DEQ fines Joling Enterprises LLC for asbestos violations
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has fined Joling Enterprises LLC $28,225 for performing an unlicensed asbestos abatement at a house on SE Hill Street and allowing waste containing asbestos to openly accumulate for six days.
A survey of the home conducted by another company in June found asbestos in floor tile, mastic and wall and ceiling texture. Joling Enterprises made renovations to the home later that month removing sheetrock, tiling and other material containing asbestos. The company is not licensed to perform asbestos abatement. The material was stored in an open trailer at the site in late June.
DEQ requires anyone conducting asbestos abatement to have a license and to follow strict disposal procedures. Asbestos that is not properly disposed of presents a significant risk to workers and the public.
When released into the air, asbestos fibers are a respiratory hazard proven to cause lung cancer and other illnesses. There is no known safe level of exposure.
View the enforcement letter: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/nr/091416jolingE.pdf
The company has until Sept. 29 to appeal the penalty.
Contact:
Courtney Brown, Environmental Law Specialist, Portland, 503-229-6839, brown.courtney@deq.state.or.us
Dottie Boyd, Asbestos Inspector, Salem, 503- 378-5086, boyd.dottie@deq.state.or.us