Lawrence Feehan, Asbestos Disposal, New York 2004

The Bronx, NY – A former school maintenance worker has completed his sentence for the illegal and dangerous disposal of asbestos-containing materials at a Bronx school in 2004. Lawrence Feehan knowingly put students and staff at risk by circumventing federal regulations designed to protect public health.

According to court documents, Feehan transported 14 bags of asbestos insulation and debris in his personal vehicle. On one occasion in November 2004, he dumped eight of those bags into a school dumpster. Finding the dumpster full, Feehan then relocated the remaining six bags to a work shed on school grounds, explicitly locking the shed and instructing a fellow maintenance worker to prevent access due to the hazardous nature of the contents. This deliberate action demonstrates a clear disregard for the potential health consequences of asbestos exposure.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a criminal investigation, leading to charges filed against Feehan on June 13, 2007. He was accused of violating multiple sections of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), a federal law enacted to regulate the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, and disposal of hazardous substances like asbestos. The EPA’s investigation revealed a pattern of negligence and a conscious effort to avoid proper asbestos abatement procedures.

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Legal Violations and Penalties

Feehan was initially charged with three counts, specifically violating 15 U.S.C. 2615(b) (knowingly violating TSCA regulations), 15 U.S.C. 2614(1) (failure to comply with TSCA rules and orders), and 15 U.S.C. 2646(a)(3) (related to asbestos hazard emergency response). He ultimately pled guilty to one count on November 13, 2007. His sentencing included six months of home confinement, an 18-month probationary period, a $25 special assessment fee, and a $2,000 federal fine. While the financial penalties are relatively modest, the case serves as a stark reminder of the severe legal consequences associated with improper asbestos handling.

Asbestos, a known carcinogen, poses significant health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Improper disposal can lead to the release of microscopic fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and cause these debilitating diseases, often decades after exposure. The EPA takes these violations seriously, as they directly threaten public safety and environmental health. This case underscores the importance of adhering to strict regulations when dealing with hazardous materials.

Key Facts

Defendant: Lawrence Feehan
Location: Bronx, New York
Date of Offense: November 2004
Crime: Illegal disposal of asbestos-containing materials
Laws Violated: 15 U.S.C. 2615(b), 15 U.S.C. 2614(1), 15 U.S.C. 2646(a)(3)
Sentence: 6 months home confinement, 18 months probation, $2,025 in fines and fees
The defendant deliberately locked a shed containing asbestos to prevent access.

The GrimyTimes will continue to follow cases involving environmental crimes and public health risks, holding individuals and organizations accountable for endangering communities.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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