Federal regulators with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency filed a complaint citing asbestos violations against two Vermont companies in August 2009. JIDDU/SIDDU Trust of Colchester, Vermont and CRC Excavation, LLC of Middlesex, Vermont, are accused of failing to thoroughly inspect for asbestos before demolishing two buildings at 231 and 235 Pearl Street. The building demolition in Essex Junction of two residential lots is part of a commercial project. The combined project will result in the construction of a three-story, 35-unit apartment building.

The EPA claims the two Vermont companies not only failed to inspect for asbestos, which is a known human carcinogen and can cause chronic respiratory illnesses and fatal mesothelioma lung cancer, but did not follow Federal asbestos demolition standards. The companies failed to notify the EPA of its demolition and construction project. Both federal acts, Clean Air Act and National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos (Asbestos NESHAP), require owners and operators of renovation and demolition projects to follow specific guidelines, standards and laws mandated by the federal government. Violations of the Asbestos NESHAP places residents, workers, and local consumers at risk of direct and secondary exposure to asbestos.

According to the EPA