A company based in Colchester, Vermont and a demolition firm based in Middlesex are facing joint fines that total nearly $30,000 due to alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act and national regulations regarding asbestos. The companies, JIDDU/SIDDU Trust of Colchester and CRC Excavating, LLC of Middlesex demolished buildings last year on two residential lots in Essex Junction, Vermont. The demolitions were being conducted in order to build a three-story, 35-unit apartment building.

According to EPA officials, about 120 cubic yards of demolition debris was removed from the sites. The debris was then disposed of at a waste transfer station as non-asbestos waste without a proper inspection.

Environmental Protection Agency officials in Boston have revealed that asbestos-related complaints against the companies could end with big fines. The companies allegedly failed to find asbestos during pre-demolition inspections of the property.

In addition, both JIDDU/SIDDU Trust of Colchester and CRC Excavating, LLC failed to notify the EPA of their intent to demolish, a measure that is required under federal asbestos demolition standards, officials said. The two companies now face a fine of $29,308.