One of the men involved in the botched cleanup of asbestos from the former Pillsbury Mills site in Springfield has been sentenced to more than three years in prison.
Joseph Chernis the Fourth was sentenced under a plea agreement on charges of illegal asbestos removal, demolition and disposal, as well as obstructing justice.
Federal officials say the improper handling of asbestos created a potential health hazard for workers on the site and residents in the area. The government estimates it could cost $2.5 million to complete cleanup of the site.