Arvada, CO – A Jefferson County jury’s 2018 verdict against Green Environmental Consultants LLC and its owner, Johnny Beach, has exposed a blatant disregard for public health and environmental regulations. The company and Beach were found guilty of improperly handling and removing asbestos from a private residence in Arvada, Colorado, in 2016, putting both workers and the homeowner at risk.
The case originated when a homeowner contracted Green Environmental Consultants in the spring of 2016 to remove approximately 6,218 square feet of potentially hazardous popcorn ceiling texture. The $10,000 contract explicitly stated that the project included securing necessary permits from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and adhering to both CDPHE and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliant work practices. However, investigators discovered that neither of these assurances were fulfilled.
According to court documents, Beach, acting as a high managerial agent for Green Environmental Consultants, failed to obtain the required permits *before* commencing the asbestos abatement project. More critically, the removal process itself did not follow proper procedures outlined in Regulation 8, designed to contain and safely remove asbestos-containing materials. This included inadequate containment measures, improper personal protective equipment, and a failure to follow established protocols for safe disposal of the hazardous waste.
The homeowner was left unknowingly exposed to potential asbestos fibers, a known carcinogen, and the surrounding environment was also potentially contaminated. The state’s investigation revealed a complete failure to adhere to the stringent regulations governing asbestos abatement, a practice requiring specialized training and meticulous adherence to safety standards. The lack of proper clearance testing after the removal further compounded the risk, leaving uncertainty regarding the complete elimination of asbestos hazards from the property.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
The jury found both Green Environmental Consultants and Johnny Beach culpable for the violations. Beach was sentenced to 90 days of incarceration and ordered to pay $20,409 in restitution to cover the costs of proper remediation and health monitoring. Green Environmental Consultants LLC was slapped with a $10,000 fine. The violations fall under Colorado state statutes regarding asbestos handling and disposal, specifically failing to comply with CDPHE Regulation 8.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unqualified contractors undertaking hazardous material removal. The deliberate circumvention of permitting and safety protocols not only jeopardized the health of individuals but also undermined the integrity of environmental regulations designed to protect the public. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment continues to emphasize the importance of verifying contractor credentials and ensuring proper permitting before engaging in any asbestos abatement work.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Green Environmental Consultants LLC & Johnny Beach
- Location: Arvada, Colorado
- Crime: Improper asbestos removal and failure to comply with environmental regulations
- Year: 2019 (Verdict in 2018)
- Statutes Violated: Colorado State Regulations, specifically CDPHE Regulation 8
- Penalties: Johnny Beach – 90 days incarceration, $20,409 restitution. Green Environmental Consultants – $10,000 fine.
- Project Cost: $10,000 (Original contracted amount)
- Asbestos Area: 6,218 square feet of popcorn ceiling texture
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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