A man living in Maryland recently pleaded guilty for attempting to violate the federal Clean Air Act when removing asbestos.

The asbestos removal project was occurring at the former Woodville State Hospital and the man heading the removal was reportedly attempting to illegally rid the facility of asbestos.

Asbestos Removed from Hospital

Charles Victoria, 49, was reportedly the head supervisor at the hospital during the asbestos removal.

However, after the removal, the Allegheny County Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency discovered Victoria failed to properly contain and dispose of the harmful substance.

Improper Removal Reported

Investigators from the EPA found that insulation containing asbestos fell into a local ravine and was allowed to sit on the surrounding soil for at least a year following the removal.

Some of the asbestos even reached and contaminated a creek near the ravine.

Not the First Time

In 2006, Victoria was reportedly charged with illegally removing asbestos from another site and was sentenced to three years’ probation and fined.

Victoria now faces up to five years in prison and fines.

(Source: Post-Gazette) 

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