Settlement for Illegal Asbestos Dumping in Yuma

ADEQ Director Steve Owens & Attorney General Terry Goddard announced a consent judgment that requires Yuma resident Peter Auza to pay $10,000 for illegally dumping asbestos-containing waste material (ACWM), a violation of Arizona's environmental laws.

In 2003, Auza purchased several trailers that contained regulated amounts of ACWM. Rather than properly dispose of this material, Auza illegally dumped it on privately owned property, burning a portion of the ACWM, in violation of state & federal laws.

ADEQ inspectors found unsealed ACWM disposal bags, as well as visible emissions due to burning of ACWM on the site. Because Auza failed to comply with state & federal asbestos regulations governing the handling & disposal of regulated ACWM, ADEQ issued a Notice of Violation in 2004 & filed a complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court.

In addition to agreeing to pay the $10,000 civil penalty, Auza assisted efforts to clean up & properly dispose of the ACWM & ensure that dumping will not occur again on the site.

The consent judgment is subject to court approval.