Florence, South Carolina – William Walker, owner of Walker Industries, has been sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution following a negligent asbestos abatement project at the Howard Johnson’s hotel in Florence. The case, brought by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and investigated in conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), revealed a blatant disregard for worker safety and public health.
The investigation began in October 2017 after DHEC received a complaint regarding the demolition work underway at the hotel. Records show Walker Industries was contracted to perform the demolition, despite receiving an asbestos survey in July 2017 clearly indicating the presence of asbestos-containing materials. Instead of adhering to proper abatement procedures, Walker allegedly directed untrained workers to remove walls and ceilings using power sanders and hand tools – a practice known to release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.
EPA and DHEC inspectors discovered widespread contamination at the site. Asbestos-containing debris, in some areas up to an inch thick, was scattered throughout the property and even found in a dumpster ten yards from the building. Analysis confirmed the dumpster material matched the asbestos present within the hotel structure, demonstrating a negligent release of the hazardous air pollutant. This posed a significant risk to both workers involved in the demolition and potential guests of the hotel.
According to court documents, Walker knowingly ignored the asbestos survey and failed to implement necessary safety measures, including proper containment, respiratory protection, and regulated waste disposal. This reckless behavior directly violated the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) and 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4), which govern asbestos abatement practices during demolition and renovation. The violations fall under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
On December 9, 2022, Walker and Walker Industries each pleaded guilty to the charges. Both were sentenced to one year of probation and a joint and several disgorgement of $150,000. This means that Walker is personally liable for the full amount, as is his company, and the government can pursue either or both for full payment. The EPA emphasizes the importance of proper asbestos handling due to the material’s well-documented links to serious respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of failing to comply with environmental regulations. The EPA continues to prioritize the enforcement of the Clean Air Act to protect communities from the dangers of hazardous materials like asbestos. The agency urges contractors and property owners to ensure they are fully aware of and compliant with all applicable asbestos regulations before undertaking any demolition or renovation projects.
Key Facts
- Defendant: William Walker and Walker Industries
- Location: Florence, South Carolina
- Crime: Negligent release of asbestos during demolition
- Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1), 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) – Clean Air Act
- Penalty: One year probation and $150,000 disgorgement (joint and several)
- Timeline: Asbestos survey received July 2017, complaint filed Oct 2017, sentencing Dec 9, 2022
- The defendant directed untrained workers to remove asbestos-containing materials without proper safety measures.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- William Tye Grisel, Embezzlement via SEO Scheme, SC 2024 · South Carolina
- John Doe, $10M TRICARE Fraud Scheme, Washington DC, 2023 · Hawaii
- Key West Tax Man Gets 18 Months for Fraud · Oklahoma
- Tyson Foods, Admitted Criminal Negligence, Texarkana AR, 2003 · Florida
- Explorer Pipeline Company Fined for Clean Water Act Violation, Hunt… · Florida
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime