Philip Gewehr, Asbestos Dumping, New Hampshire 2003

Rye, NH – A New Hampshire plumber and his client were both sentenced to jail time and hefty fines in 2003 for the illegal removal and dumping of asbestos-containing materials. The case, stemming from a 1997 incident, highlights the dangers of improper asbestos handling and the consequences of prioritizing expediency over public health and environmental regulations.

Philip Gewehr, owner of Sullivan Plumbing and Heating, was contracted by Theodore Gladu to perform plumbing and heating work at a property in Rye. Faced with pressure to complete the job quickly, Gewehr allegedly took shortcuts, knowingly violating state regulations regarding asbestos abatement. According to court documents, Gewehr removed asbestos-wrapped piping from the property *with Gladu’s knowledge*, and proceeded to strip the asbestos material directly from the pipes.

Instead of following proper disposal protocols for hazardous waste, Gewehr filled approximately 6-8 trash bags with the stripped asbestos and illegally dumped them on land owned by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. This reckless act posed a significant risk to the public and the environment, potentially exposing individuals to the dangerous effects of asbestos exposure, including severe respiratory illnesses and cancer.

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Legal Ramifications

On October 11, 2002, Gewehr was formally charged with one count of violating RSA:141-E:15, a New Hampshire state statute pertaining to the improper handling and disposal of hazardous waste. He subsequently pled guilty and received a six-month jail sentence. In addition to incarceration, Gewehr was ordered to pay $2,500 in restitution to the state of New Hampshire and a further $2,000 to the Northeast Environmental Enforcement Project.

The investigation didn’t stop with Gewehr. On October 31, 2002, Theodore Gladu was also charged with one count of violating RSA:141-E:15, for his knowledge and consent to the illegal asbestos removal and dumping. Gladu, too, pled guilty and received the same sentence as Gewehr: six months in jail, $2,500 restitution to the state, and $2,000 to the Northeast Environmental Enforcement Project. The parallel sentencing underscores the legal responsibility shared by both the contractor and the property owner in ensuring safe and compliant hazardous material handling.

Key Facts

Defendant(s): Philip Gewehr, Theodore Gladu
Crime: Illegal Asbestos Removal & Dumping
Location: Rye, New Hampshire
Year of Offense: 1997
Year of Conviction: 2003
Statute Violated: RSA:141-E:15 (New Hampshire Hazardous Waste Management)
Penalties: Six months incarceration, $2,500 restitution to NH State, $2,000 to Northeast Environmental Enforcement Project (per defendant)
Waste Type: Asbestos-containing piping insulation

This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe legal and health consequences associated with improper asbestos handling. Asbestos, once widely used in construction, is now a known carcinogen, and its removal and disposal are subject to strict regulations to protect public safety. GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on those who put profit over safety.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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