January 12th, 2007

A company that was charged with the mishandling of asbestos, which is a known carcinogenic that can cause a range of health problems including asbestos related cancer, has pleaded no contest in court. The plea was entered by Nova Partners earlier this week in a Marina courtroom.

Because the company pleaded no contest the felony charges originally filed against the company were downgraded to misdemeanor charges. Nova Partner was due to attend court later in the day with regards to the case, but due to the plea the trial was actually cancelled as well as the charges being downgraded.

The company was charged with mishandling of asbestos following works that were carried out on the Monterey County Courthouse, which is in Salinas. A number of terms and conditions have been highlighted as part of the charges, which Nova must comply with.

This includes terms relating to the hiring of certified staff for asbestos removals. Deputy Attorney General Brett Morris stated: “The terms include affirmative actions they need to take over the next 30 months.”