Peter J. Vileisis, Jr., Asbestos Violation, CT 1986

Oakville, CT – A 1986 case involving the illegal demolition of the Old Pin Shop has brought to light lax safety standards and a disregard for federal environmental regulations. Peter J. Vileisis, Jr., president of the demolition company, and Anthony Fabiani, owner of the Old Pin Shop property, both faced federal charges after a hasty demolition released hazardous asbestos into the surrounding area without proper precautions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated the investigation following the January 1985 demolition. Investigators found that neither Vileisis’ company nor Fabiani had provided the required notification to the EPA before commencing the demolition. More critically, asbestos-containing materials were not removed from the building prior to demolition, nor were they adequately wetted down during the process – standard procedures designed to prevent the release of dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.

An initial five-count indictment was filed in August 1985, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act. The charges centered around the illegal release of asbestos, a known carcinogen, and the failure to adhere to established safety protocols. Both Vileisis and Fabiani were implicated, though the indictment focused more heavily on Vileisis’ role as the project leader. However, both men ultimately entered guilty pleas to a single count each, through superseding information filed in November 1985, acknowledging their failure to properly manage the asbestos abatement prior to demolition.

The legal ramifications were significant. In December 1985, Vileisis received a 12-month suspended sentence, coupled with a 60-month probationary period. He was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine, plus a $25 penalty assessment, and complete 1,000 hours of community service. Furthermore, Vileisis was mandated to attend, at his own expense, seminars focused on the proper disposal of asbestos materials. Fabiani faced a harsher sentence – 12 months incarceration, with all but 30 days suspended, 60 months probation, a $25,000 fine plus assessment, and 1,000 hours of community service.

Notably, the charges against Vileisis’ company were ultimately dismissed, leaving the personal responsibility of the two men at the forefront of the case. This outcome underscores the EPA’s strategy of holding individuals accountable for environmental crimes, even when operating within a corporate structure. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of asbestos exposure and the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations during demolition projects. The lack of notification and proper abatement procedures directly endangered public health and triggered a federal investigation.

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Key Facts

Defendant(s): Peter J. Vileisis, Jr. and Anthony Fabiani
Location: Oakville, Connecticut
Year: 1986
Crime: Illegal demolition releasing asbestos without proper safety measures.
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7412(c)(1)(B), 42 U.S.C. 7412(e)(5), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)(C) and 40 CFR 61.146, 40 CFR 61.147
Penalties: Vileisis – 12 months suspended, 60 months probation, $25,000 fine + assessment, 1,000 hours community service, asbestos disposal seminars. Fabiani – 12 months (30 days served), 60 months probation, $25,000 fine + assessment, 1,000 hours community service.
Company Charges: Dismissed.

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Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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