Boston, MA – Saunders Asbestos Service, Inc. and one of its key officials have been penalized for illegally dumping asbestos-contaminated water into the Charles River, according to federal court records unsealed this week. The case, originating in 1990, highlights ongoing concerns regarding the proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials by abatement companies.
Domenic Lamara, foreman for Saunders Asbestos Service and identified as a responsible management official, bore primary responsibility for the company’s asbestos removal and disposal operations. Federal prosecutors alleged negligent discharge of pollutants – specifically water containing asbestos fibers – from a point source directly into the Charles River, a vital waterway for the Boston metropolitan area. The incident raised immediate environmental concerns, prompting an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and subsequent criminal charges.
The charges, filed on October 16, 1990, centered around violations of the Clean Water Act, specifically 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) and 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A). These statutes prohibit the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters of the United States without a permit and impose penalties for negligent discharges. The EPA’s investigation reportedly revealed a pattern of inadequate containment and improper disposal practices at Saunders Asbestos Service job sites, leading to the contamination of the Charles River.
After months of legal proceedings, both Saunders Asbestos Service, Inc. and Lamara entered guilty pleas on January 25, 1991, to a one-count information. The plea acknowledged their responsibility for the unlawful discharge. While the precise details of the contamination and its impact on the river’s ecosystem remain somewhat obscured in court documents, environmental groups at the time expressed outrage over the incident and called for stricter oversight of asbestos abatement companies.
Sentencing & Penalties
The court imposed a sentence of 24 months probation on Saunders Asbestos Service, Inc., alongside a financial penalty of $5,000. Lamara, as the individual directly responsible for the negligent actions, received a sentence of four months of home detention. While these penalties may seem lenient by today’s standards, they reflect the legal landscape of the early 1990s and served as a warning to other companies handling hazardous materials. Sources close to the case suggest that the EPA prioritized the establishment of a legal precedent regarding asbestos disposal rather than seeking the maximum possible punishment.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential environmental damage caused by improper handling of hazardous waste. The Charles River, once heavily polluted, has undergone significant restoration efforts in recent decades. Incidents like this underscore the importance of continued vigilance and strict enforcement of environmental regulations to protect our waterways and public health.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Saunders Asbestos Service, Inc. & Domenic Lamara
- Crime: Illegal discharge of asbestos-contaminated water into the Charles River
- State: Massachusetts
- Year: 1991
- Statutes Violated: 33 U.S.C. 1311(a) & 33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A) – Clean Water Act
- Penalties: Saunders Asbestos – 24 months probation, $5,000 fine. Lamara – 4 months home detention.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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