$1.2M Asbestos Fine for Maryland Renovation Violation

Maryland environmental officials say a $1.2 million fine handed down by a judge over asbestos violations during the renovation of a Baltimore building is the largest asbestos fine in state history.

The Department of the Environment says the violations were discovered following an anonymous complaint in 2007.

MDE says inspectors found asbestos-laden debris was being shoveled into a five-story garbage chute and into an open bin. Employees also were not wearing respirators or protective clothing and steps were not being taken to control dust.

The inspectors ordered work to stop and a licensed asbestos contractor was brought in.

In addition to the $1.2 million fine against the contractor, Erie Vera, LLC, the building’s owner, 2315 St. Paul St., LLC, was fined $115,000.