The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

July 31, 2009

Wingert firm pays penalty

Cited by MPCA, company pays $35,000 penalty

By Tim Krohn

GARDEN CITY — A firm managed by Mankato Realtor Dan Wingert has agreed to pay a $35,000 civil penalty to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for alleged environmental violations involving the improper handling and disposal of materials containing asbestos.

The violations occurred during the remodeling of the former middle school building in Garden City. The building is now leased by Wellcome Manor, a residential treatment center for women.

The company being fined is listed only as 22 LLC. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, 22 LLC has its manager listed as Wingert with an address of 16397 Highway 169, Garden City.

Wingert did not return telephone calls Friday.

After a citizen complaint, MPCA staff inspected the former school on Jan. 25, 2007, and documented many instances of dry debris from pipe wrap insulation scattered on the floor in several rooms.

Inspection of the kitchen revealed about 400 square feet of suspect pipe wrap and ceiling tile debris along with 35-70 cubic feet of material containing asbestos in a bag with identical material scattered across the floor. Additional pipe insulation was found in the boiler room as well as in unsealed bags.

An emergency cleanup of the building by a Minnesota Department of Health-licensed abatement contractor was performed. The contractor reported removing 5,000 cubic feet of debris related to the cleanup of contaminated materials.

The developer failed to notify the MPCA of its intent to do renovation that would involve the material. Additional violations included improper handling of material that was not kept wet to prevent the material from becoming an airborne health hazard. The company also allowed unlicensed workers to disturb the asbestos material while attempting to remove a boiler and attached pipes.

Wellcome Manor opened in the former Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial school district building in November 2007.

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