Merrimack Valley Landlords Face Multiple Asbestos-Related Charges

WINCHESTER, MA — Two landlords who are brothers, and their four companies have been charged with over 100 counts of violating the Massachusetts Clean Air Act by illegally demolishing, storing, and transporting asbestos waste at apartment houses sold to college students in Lowell and Fitchburg, Attorney General Maura Healey said Wednesday.

On Thursday, Christopher "Christie" DeRosa, 68, and Steven DeRosa, 62, were indicted with 50 counts of Clean Air Act violations collectively. Their companies were also indicted on another 22 counts, each violating the Clean Air Act.

Greenscape Property & Building Construction Services LLC and Greenscape Property and Building, LLC, New Hampshire entities allegedly responsible for the Fitchburg violations, are also charged with six counts each.

These allegations stem from renovation work at four Lowell apartment buildings and one Fitchburg multi-family residence. The brothers are longtime business partners, landlords and real estate developers throughout the Merrimack Valley.

Asbestos is a hazardous material and known human carcinogen regulated under the Clean Air Act. It is used for fireproofing in a wide variety of building materials, from roofing and flooring to siding and wallboard, and is especially prevalent in older construction.

If asbestos is improperly handled or maintained, fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, devastating the lungs, causing scarring, and potentially life-threatening illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Once disturbed, asbestos fibers can remain airborne, and therefore breathable for up to 72 hours. Because of the serious health risks associated with asbestos, there is no safe level of exposure.

Healey says the brothers will be arraigned on the charges in Middlesex Superior Court and Worcester Superior Court at a later date.

For more information about asbestos-related worker safety and school safety requirements, visit the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards' website for its asbestos safety program.