Investigations

On March 22, 2019, Paul Potter, owner of Chelsea Environmental Corporation (Chelsea Environmental), Falls Church, Virginia, was charged via information in U.S. District Court, Alexandria, Virginia, with violations of the Toxic Substance Control Act.

 

According to the information, between October 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, Potter knowingly and unlawfully failed to handle friable asbestos—a hazardous material—in compliance with worker accreditation requirements. Specifically, he did not hire accredited asbestos workers and failed to have a trained supervisor present at the worksite.

 

DOT-OIG’s became involved in this matter when the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) initial investigation disclosed that Chelsea Environmental might have illegally transported the friable asbestos.

 

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the EPA Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.