2,000 state fine, and was ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution. Both Aces Demolition and Aces Environmental were similarly penalized with $2,000 fines each and $13,000 in restitution. The restitution funds were distributed to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association, and the IDPH School Asbestos Fund #175, intended to aid in future asbestos abatement efforts and public health initiatives.
Legal Ramifications & Citations
The case was prosecuted under Illinois state laws related to asbestos handling and demolition procedures. Specific citations included 4155944, 720584, and 415591344, all pertaining to the failure to properly identify, handle, and dispose of asbestos-containing materials before building demolition. These regulations are designed to protect the public from the well-documented dangers of asbestos exposure. The Illinois EPA takes these violations seriously, and the penalties serve as a deterrent to other contractors who might attempt to cut corners on hazardous material abatement.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Daniel Coyne, Aces Demolition, Aces Environmental
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Year: 2008
- Crime: Failure to remove asbestos-containing materials prior to demolition.
- Statutes Violated: Illinois state environmental regulations (citations 4155944, 720584, 415591344)
- Penalties: 30 months probation for Coyne, $2,000 fine per entity, $13,000 restitution per entity.
- Restitution Beneficiaries: Illinois Department of Public Health, Midwest Environmental Enforcement Association, IDPH School Asbestos Fund #175
This case underscores the critical importance of adhering to environmental regulations, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos. GrimyTimes will continue to report on environmental crimes and hold those who endanger public health accountable for their actions.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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