John D. Crededio, Asbestos Removal, IL 2004

Chicago, IL – John D. Crededio was sentenced earlier this year following a guilty plea related to an illegal asbestos removal project conducted at his Illinois warehouse in 1999. The case, pursued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights the dangers of improper asbestos abatement and the potential for significant public health risks.

Crededio was initially indicted on July 10, 2003, facing charges stemming from multiple violations of federal environmental regulations. The EPA alleged that Crededio knowingly disregarded established safety protocols designed to protect workers and the surrounding community from asbestos exposure. The investigation revealed a pattern of negligence in the handling and removal of regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM).

Specifically, prosecutors argued that Crededio failed to provide the required ten-day notice to the Illinois EPA before commencing the asbestos removal. More critically, the indictment detailed failures to adequately wet the RACM before removal – a crucial step to suppress the release of harmful asbestos fibers into the air – and to maintain the material in a consistently wet state until proper disposal. Evidence also indicated that removed asbestos was not sealed in leak-tight containers, nor were the containers properly labeled, creating a substantial risk of airborne contamination.

The EPA’s investigation further revealed that Crededio did not ensure the individuals performing the asbestos removal were properly accredited and trained in safe abatement practices. This lack of qualified personnel compounded the dangers posed by the project, increasing the likelihood of fiber release and improper handling of hazardous materials. The case underscores the importance of specialized training and certification for anyone involved in asbestos abatement work.

On February 26, 2004, Crededio entered a guilty plea, admitting to failing to adequately wet the RACM prior to removal and failing to maintain its wet state during collection and disposal. While the full scope of the initial charges was not pursued through trial, the guilty plea acknowledged a serious breach of environmental regulations and a disregard for public safety.

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Penalties & Legal Basis

Following the guilty plea, Crededio was sentenced to 120 days of home confinement, 60 days of community confinement, and a 36-month probationary period. He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 federal fine. The violations included:

42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) – Knowingly violating the Clean Air Act.
15 U.S.C. 2614(1)(d) – Failure to comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
15 U.S.C. 2615(b) – Knowingly violating the TSCA.
15 U.S.C. 2646 – Improper asbestos removal, utilizing untrained workers.

Key Facts

Defendant: John D. Crededio
Location: Illinois
Year of Offense: 1999
Crime: Illegal Asbestos Removal
Guilty Plea Entered: February 26, 2004
Sentence: 120 days home confinement, 60 days community confinement, 36 months probation, $20,000 fine
Violated Laws: Clean Air Act & Toxic Substances Control Act

The EPA continues to actively pursue enforcement actions against those who violate environmental regulations, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of neglecting proper asbestos abatement procedures.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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