Nikolai Semenshin, Asbestos Hazard, Colorado 2012

Frisco, CO – In a case highlighting the dangers of improper asbestos abatement, Nikolai Semenshin and several related entities faced criminal charges in 2011 and 2012 following a hazardous materials incident at the Holiday Inn located at 1129 North Summit Boulevard. The case, investigated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), revealed a pattern of negligence and alleged intentional endangerment of both hotel staff and guests.

The investigation began in October 2009 after renovations commenced at the Holiday Inn without the legally required permits for asbestos abatement. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, was disturbed during the renovation process, contaminating multiple rooms within the hotel. The CDPHE immediately issued a prohibition order, preventing the hotel owner from renting out the affected rooms. However, authorities allege the owner disregarded this order, directing housekeeping staff to clean the contaminated areas and, critically, continuing to rent those rooms to unsuspecting travelers.

On April 20, 2011, Semenshin, along with Gora, Para, and the construction company NVH Construction, were formally charged with three counts of violating Colorado state environmental regulations. These included causing and contributing to a hazardous substance incident, a violation of C.R.S. 29-22-108, and knowing endangerment under the Air Quality Control Act, specifically C.R.S. 25-7-122.1(3)(a). New Vision, another entity involved in the renovations, was subsequently charged with similar violations on September 8, 2011.

The legal proceedings unfolded with a series of guilty pleas and sentencing. New Vision pled guilty to both counts against them and was ordered to pay $50,326 in restitution. Semenshin and NVH Construction also entered guilty pleas to all three charges on October 3, 2011. Semenshin received a $500 state fine and $156 in restitution, while NVH was sentenced to pay $30,156 in restitution. Gora and Para pled guilty to one count of C.R.S. 29-22-108(1) on March 19, 2012, receiving a deferred sentence of 12 months probation and a joint restitution order of $1,218.71.

The relatively light penalties have drawn scrutiny, particularly given the potential severity of asbestos exposure. While the financial restitution aims to cover damages and cleanup costs, critics argue it doesn’t fully address the risk posed to those exposed. The case underscores the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations, especially concerning hazardous materials like asbestos, and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over public safety. The incident highlights a disturbing disregard for worker and guest wellbeing.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Nikolai Semenshin, Gora, Para, NVH Construction, New Vision
Location: Holiday Inn, Frisco, Colorado
Year: 2012 (charges filed 2011)
Statutes Violated: C.R.S. 29-22-108 (Causing/Contributing to Hazardous Substance Incident), C.R.S. 25-7-122.1(3)(a) (Air Quality Control Act – Knowing Endangerment)
Penalties: Semenshin – $500 fine, $156 restitution; NVH Construction – $30,156 restitution; New Vision – $50,326 restitution; Gora & Para – 12 months probation, $1,218.71 restitution
Incident: Illegal asbestos abatement during hotel renovations led to contamination of guest rooms, and alleged continued rental of contaminated rooms despite a prohibition order.

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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