KDHE Home - News 1999 - News Release
Kansas
Department of Health & Environment
Bill Graves, Governor
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sharon Watson, 785-296-1529
King Environmental Management, Inc. Fined $17,000
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued an administrative order assessing a $17,000 civil penalty against King Environmental Management, Inc., 9312 E. U.S. Hwy. 24, Independence, Mo., for violations of the company's Kansas Asbestos Control License.
During a July 1 inspection of a King project site at 424 Minnesota Ave. in Kansas City, Kan., KDHE staff and officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) observed that asbestos residue remained in areas where the company considered abatement work to have been completed.
The inspectors also noted that sealant had been applied to ceiling surfaces where asbestos residue was still present; and that former asbestos work areas were accessible to work crews from another contractor. Furthermore, required warning signs were not posted at the entrances to these areas.
The presence of unauthorized amounts of asbestos residue has been confirmed by laboratory tests performed on material samples which environmental officials acquired from the site.
Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of serious illnesses, including lung cancer and other cancers, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers become a health risk when they become airborne and are inhaled.
The company has until January 3, 2000 to file an appeal with the department.
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