Hannibal city fined for asbestos violations

Hannibal, MO – As part of an asbestos-linked settlement agreement with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Hannibal city will pay a $1,000 penalty. In Tuesday’s meeting, the city council members voted to accept the settlement.

The Hannibal Fire Department had been charged for safety violations for not performing proper asbestos inspections prior to renovations started last year at Hannibal Fire Station 3, 3300 Arapaho St.

City Attorney James Lemon said the settlement talks had been going on for quite a few months.

Lemon said the fine could have been around $10,000 per day if the DNR had pursed the matter as a criminal issue, rather than civil matter.

“The fine will be shared out among Marion County’s school districts, rather than only the Hannibal public school district,” Lemon said.

City Manager Jeff LaGarce was not sure from where the $1,000 would come in the budget. LaGarce’s explanation was that the fire department’s budget has been tightened due to some unanticipated building repair expenses.

Asbestos can release its tiny fibers into air if it is disturbed or broken. Inhalation of these fibers may result in respiratory problems or even terminal diseases such as mesothelioma. Therefore, Checking for asbestos should be done prior to any building demolition. If the material is present, it has to be removed first so that it won’t get disturbed during the demolition process.

«


»