The Bronx, NY – A former school maintenance worker was sentenced in 2007 for the illegal disposal of asbestos-containing materials, exposing students and staff to a known carcinogen. Lawrence Feehan knowingly transported and dumped hazardous waste at a Bronx school, demonstrating a reckless disregard for public health and federal regulations.
According to court documents, in November 2004, Feehan transported 14 bags of asbestos insulation and debris in his personal vehicle. He proceeded to illegally dispose of eight of those bags directly into a school dumpster. When the dumpster became full, he didn’t stop there. Feehan deposited the remaining six bags inside a work shed on school grounds, locking it and explicitly instructing a fellow maintenance worker to prevent anyone from accessing the shed due to the presence of asbestos.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched an investigation following the discovery of the improperly discarded asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber, is widely known for its health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Improper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials are strictly regulated under federal law to protect the public from these dangers. The EPA’s criminal enforcement program targets individuals and companies who knowingly violate these regulations.
On June 13, 2007, Feehan was formally charged with multiple violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These included 15 U.S.C. 2615(b) for knowingly violating the law, 15 U.S.C. 2614(1) for failing to comply with established rules regarding hazardous waste, and 15 U.S.C. 2646(a)(3) related to asbestos hazard emergency response requirements. The charges stemmed from his deliberate actions to circumvent proper asbestos disposal procedures.
Feehan ultimately pled guilty to one count of violating TSCA on November 13, 2007. His sentence included six months of home confinement, an 18-month probationary period, a $25 special assessment fee, and a $2,000 federal fine. While the sentence brought some measure of justice, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of illegally handling and disposing of hazardous materials.
The case highlights the EPA’s ongoing commitment to enforcing environmental laws and holding accountable those who endanger public health. School officials confirmed they have since implemented stricter protocols for handling and disposing of potentially hazardous materials, including mandatory training for maintenance staff. This incident raises questions about oversight and training procedures within the school district at the time of the offense.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Lawrence Feehan
- Crime: Illegal Asbestos Disposal
- Location: Bronx, New York
- Year of Offense: 2004
- Year of Conviction: 2007
- Statutes Violated: 15 U.S.C. 2615(b), 15 U.S.C. 2614(1), 15 U.S.C. 2646(a)(3)
- Penalties: 6 months home confinement, 18 months probation, $25 special assessment, $2,000 fine
- Hazardous Material: Asbestos insulation and debris (14 bags)
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on efforts to protect communities from hazardous waste.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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