Utah businessman charged over Clean Air Act violations due to mishandling of asbestos

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A Utah businessman and part-owner of the Broadway Hotel faces charges of Clean Air Act violations after allegedly failing to properly dispose of asbestos-containing debris.

Daniel Brett, 68, was on indicted on Feb. 14 by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City.

The Broadway Hotel, owned by Brett, was ordered for demolition in 2020 following a fire.

Despite knowing about the asbestos presence since 2011, Brett hired an excavation company not certified to handle asbestos-containing material for the demolition, according to court documents.

After the demolition, Brett left the asbestos-containing debris uncovered for 15 months, a violation of Clean Air Act regulations.

The Environmental Protection Agency conducted an emergency removal action in February 2022, which cost approximately $1.1 million.

Brett was charged with three counts of Clean Air Act violations. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Mar. 14.