BELLEVILLE, MI – A Michigan demolition foreman received a federal fine in 2011 for his role in the illegal removal of asbestos from the Harbour Club Apartment Complex in Belleville, a case that exposed a pattern of negligence and falsification surrounding the demolition project. David Jakob Olsen, foreman for Excel Demo, Inc., was one of three men penalized for violating federal clean air regulations and obstructing justice in the hazardous material removal.
According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the illicit asbestos removal occurred between June 27-28, 2008, during the demolition of a fire-damaged building at the Harbour Club Apartments. GFI Management, the New York-based owner of the complex, had been provided with an asbestos survey indicating over 30,000 square feet of asbestos-containing material (ACM) present in the building, with an estimated abatement cost of $127,000. Instead of proper abatement, GFI contracted with Excel Demo to proceed with a dangerous and illegal removal.
MDEQ investigators discovered that Excel Demo utilized Labor Ready personnel – including approximately three employees and several unidentified Hispanic workers – to remove the spray-on ACM from the apartment ceilings. Disturbingly, workers were equipped with only snow shovels and plastic bags, offering minimal protection against the deadly fibers. Samples collected from the site confirmed the presence of ACM debris scattered throughout the area, indicating a blatant disregard for public health and environmental safety. Joe Terranova, Project Manager for GFI Management Services, oversaw the project at the ownership level, while Charlie DeVito (later revealed to be Peter DeFilippo), Senior Project Manager for Excel Demo, directed the demolition at the company level.
Federal charges were filed in July 2010. Olsen was charged with conspiracy (18 U.S.C. 371) and negligent violation of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)). Terranova faced charges of conspiracy and making false statements (18 U.S.C. 1001). DeFilippo was charged with conspiracy, making false statements, and violating the Clean Air Act. The investigation revealed a deliberate attempt to circumvent regulations and cut costs at the expense of worker safety and environmental protection.
Ultimately, Olsen pled guilty and was sentenced on July 19, 2011, to pay a $10,000 federal fine. DeFilippo also pled guilty, receiving a 13-month prison sentence, 24 months of probation, and a $5,000 fine on August 9, 2011. Terranova received 24 months probation and a $10,000 fine on September 1, 2011. The case highlights the severe consequences of failing to properly handle hazardous materials and the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, even in the face of financial pressures.
Key Facts
- Defendant: David Jakob Olsen
- Location: Harbour Club Apartment Complex, Belleville, MI
- Date of Violation: June 27-28, 2008
- Laws Violated: 18 U.S.C. 371 (Conspiracy), 18 U.S.C. 1001 (False Statements), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) (Negligent Violation of Clean Air Act)
- Penalty: $10,000 federal fine for Olsen; DeFilippo received 13 months incarceration, 24 months probation and a $5,000 fine; Terranova received 24 months probation and a $10,000 fine.
- Asbestos Amount: Over 30,000 square feet of ACM was illegally removed.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on the pursuit of justice for communities impacted by illegal activity.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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