EPA Fines Five Arizona Charter Schools for Violating Asbestos Regulations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fined five Arizona charter schools $35,000 Monday for violating the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.

EPA’s investigation was in 2007 April. However, now only they reached a settlement on the amount each fine would cost the schools, ranging from $200 to more than $12,000.

Arts Academy at South Mountain, Phoenix Advantage Charter School, Tucson Preparatory School, Hearn Academy and three Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center were found in breach of the asbestos safety regulations.

According to federal regulations, all schools are required to have certified inspectors conduct a preliminary inspection to determine if asbestos-containing materials are present in school buildings. Schools should also develop a management plan to address any asbestos materials discovered. Some schools were fined only for not having the management plan. The school officials say they were not aware of it.

EPA spokesman Dean Higuchi said that the agency recommends the schools to take a look at the regulations when decide to set up.

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