Iowa Developer Must Pay Record Fine for Asbestos Violations

DES MOINES - As if Des Moines developer Bob Knapp didn't have enough financial problems, he has now agreed to a pay a staggering, Iowa state record, $500,000 fine for numerous asbestos handling and management violations that occurred between 2005 to 2007. Asbestos is classified by the EPA as a known cancer-causing agent, and stringent state and federal regulations have long governed the management, handling, and disposal of the extremely toxic material - regulations that were, allegedly, widely ignored by Knapp during the two year period when the developer had been responsible for major renovations at Des Moines' famed and historic Equitable Building located at 604 Locust Street.

For over 49 years the Equitable Building stood as the tallest structure in Iowa, until its nearly 320 foot height was overtaken in the 1970s. Currently in foreclosure, the building was purchased in 2004 by the now cash-strapped Knapp who immediately began to convert portions of the landmark structure into luxury condominiums while most office and retail space holders continued in operation. According to officials from Iowa's Department of Natural Resources (DNR), during the course of Equitable L. P. (Knapp's Company) renovations, numerous asbestos violations occurred. DNR investigators cited multiple violations of both state and federal regulations with respect to Knapp's procedures for handling and disposing of asbestos-containing building materials that were either disturbed or discarded during the course of the renovations.

The word asbestos is no more than a general term that describes a vast array of geologic materials that exist in relative abundance in many countries around the globe, though, all colors, types, and chemical compositions of the naturally occurring silicate mineral share numerous desirable attributes. Asbestos is nearly fireproof, it offers superior resistance to mold or moisture damage, is nearly impervious to harsh chemical corrosives, and it is an excellent insulator. Because of the unique nature of asbestos, the material was commonly used in a wide variety of products, including numerous types of building materials.

In the early 1970s, the widespread use of asbestos in everyday products came to a halt when medical experts confirmed that the material could be extremely hazardous to health. When asbestos is crushed or fractured, microscopic asbestos fibers can become airborne where they can then be inhaled into the lungs. Once these fibers enter the lungs, they become permanently embedded in soft tissues, and up to five decades later, asbestos fibers can cause the onset of serious diseases such as the aggressive and incurable lung cancer killer known as malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Because of the extreme toxicity of asbestos, DNR officials claim that Knapp's reckless handling of the material during renovations at the Equitable Building could have endangered the health of countless individuals who shopped at the famed Josephs Jewelers (a fabled tenant that has since relocated), as well as those who visited the dentist, purchased books or consulted with an attorney in the 85 year old building. Hence the half million dollar fine.

"This is the largest civil penalty by far in Iowa for asbestos violations," said Attorney General Tom Miller. "We alleged Equitable L.P. completely ignored asbestos-handling requirements during renovations from 2005 to 2007, until the DNR became involved."

Knapp has continually downplayed the situation, having repeatedly stated that there wasn't that much asbestos in the historic building in the first place, a contention DNR officials disagree with. State experts who performed numerous tests at the site claim that there existed large amounts of asbestos in the downtown structure, which would make sense due to the extensive presence of asbestos in countless older buildings of the era across the country.

Knapp has already paid $100,000 of the fine, and he has an additional two years to pay the remainder of the record penalty. If Knapp fails to pay the fine in full, he will face additional penalties, as well as a possible contempt of court citation that could land the developer behind bars.

Source: Des Moines Register

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