Print edition: 
A Harper man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to violating a federal environmental law when he demolished a building more than three years ago that contained asbestos, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.
Hugh Barker, 55, 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.
Barker had a contract with the city of Harper for the demolition. An inspection by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment determined that the building’s debris included floor tile containing asbestos. Sentencing is set for April 9. Barker faces a maximum of two years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
In 2008, Barker was sentenced to two years’ probation after pleading guilty to dumping a pollutant into East Sand Creek in Harper County in 2006.
