Three Tennessee men have been sentenced to a combined total of more than seven years in prison for Clean Air Act and other violations related to a demolition project. The men were associated with Watkins Street Project, which was hired to demolish a former textile mill in East Chattanooga that contained asbestos. According to EPA, the company hired homeless and untrained workers to do the asbestos removal work. During the project, which began in 2004 and extended for about 18 months, asbestos-containing dust was released into the air, contaminating the workplace, area homes and a daycare center. Besides the prison sentences, one of the three men must pay a $20,000 penalty and the company, $58,000 in fines and restitution. The men, who have indicated they will appeal, are expected to begin their prison terms November 16.
