Dive Brief:

• The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection assessed a $36,775 penalty to Central Mass Recycled Metals — which operates a scrap metal business in Millbury — for violating state asbestos and mercury management regulations. 
• Inspections in August and October 2013 revealed dry, asbestos-containing insulation lying uncontained on the ground outdoors, on pieces of scrap metal, and on pieces of dismantled boilers. It was also determined that the company was partially crushing vehicles without first removing mercury-added components, which is required by law.
• Central Mass Recycled Metals was ordered to cease crushing vehicles without first removing the mercury-added components. The company was also required to retain a Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards-licensed asbestos contractor to properly remove, package, and dispose of the asbestos-containing waste materials.

Dive Insight:

The dangers of asbestos and mercury to humans and the environment is well documented. If someone is to inhale asbestos fibers, they may stick to the person's lungs, which can cause a rare type of cancer called mesothelioma. 

"Metal recycling facilities must ensure that the scrap metals they receive are clean and free of asbestos, as asbestos is a known carcinogen. Preventing asbestos-containing materials from entering these facilities protects workers, customers and the general public from exposure," John Kronopolus, deputy regional director in MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester, told the Chronicle. "Failure to remove mercury-added components from vehicles prior to crushing poses a serious threat to the environment and public health. As this penalty demonstrates, companies that fail to comply with these regulations face significant penalties, as well as escalated cleanup, decontamination and monitoring costs."

MassDEP's inspection and actions are in the best interests of the state and the industry, and Central Mass must be brought into compliance.