  
8/5/2026
WT Staff
 Knowledge of an environmental crime? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email info@wtny.us
Aug 5, 2026 2 pm EDT
CrimeBox
Historic Conviction Fiscal Year 2012; Case ID# CR_2288 (Missouri)
Kansas building demolition went ahead without the required permissions for handling and removal of a designated toxic pollutant
Did you know that building demolition requires a permit from the local municipality, state and federal authorities? In this case, the federal agency to be notified of a building demolition is the US Environmental Protection Agency. EPA permission is required for construction and demolition, ensuring no sediment escapes from a work site to impact the waterways. This is even more critical when hazardous materials are involved construction or demolition operations. Demolition of old buildings can include a risk for the release of asbestos fibers to the environment, therefore, EPA must be notified, inspections are made to ensure the full safety protocols are followed for safe removal and disposal of asbestos, a toxic pollutant pursuant to CWA Section 307(a)(1).
The Defendant in this case was a 55 yr old business owner and contractor from Harper, KS. A single violation of the Clean Water Act followed a 2008 building demolition project, removal of the Buckeye Building, for the City of Harper. The Defendant admitted that he had not filed his plan for the demolition, offering the guilty plea to Federal District Court for "failing to notify or report as required" to the US EPA.
During the state's site inspection by Kansas Department of Health and Environment, asbestos was detected in the debris. As it turns out, the Buckeye Building floors contained asbestos. The responsible party was charged for failure to notify and report the disturbance of the toxic pollutant, with sentencing including a federal f fine and a term of probation.
Federal Fines: $1,000; Probation: 12 months
See last week's CrimeBox here, "Property developers convicted for CWA violation, sentenced to $315,000 in fines with 5 years probation each for allowing construction debris to impact Table Rock Lake"
CrimeBox briefs are compiled from EPA Criminal Enforcement records.
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