New Jersey recycling company fined for illegally dumping asbestos on NY farm

A New Jersey recycling company was charged for illegally dumping materials containing asbestos on an upstate New York farm.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Eagle recycling was fined $50,000 dollars for illegal dumping. Close to 8000 pounds of building materials some containing asbestos were dumped on the farm near the Mohawk River. In order to cover up the crime, the company forged state permits that gave them permission to dump the materials. They allegedly planned to continue dumping materials at this location for the next five years.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen causing a range of illnesses including mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos is dangerous and for decades mesothelioma attorneys have been able to hold people accountable for their irresponsible disposal and handling of the mineral.

Eagle recycling was charged with violating the Clean Water Act; in addition to the $500,000 fine they will have to pay additional $70,000 restitution for clean-up. There is some concern that asbestos has made its way into the Mohawk River.

The EPA has strict rules in place which dictate how asbestos is removed from structure and how it is disposed of. Over the decades people have been unnecessarily exposed to asbestos through their occupations. Because many employers failed to protect workers from airborne asbestos, mesothelioma lawyers have won lawsuits to help them with their costly medical care.

Over the past few decades, mesothelioma lawyers and medical professionals have warned the public and government officials of the dangers asbestos poses to the health of humans, which have led to strict regulations imposed on asbestos use, removal and disposal.