August 8th, 2007

A hotel operator has pleaded guilty to violation of the Clean Air Act, following improper removal of asbestos materials from a hotel that had been renovated, according to reports. A representative from the group Hulsing Hotels Missouri Inc. pleaded guilty on behalf of the company, and a fine of $2 million has now been imposed.

The hotel at which renovations had been completed before asbestos was removed was the Clarion on NW Plaza Circle, which is managed by the hotel group. A spot check at the hotel was conducted after a tip off to environmental authorities, and here it was found that unlicensed and untrained people were removing asbestos from the hotel.

Dan Hulsing, who pleaded guilty to the charges on behalf of the group, was not trained to remove asbestos, and was the project supervisor at the time. He also confirmed that no specialist contractors had been taken on for the removal of the asbestos.

One Environmental Protection Agency official stated: "Hotel guests pay for comfort and deserve to breathe clean and safe air. Today's guilty plea should be a reminder to other hotel chains that renovations must be done carefully and legally."