Heavy Asbestos Fines for Hanford Contractors in Washington

Two contractors at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington will pay more than $175,000 in fines after an investigation found alleged asbestos violations.

The Environmental Protection Agency says CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Co. will pay $131,594 and Washington Closure Hanford will pay $44,000 in settlement agreements.

The Tri-City Herald reports the alleged violations were discovered during a 2012 inspection.

EPA says buildings were torn down with asbestos still in siding or paint, that information provided to the Benton Clean Air Authority was inaccurate and that some asbestos waste was improperly stored.

The penalties announced Wednesday were related to clean air regulations.