Environmental violators go to jail in crackdown

By ERIC FREEDMAN
Capital News Service
LANSING – A Detroit man’s 27-month prison term for Clean Air Act violations reflects growing worry among federal agencies that the state’s economic recovery may lead to more environmental crimes. Ironically, that’s because the improved economy is spurring more projects involving demolition of old structures and redevelopment of contaminated industrial sites. That means more chances for unscrupulous property owners, demolition companies and asbestos abatement contractors to commit crimes that threaten public and worker health, officials say. “Our concern, especially with all these old buildings in Detroit, is that people will take a shortcut,” said Jennifer Gorland, an assistant U.S. attorney in Detroit. “We hope that’s not true, but there’s always that temptation.