Vinton Construction, Eggers Industries and Douglas Wanek Settle With the State For $85,000 for Asbestos Violations During the Demolition of the Eggers Building

TWO RIVERS — A civil asbestos enforcement action arising from the demolition of a large industrial building owned by Eggers Industries at 1819 River Street, Two Rivers, Manitowoc County, has been filed and resolved, Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today. All three named defendants have settled the case by agreeing to pay forfeitures and costs totaling $85,000.

Vinton Construction Company, Eggers Industries, Inc., and Douglas M. Wanek, superintendent/estimator for Vinton Construction, were the subjects of a civil complaint alleging violations of asbestos regulations, including: failing to thoroughly inspect the facility for asbestos prior to commencing demolition activities, failing to remove all asbestos from the facility prior to demolition, failing to adequately wet asbestos before removal, failing to carefully lower asbestos, failing to wet all asbestos during stripping operations, and failing to keep asbestos wet until collected and contained.

The settlement between the parties calls for Vinton Construction, Eggers Industries, and Wanek to pay forfeitures, costs and surcharges totaling $85,000. The settlement was approved by the Honorable Judge Patrick L. Willis, Manitowoc County Circuit Court, on November 11, 2010.

Van Hollen stated, "Compliance with Wisconsin's asbestos removal regulations is essential in preventing a serious hazard to the environment and to public health. Failure to meticulously follow the regulations on the handling of asbestos can needlessly expose many unsuspecting citizens."

The violations were investigated by inspectors at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, who referred the matter to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Assistant Attorneys General Steven Tinker and Mary Batt represented the State.