The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced on May 13 that it has fined G.T. Home Service Inc., a Newton-based home improvement contractor, $12,974 for several asbestos-related violations during an interior renovation at a residence in Medway.
The penalty follows MassDEP’s inspection and investigation, which found that G.T. Home Service began renovation work without conducting the required asbestos survey. The department said the company also failed to notify authorities at least ten days before starting abatement and did not follow proper procedures for removing, packaging, and storing materials containing asbestos joint compound.
“Contractors doing renovation work must follow the requirements to identify asbestos-containing materials and ensure that those materials are safely removed before beginning any work,” said Andrea Briggs, acting director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. “Asbestos is a known carcinogen, so adhering to the requirements is imperative to protect workers, residents, and the public from exposure. Failure to follow the requirements will result in significant penalties.”
Under MassDEP’s order, G.T. Home Service agreed to pay the fine and comply immediately with all state regulations regarding asbestos removal for future demolition or renovation projects in Massachusetts.
The MassDEP Central Regional Office operates as a division of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and provides regulatory oversight and compliance assistance to communities in central Massachusetts while advancing public access to environmental information; it serves 77 towns and cities with about 900,000 residents across Worcester County as well as parts of Middlesex and Norfolk counties; it also offers oversight for major river basins and safeguards key watersheds according to the official website.
Property owners or contractors with questions about handling or disposing of asbestos-containing materials are encouraged by MassDEP to contact their regional office for guidance.
