David Braswell, Environmental Crime, South Carolina 2023

David Braswell, a contractor from the Myrtle Beach area, has been sentenced to six months in prison for violating the Clean Air Act in South Carolina.

The case was investigated by agents of the Environmental Protection Agency and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Assistant United States Attorney Jim May of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Bill Nettles stated that the United States Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the citizens of South Carolina, their land, water, and air from contamination.

David Braswell was contracted to remove and replace siding on a high-rise beachfront condominium complex in Myrtle Beach. He knew that the existing siding contained asbestos material and agreed to do the job for a lower price.

However, Braswell did not provide the proper protection to his employees or obtain the proper permits to allow for the removal of asbestos. He directed workers to pressure wash the material, contaminating a local beach and adjacent properties.

On [October 2022], Braswell pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7412. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced Braswell to six months in prison, six months of house arrest, three years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine.

The Environmental Protection Agency and its partner agencies remain committed to protecting communities through tough enforcement of the nation’s environmental laws, said Maureen O’Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in South Carolina.

‘The defendant was hired to renovate a beachfront condominium building which he knew contained asbestos in the exterior surface coating,’ O’Mara said. ‘Instead of removing the asbestos-containing material legally and safely, he directed workers to pressure wash the material in violation of the work practice standards and as a result, contaminated a local beach and adjacent properties.’

Anyone who witnesses or suspects environmental violations can report them to the EPA at (800) 241-1754 or http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/report-environmental-violations.

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