David Braswell, of Little River, South Carolina, was sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for violating the Clean Air Act. Braswell’s sentencing also included six months of home confinement and three years of probation following his release from prison.
Braswell’s contracting company, Cool Cote LLC, was hired to replace siding at the Regency Towers in Myrtle Beach in March 2009. According to an indictment issued last year, Braswell proceeded to begin the renovation work without conducting an asbestos inspection. Cool Cote pressure-washed the hotel’s siding, releasing friable asbestos into the atmosphere and putting the company’s employees and the public at risk of exposure to the hazardous material, which is responsible for deadly respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma.
The indictment stated, “The workers for Cool Cote were not provided with respiratory protection, nor were the residents of Regency Towers informed of the danger and provided personal or environmental protection.”
As part of a plea deal in which he admitted guilt to one felony charge, Braswell was facing a maximum five-year sentence and a $250,000 fine. He was originally charged with seven counts of violating the Clean Air Act and two felony charges for making false statements to federal agents.
“Today’s sentence should serve notice that EPA and its partner agencies remain committed to protecting communities through tough enforcement of the nation’s environmental laws,” said EPA special agent Maureen O’Mara.
This sentiment was echoed by U.S. attorney Bill Nettles, who said, “Our office will continue to prioritize the environmental work we do with both federal and state agencies, to ensure these cases are brought to the forefront.”