KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Lawrence man will serve three months prison and pay a $55,000 fine for improperly disposing of asbestos.
The U.S. District Attorney of Kansas’ office said Thursday that Thomas Fritzel, 54, didn't notify authorities before removing asbestos, in addition to failing to keep asbestos wet during demolition to prevent air contamination, and failing to dispose of asbestos in leak-tight containers.
The violations occurred in 2016 as Fritzel demolished and renovated Alvamar Country Club, which he had purchased in January 2016.
Prosecutors say that Fritzel knew the roof of the club contained 75 percent chrysotile asbestos, but then did not follow the Clean Air Act during the demolition and renovation process.
An investigation in October 2016 by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment found asbestos debris had been taken to an area landfill which was not approved for asbestos disposal.
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