Oregon DEQ Issues Penalties to Two Portland Companies for Asbestos Violations

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued a total of $10,112 in penalties in association with an improper asbestos removal project at an apartment complex in Portland, Ore.

The penalties stem from work conducted last August at the apartment complex by Interstate Roofing Inc., Portland, for the owner of the complex, The Scholls Corp. During a roof renovation project, workers from Interstate Roofing removed about 80 square feet of asbestos-containing popcorn texture ceiling material. The material became broken and torn during its removal, resulting in the potential release of asbestos fibers.

DEQ issued Interstate Roofing Inc. a $6,000 penalty for conducting an asbestos abatement project without a license, as the company and its workers were not licensed to conduct such asbestos work. Oregon rules require that only contractors who are specially trained and licensed may perform asbestos removal work, to help ensure that the asbestos is properly handled and disposed of and to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.

DEQ issued a $4,112 penalty to The Scholls Corp. for allowing unlicensed persons to perform an asbestos abatement project on property it owns and operates. DEQ also cited the company for failing to have an accredited inspector survey the building for the presence of asbestos-containing material before the renovation work began. DEQ did not issue the company a penalty for this violation.

Interstate Roofing Inc. has appealed the penalty. The Scholls Corp. did not appeal its penalty by its deadline.