Tennessee Companies Idicted for Abestos
August 25, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Business
Two companies based in the state of Tennessee and three individuals haved been indicted on charges that they violated the Clear Air Act and also conspired to defraud the United States. In total, the 11 counts carry a possible prison term of 25 years and fines in excess of $500,000.
According to the charges, Watkins Street Project LLC and Mathis Construction Inc. illegally demolished a Chattanooga plant that had large amounts of asbestos. Not only was the asbestos removed illegally, three owners and supervisors took steps to cover up what actually happened and lied to federal authorities to do so.
Donald Fillers and David Wood of Watkins Street Project LLC were indicted. The third man indicted was James Mathis of Mathis Construction Inc.
Due to the harmful nature of asbestos, the United States government has strict rules on how it must be removed. Studies have shown that asbestos can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Asbestos (Image: Flickr)
