Stan Stankovic, Violating Clean Air Act, New Jersey 2006

Rockaway Borough, NJ – Stan Stankovic, owner of Eagle Environmental, was sentenced to six months of home confinement and three years of probation in 2006 for knowingly violating federal clean air regulations while overseeing the illegal removal of asbestos from a warehouse in Rockaway Borough, New Jersey, in 2004. The case, pursued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), revealed a pattern of disregard for public health and safety, compounded by the fact that Stankovic was already on probation at the time of the offense.

According to court documents, employees of Eagle Environmental were engaged in “dry removal” of asbestos – a highly dangerous practice prohibited under federal law – on February 18, 2004. Dry removal involves disturbing asbestos-containing materials without proper containment or wet methods to suppress the release of harmful fibers. This method dramatically increases the risk of airborne asbestos exposure, posing significant health risks, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Investigators determined that Stankovic actively encouraged employees to expedite the asbestos removal process, pushing them to work extended hours, including late evenings and weekends. Sources suggest this was a deliberate attempt to avoid detection by regulatory agencies and maintain an illegal cost advantage over competitors adhering to safety standards. The EPA’s criminal investigation highlighted a clear intent to circumvent established environmental protections.

Stankovic pleaded guilty on March 22, 2006, to one count of violating the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), which criminalizes the knowing violation of the Act’s provisions. The guilty plea came amidst evidence suggesting Stankovic’s actions were a direct breach of the conditions of his existing probation, further aggravating the severity of the offense. The EPA’s pursuit of the case demonstrated its commitment to holding individuals accountable for endangering public health and the environment.

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Penalties and Fines

On October 5, 2006, Judge sentenced Stankovic to six months of home confinement with electronic monitoring, followed by a 36-month probationary period. In addition to the confinement and probation, Stankovic was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment, a federal fine totaling $30,000, and a separate $80,000 fine levied by OSHA. The substantial financial penalties reflect the seriousness of the violations and the potential health risks associated with improper asbestos handling.

Key Facts

Defendant: Stan Stankovic, owner of Eagle Environmental
Location: Rockaway Borough, New Jersey
Date of Offense: February 18, 2004
Crime: Illegal dry removal of asbestos, violating the Clean Air Act
Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1)
Sentence: 6 months home confinement, 36 months probation, $30,000 federal fine, $80,000 OSHA fine, $100 special assessment
Aggravating Factor: Defendant was on probation at the time of the offense.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure and the importance of strict adherence to environmental regulations. Federal and state agencies continue to prioritize the enforcement of these regulations to protect workers and the public from the long-term health consequences of asbestos-related diseases.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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