SHREWSBURY – Flynn Plumbing and Heating, Inc. has been fined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) following alleged violations of asbestos regulations.
According to a press release from MassDEP, the violations were uncovered while the department was conducting a site inspection of a home renovation project in Shrewsbury following a complaint in January 2022. MassDEP alleges that Flynn Plumbing and Heating did not conduct an asbestos survey “to identify potential asbestos-containing materials before beginning work and failed to notify MassDEP of the asbestos removal work.”
MassDEP said that Flynn Plumbing and Heating didn’t follow the required asbestos removal, handling and storage procedures.
“Asbestos is a known carcinogen and an issue that can be neither ignored nor taken lightly,” said Director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office Mary Jude Pigsley. “It is vital that companies prioritize the health and safety of workers, residents and the public by complying with state regulations to properly identify and remove materials containing asbestos before beginning any renovation or other work on a residential, commercial or institutional structure.”
MassDEP has fined the company a $45,200 penalty. However, the press release notes that, under the terms of the settlement agreement, Flynn will pay $11,300 and the balance would be suspended if there aren’t any other violations for a year.
MassDEP has required Flynn Plumbing and Heating to retain a state-licensed asbestos contractor who would remove and decontaminate all of the affected areas of the property and properly dispose of asbestos-containing waste material.
