Massachusetts’ largest asbestos-removal training school has come under fire by a grand jury for graduating students who paid extra to skip required classes.

According to an article in the Boston Herald, the Environmental Compliance Training School of Methuen, MA “helped students get asbestos-removal certification without required classwork or proof of citizenship or legal immigration.” The alleged violations occurred between 2001 and 2006.

The grand jury has indicted Albania DeLeon and Jose Garcia-Garcia in connection with the operation. DeLeon owns the school and Garcia-Garcia was an employee of Environmental Compliance Training (ECT).

The newspaper article notes that authorities allege ECT students were allowed to pay an extra $50 in order to skip the $350 classes. The school would then allegedly forge attendance slips and either give students test answers or create fake exams with passing grades. 

Alarmingly, officials report that the school certified more than half of the technicians that were licensed in 2004 to remove asbestos. Improperly removed asbestos may result in exposure to asbestos fibers, which may be inhaled by those in the vicinity. The fibers may eventually cause asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs.

A grand jury indicted DeLeon and Garcia-Garcia on one count each of making false statements to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If convicted, both face up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash), a long time advocate for victims of asbestos-related diseases, celebrated Tuesday as her bill calling for a total ban on asbestos passed through the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee with a 19-0 vote.

“I’m thrilled that the entire committee has sent a clear and loud message of support, giving us strong momentum heading to the Senate floor,” Murray said. “To the families who have been waiting for help, to the workers who need to be protected, I’d say we’re almost there.”

According to an article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the bill will most likely move to the Senate floor this fall for a final vote. Experts believe it will earn broad support.

On Tuesday, the only contrary word came from Republican Sen. Arlen Specter. His concern wasn’t about Murray’s bill itself but about the broader — and far more complex and politically volatile — question of dealing with thousands of lawsuits from people killed and sickened by asbestos, notes the article.

“An asbestos ban does not solve the problem that has been plaguing our courts for years, forcing many employers into bankruptcy and leaving thousands of workers without compensation,” Specter said.
Murray said she listen to Specter’s concerns, but only to a point.

“My bill is moving forward quickly with strong bipartisan support, and we shouldn’t jeopardize this historic opportunity to finally protect American workers and their families from deadly asbestos,” she said.