WICHITA, KAN. – A Harper man has pleaded guilty to violating a federal environmental law when he demolished a building for the city of Harper, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Hugh Barker, 55, Harper, Kan., pleaded guilty to failing to file notification of demolition with the Environmental Protection Agency. In his plea, he admitted that on Oct. 8, 2008, his company, Barker Sand and Gravel, began demolishing the Buckeye Building in Harper, Kan. Barker, who had a contract with the city of Harper for the demolition, failed to file required notification of plans for the demolition. An inspection by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment determined that debris from the building included floor tile containing asbestos.

Sentencing in this case is set for April 9. He faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

In 2008, Barker was sentenced to two years probation after pleading guilty to discharging a pollutant into the East Sand Creek in Harper County in 2006 .

Grissom commended the Environmental Protection Agency and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.

 

 

Return to Top