Dayton, OH – John Riazzi, owner and operator of St. Peters Partners LLC, was sentenced on November 19, 2019, following a guilty plea to violating the Clean Air Act. The charges stemmed from the illegal and dangerous removal of asbestos-containing roofing material from the historic Steam Plant in downtown Dayton back in September 2015. Riazzi’s actions not only endangered the health of workers but also resulted in environmental contamination and a deliberate attempt to mislead regulatory authorities.
According to court documents, Riazzi purchased the Steam Plant from the City of Dayton for a mere $10. Shortly after, he received notification from a contractor that the building’s roof contained asbestos, estimating removal costs around $20,000. Instead of adhering to safety regulations, Riazzi opted for a cheaper, and far more reckless, solution. He hired two individuals to remove the roofing over a weekend for only $5,000, crucially failing to inform them of the presence of the hazardous material. Riazzi admitted he knew, or should have known, about the asbestos and deliberately skipped a required pre-removal inspection.
Details of the Illegal Operation
The scheme didn’t stop at endangering workers. Riazzi personally participated in the improper disposal of the asbestos-containing debris. He confessed to using a leaf blower to direct roofing materials from the Steam Plant into the median of Third Street, effectively spreading potentially harmful particles into a public area. Furthermore, he illegally dumped a load of roofing material into nearby bushes, exacerbating the environmental risk. These actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for public health and safety, and a clear attempt to conceal his violations.
The Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) launched an investigation into the roof removal. During this investigation, Riazzi compounded his offenses by providing several false statements to investigators, attempting to cover up his illegal activities and evade accountability. His dishonesty further complicated the case and led to additional scrutiny from federal authorities.
Legal Ramifications and Penalties
Riazzi pleaded guilty to violations of 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) and 42 U.S.C. 7412 of the Clean Air Act, specifically related to the improper handling and removal of asbestos. The consequences of his actions are significant. He was sentenced to pay a substantial $40,000 fine, serve a two-year term of probation, complete 20 hours of community service, and provide $1,896 in restitution to cover associated costs.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos. The Steam Plant, a landmark building in Dayton, became the site of a dangerous and illegal operation driven by cost-cutting measures and a disregard for the law. Authorities emphasize that proper asbestos abatement is crucial to protect both workers and the public from the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Key Facts
- Defendant: John Riazzi, owner of St. Peters Partners LLC
- Location: Dayton, Ohio
- Crime: Illegal asbestos removal and violations of the Clean Air Act
- Year of Offense: 2015
- Year of Sentencing: 2019
- Laws Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), 42 U.S.C. 7412
- Penalties: $40,000 fine, 2 years probation, 20 hours community service, $1,896 restitution
- Hazardous Material: Asbestos-containing roofing material
- Riazzi knowingly endangered workers by failing to disclose the presence of asbestos.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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