SCS Of Wisconsin, Inc., To Pay Forfeitures And Costs Of $58,735.50 For Violations of Asbestos Handling Regulations At Cudahy Project

MADISON - SCS of Wisconsin, Inc., a demolition company in Menomonee Falls, was charged with a series of asbestos violations committed while demolishing buildings at the Patrick Cudahy, Inc., facility in Cudahy, Wisconsin in 2004. The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil lawsuit over the violations, and today prevailed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. The company must now pay forfeitures and costs totaling $58,735.50 for the violations.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said that after a two day trial, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Patricia McMahon found SCS of Wisconsin, Inc., to have committed five violations of Wisconsin's asbestos laws: failure to wet the asbestos prior to and after removal; failure to carefully lower the asbestos during removal; failure to have an asbestos supervisor present during the disturbance of the asbestos; failure to remove the asbestos before demolition of the structure commenced; and failure to seal the asbestos in leak-tight containers.

The dangers to human health of asbestos and improper asbestos removal are well known. State officials have stated that compliance with Wisconsin's asbestos removal regulations is essential in preventing a serious hazard to the environment and to public health. DOJ will continue to work with the Department of Natural Resources to enforce these essential regulations.

The Department of Justice filed the lawsuit at the request of the DNR. Assistant Attorney General Steven Tinker prosecuted the case for the Department of Justice.