ARCHIVED - Building company reported for dumping asbestos in Guadalajara countryside
Asbestos was widely used in construction throughout Spain in the past and, although production was banned in 2002, it remains in place in many buildings, particularly in fibre cement roofing.
The Guardia Civil’s Seprona nature protection branch has put a stop to illicit activities by a renovation company from Madrid caught dumping asbestos in the countryside in Guadalajara (Castilla La-Mancha) and accused the manager of illegal waste disposal.
Investigations began after three members of the public in different areas of the province reported having seen builders dumping waste in the countryside.
From there, enquiries led Seprona investigators to a renovation company located in Alcalá de Henares in Madrid, which was carrying out asbestos removal work but was not correctly authorised or registered to do so, the Guardia Civil reported.
Moreover, the company was not taking materials removed from sites to authorised treatment facilities, and staff were not using suitable protection to carry out their work.
Fibre cement roofing is now considered hazardous waste under European legislation because it contains asbestos. Specific training and conditions and special protective equipment are required to handle and manage this type of waste.
Failure to comply with these measures can pose a serious risk to human health, as asbestos can be toxic and cause cancer. Likewise, failure to correctly dispose of hazardous materials of this type and dumping can cause severe harm to the environment.
Needless to say, sanctions will now follow!