West Hills Enterprises, Inc., Clean Air Act Violation, Oregon 2006

Salem, OR – West Hills Enterprises, Inc. was sentenced following a guilty plea to a Clean Air Act violation stemming from the illegal demolition of an apartment building containing asbestos. The incident, which occurred in September 2004, exposed the surrounding area to hazardous air pollutants and disregarded warnings from state environmental officials.

According to court documents, the owner of the property, acting through West Hills Enterprises, received notification from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding the presence of asbestos within the building slated for demolition. Despite this advice, and the known health risks associated with asbestos exposure, the owner proceeded with the demolition without implementing proper abatement procedures.

The reckless demolition resulted in the release of asbestos fibers into the air, potentially endangering nearby residents and violating federal regulations designed to protect public health and the environment. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, can cause serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, often with a decades-long latency period. The failure to properly manage the asbestos abatement represents a significant public safety concern.

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Legal Ramifications

On March 21, 2006, West Hills Enterprises was formally charged with one count of violating sections 42 U.S.C. 7412(f)(4) and 42 U.S.C. 7412(h) of the Clean Air Act, which specifically address the improper handling of hazardous air pollutants like asbestos. The company ultimately pled guilty to the charge.

The sentencing, handed down by the court, included a 24-month probationary period. In addition to probation, West Hills Enterprises was ordered to pay a total of $63,600 in restitution. This consisted of $45,000 directed to the Oregon Governor’s Fund for the Environment, intended to support environmental remediation projects, and $18,600 to the Western States Project Training Fund, which provides training for hazardous materials workers.

Key Facts

Defendant: West Hills Enterprises, Inc.
Location: Salem, Oregon
Crime: Illegal demolition of an asbestos-containing building
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7412(f)(4), 42 U.S.C. 7412(h) – Clean Air Act
Penalty: 24 months probation, $45,000 to Oregon Governor’s Fund, $18,600 to Western States Project Training Fund
Date of Plea: March 21, 2006

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, particularly when dealing with dangerous materials like asbestos. GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental enforcement cases and report on those who put profit over public safety.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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