07-02-2025
Chicopee-based company fined for asbestos violations at multi-family residence in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined a Chicopee-based company for violations during renovations at a multi-family residence in Springfield.
Birch Properties, LLC, a Chicopee-based limited liability company, was fined $186,000 after MassDEP discovered violations of asbestos-related regulations during renovation activities at a Westford Avenue multi-family residence in a designated Environmental Justice neighborhood in Springfield.
Violations include asbestos-containing pipe insulation and cement siding fragments scattered about the property near neighboring residences between December 22 and May 2023.
Birch Properties is ordered to pay $101,005 of the assessed penalty and survey fifteen of their properties, the majority of which are residential, for asbestos. They are also required to perform necessary abatement of asbestos-containing materials that are found to be in poor condition. Current employees will also be trained in asbestos hazards.
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If the company complies, MassDEP has agreed to suspend the remainder of the penalty.
'Asbestos is a well-documented human carcinogen, and MassDEP's regulations are in place to safeguard workers, the public, and the environment,' said Michael Gorski, Director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. 'Egregious violations of these regulations warrant substantial penalties. Compliance with asbestos regulations is not optional.'
Property owners or contractors who have questions about the handling, removal, packaging, storing, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials can contact the MassDEP Regional office for assistance.
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