What started out as a simple tear-down project has resulted in several fines for improper handling of hazardous materials, a spate of finger-pointing and possible asbestos exposure for workers and residents of a south Corvallis neighborhood.

Last June, veterinarians Stephen Callahan and Kristina Cox bought a rundown motel called the Travel Inn at 1562 S.W. Third St. as the site for a new animal hospital. They hired Pepper Construction of Philomath to demolish two of the motel buildings and arranged for the Corvallis Fire Department to burn the third structure in a training exercise.

But the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, acting on a tip from an anonymous caller, ordered a halt to the demolition in mid-July and launched an investigation of possible asbestos-handling violations.

Investigators determined there may have been as much as 1,000 square feet of asbestos-containing flooring and roofing material in the motel, and this week the state environmental watchdog announced it had levied $36,000 worth of fines in the case.

The DEQ found plenty of blame to go around: