March 4, 2009
Steve Dalim, Environmental Analyst 3
State of Connecticut
Department of Public Health
410 Capitol Avenue, MS#51AIR
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134
Re: Constitution Plaza project – Hartford, Connecticut
Dear Mr. Dalim:
I have enclosed a copy of an article that appeared in The Hartford Courant today relative
to the captioned project, entitled “Asbestos Problems? Not If You Ask The State.” Obviously,
the purpose of this letter is, in fact, to ask the State.
The Laborers’ Union is not assuming that there is asbestos located in the Constitution
Plaza building, but there are certainly questions that need answering. In a telephone
conversation with you on March 3, 2009, you indicated clearly that there have been problems at
the site and Industrial Wrecking was stopped during their demolition removal for contaminating
the site because asbestos products were disturbed. I would appreciate that report for my file.
You also indicated, as does the article, that DJ Contracting has had run-ins with the State
and fined for various violations. Their certification expired and was renewed, why? Did the
company’s work habits change? Is there a Connecticut inspector on site to inspect daily progress
and protect workers? Has DJ Contracting and its employees been checked to see in fact if they
are licensed and conform to Connecticut statute to do asbestos removal? Your comment was no.
State agencies and your Department have been charged with a duty to protect workers
and insure that companies conform to the law. I am continuously frustrated by the constant run
around we get because a union is trying to expose unscrupulous contractors. We represent
workers who are trained, licensed and, more importantly, Connecticut taxpayers.
Steve Dalim, Environmental Analyst 3
State of Connecticut
Department of Public Health
Page Two
March 4, 2009
I will be looking for a daily report of your inspections and your findings from the
inception of this project to date. During our investigation of UConn 2000 and a similar company
from out of state, everyone took the same position as yours that nothing was wrong with the
project. Well, after millions of dollars in taxpayer waste UConn found out, as we all did,
that everything was wrong.
Very truly yours,
Charles T. LeConche
Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer
CTL:kl
Enclosure
cc: Jeff Cohen
Hartford Courant