Source: Norwalk Reflector (OH), July 1, 2014
Posted on: http://envfpn.advisen.com
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced that the former land owners, business owner, and construction company involved in the operation and the demolition of the now-defunct DLH Plating on Cleveland’s east side will pay $100,000 total for past air pollution and hazardous waste violations.
“Although the environmental hazards created in this neighborhood have been addressed earlier, it was necessary to obtain a penalty for these defendants’ illegal conduct,” DeWine said. “Those who violate Ohio’s environmental protection laws will face consequences for creating threats to the health of Ohioans.”
“We are pleased this property has been cleaned up and is being redeveloped for the benefit of the entire community,” said Ohio EPA Director Craig W. Butler.
DLH Plating LLC, a metal plating business, previously was located at 2809-8800 Evarts Road in Cleveland. After the business closed, inspectors discovered that hazardous waste, including cyanide, had been improperly stored and abandoned on the property, and some had been discharged into a public sewer. Inspectors also discovered that the business’ buildings had not been properly demolished, causing air pollution from the asbestos materials in those buildings.
On behalf of the Ohio EPA, the Ohio Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the businesses and individuals involved in the demolition. The defendants included: the land owners, Grand Avenue Realty Company Inc. and North Coast Developers Inc.; the owner of DLH Plating, David Harper; and the demolition construction company and its owner, Joe Haddad & Sons Construction Company and Edward J. Haddad, Jr.
After the lawsuit was filed, the property was sold, and has been cleaned up by its new owners who have redeveloped it.
The Consent Order, filed earlier this month in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, concludes the enforcement case by imposing the civil penalties the defendants must pay for their violations. Grand Avenue Realty and North Coast Developers will pay $90,000, David Harper will pay $5,000, and Haddad Construction Company and Edward J. Haddad, Jr. will pay $5,000.
A copy of the Consent Order is available on the Ohio Attorney General’s website.