What Is The Colorado Penatly For An Owner Who Intentionally Removed Asbestos Siding And Is Unlicensed?

[Burt L.]

I contacted an owner of an abandoned house that was hit by a car some years ago. They aren't interested in selling now and are in periodic trouble with code enforcement. The next door neighbor has two young daughters and is fed up with the vagrants going in and out of the house. It has had the electrical wiring stripped and the utility company has removed the electric meter recently.

The neighbor has pictures of the damaged wall before and after the owner personally removed about twenty asbestos shingles where the building had been hit and he has collected some pieces he picked up off the gourd and has put them in a plastic container. Of course, there is the possiblility its not asbestos, but it is a 1950 house and it sure has the appearance of asbestos.

There are about twenty other random shingles that have fallen off in on other parts of the house. He has asked me to find the proper authorities and go with him to report the matter. I presume the house would be encapsulated with many warning signs that would at least stop the vagrants, vandalism, and graffiti.

I called the national EPA phone line, and they told me to call the Colorado Dept of Public Health. They have a tipline that anyone can call and leave a tip and remain anonymous. My question is whether the before and after pictures are relevant and if the owner would get a penalty for intentionally removing the shingles. - of course this would end making an anonymous tip to the Dept. of Public Health hotline. The owner told me they had some other boxes of old asbestos shingles that they were going to replace them with, but so far has only done the removal with no replacement and doesn't care what the rules are. I have no idea what will happen once these wheels are put in motion. It is an intentional disregard of the other neighbors safety and well-being.

I realize this would increase anyones rehab costs, but at least the house will be addressed in some manner and someone will likely rehab it. The owner doesnt live locally and has been making excuses for years. Would there be any incremental penalty for intentionally removing the shingles and are the before and after pictures relevant? I believe the present situation would be a problem regardless.