Two Massachusetts men have been accused of improperly removing asbestos, and have been indicted by a grand jury on charges of violating the federal Clean Air Act. The men are accused of removing the asbestos from properties in Attleboro and North Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Arthur Amaral, who owns Northeast Demolition and Removal, and Shaun Amaral, the company’s foreman, were indicted on Thursday. Then men are accused of failing to file the proper asbestos demolition notices with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, failing to remove asbestos in accordance with the law, and failing to properly dispose of the asbestos waste.
The Amaral’s are expected to be arraigned in Bristol County Superior Court at a later date. Officials claim that the men told their workers to begin demolition of the properties prior to the removal of asbestos. This could have sent tiny asbestos particles into the air. If inhaled, asbestos particles can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer, can manifest initially in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. It can spread rapidly through the body, and can kill victims within months of being diagnosed.
A consultant for Northeast Demolition and Removal allegedly conducted an asbestos survey of the properties prior to the demolition. However, the asbestos was not properly removed prior to renovation and demolition work. Asbestos was present in the floor tiles, piping and other debris. In addition, inspectors also allegedly discovered 76 cardboard drums containing tiles and pipe insulation that tested positive for asbestos. The drums were being kept inside a storage facility in Middleboro, Massachusetts.