Developer charged with violating Clean Air Act

A Livingston County man faces up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine if convicted of violating the federal Clean Air Act.

Anastasios “Taso” Kolokouris, 28, of Avon, was arrested Tuesday morning. He is accused of violating work practice standards involving asbestos removal and disturbance at a warehouse he owns at 920 Exchange St. in the city of Rochester.

U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr., speaking at a press conference, said authorities from the state departments of labor and environmental conservation, working with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, acted very quickly.

The investigation began eight days ago following a tip to the Department of Labor which sent an industrial hygenist to the site where a trash bin was discovered two-thirds full of asbestos which also found in more than 90 industrial-size bags in the building.

Hochul said federal law requires strict measures for handling the toxic materials, which can lead to the development of various serious diseases in people who handle it without proper training and protective gear.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who is leading the investigation, said a federal search warrant was obtained and federal and state agents entered the property on Dec.14, removing the bags and additional samples, which tested positive for asbestos.

The complaint further alleges that Kolokouris hired several civilian workers without any asbestos training or experience to clean out the trash bin and load it into bags.

“Because asbestos is known to be a hazardous material, any business owner involved in the remediation or redevelopment of property which contains asbestos is obligated to follow certain guidelines,” Hochul said. “These guidelines are designed to protect the health and safety of employees, as well as residents living in nearby neighborhoods. Our office is committed to prosecuting those who ignore or violate the environmental laws designed to protect the public.” 

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens, who was not at the press conference, said improperly handled asbestos poses a health risk to all who come in contact with it and can lead to chronic disease such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, according to a release.

“This case is particularly heinous because it exposed workers to asbestos without adequate protective equipment to save the defendant the cost of legal abatement and disposal,” Martens said.

Kolokouris was to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marion W. Payson at the federal courthouse in Rochester.

Joining Hochul and Gestring were DEC Lt. Richard Thomas and Officer Chris Ward. They warn that anyone who was at or near the site since Aug. 1 may have been exposed to the asbestos and can call the state Health Department for more information, or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York at 1 (800) 799-6033.