The state’s Department of Environmental Protection has penalized Naggar Realty LLC $18,050 for asbestos violations at 563 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge.

MassDEP found pieces of asbestos-containing floor tiles on the first floor of the commercial property where renovations were taking place during an initial inspection on Nov. 21, 2007. Asbestos-containing debris was also improperly disposed of in an open roll-off container outside, the DEP said.

"Asbestos materials can be found in many places, particularly older buildings, and it presents a hazard to public health if it is improperly removed," said Richard Chalpin, director of MassDEP’s Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington, in a press release.

Naggar Realty appealed MassDEPs’ original $18,050 penalty on Feb. 19. On Sept. 14, MassDEP Commissioner Laurie Burt issued a final decision in which Naggar agreed to resolve the case and pay $7,500 of the penalty. The remaining $10,550 will be suspended for one year pending compliance with applicable regulations.