The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed a fine of $27,100 to Robert Clum of Pittsfield for illegally removing asbestos at a residence at 65 Circular Ave. in Pittsfield in August 2016.

This removal and disposal of asbestos pipe insulation potentially exposed residents to asbestos fibers. Clum did not have a Massachusetts contractor’s license to do the asbestos work nor did he notify MassDEP regarding the planned asbestos removal.

Clum was hired by the homeowner to remove asbestos-containing boiler pipe insulation in the basement of the two-family home. He performed the work without using required work techniques to prevent an air-borne release of asbestos. Subsequently, a proper asbestos abatement was performed by a licensed contractor under the oversight of the MassDEP.

“In this case, an elderly resident was clearly taken advantage of by an individual unqualified to remove asbestos material,” Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP’s western regional office in Springfield, said in a statement. “It is essential that asbestos abatement be performed by a licensed contractor to ensure that there is no risk to human health and safety or the environment.”