Purdue News
Purdue NewsIn settling the claim, the university maintained its stance that it was not at fault in the case. For its part, the EPA did not fault Purdue or find any regulatory violation, said Wayne W. Kjonaas, Purdue vice president for physical facilities. As part of the consent agreement, Purdue will make a $20,000 payment to the EPA. The agency initially proposed a $145,000 civil penalty against Purdue and a Lafayette contractor, All Seasons Roofing.
"Over the course of protracted negotiations, we repeatedly indicated that such a figure was excessive, given the circumstances of the incident," Kjonaas said. "We believe the settlement vindicates our position."
In 1993, the EPA claimed a violation of hazardous air-pollution guidelines occurred when asbestos inadvertently was disturbed during roof repairs on Young Graduate House in the fall of 1992. Employees of All Seasons Roofing were removing parts of the roof. As a result of a change in the original scope of the project, some ductwork layered with asbestos paper inadvertently was uncovered by All Seasons Roofing. When Purdue learned that fact, university officials immediately informed the EPA and took appropriate steps to remove the material.
"The fact that we self-reported the discovery, and that the university has an outstanding track record in dealing with asbestos removal in millions of dollars worth of projects were factors that led us to contest the EPA's complaint," Kjonaas said.
He said there never was any evidence that the uncovered asbestos posed any hazard
to Purdue students or employees.
CONTACT: Kjonaas, (765) 494-8000.
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
