Three branches of the U.S. military are more intently scrutinizing housing landlord Balfour Beatty Communities with concerns over health hazards and maintenance practices, according to a Reuters report.
The Air Force issued an ultimatum for Balfour Beatty to submit a plan to resolve concerns with serious life, health, and safety issues within 90 days in housing at all 21 Air Force bases where it operates troop housing. If the company fails to make improvements promptly, the Air Force will begin a formal dispute process that could result in financial penalties and termination of its operating agreement with Balfour Beatty, Reuters reported.
According to Reuters, records show Air Force personnel at Tinker had questioned the accuracy of the company’s maintenance logs multiple times. Some families at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma were exposed to asbestos, sewage, vermin, and mold, Reuters reported.
The Army docked more than 50% of Balfour Beatty’s financial bonuses at three bases this year. Other housing landlords also had fees withheld.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates
New features include Python Plugin features and additional tabular reporting options.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Federal plan to double Canadian lumber tariffs draws intense criticism
Builders advised to stock up to deal with shortages.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Passive House standards proving their worth in multifamily sector
Energy performance beats conventionally built by 32% to 58%.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2021
Pittsburgh combats construction fraud
Crackdown on tax, insurance, and workers’ comp malfeasance.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2021
Proposal to add photovoltaic panels to the R2 Standard for electronics recycling
Hundreds of facilities in 33 countries could begin recycling PVs.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2021
International Energy Agency lays out roadmap to net zero
Focus is on energy generation, but building efficiency also plays a role.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2021
Biden Administration will make new investments in building energy efficiency
Focus on grid-interactive buildings; Energy Star expansion; new targets for energy, water reduction.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2021
Solar panel trade group issues guidelines to rid use of components built with forced labor
Growing concern that PV industry is dependent on work camps in China.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2021
Smart electric panels can aid transition to renewable energy
Allow customers better control of circuits; utilities can better manage demand.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2021
Cross-laminated timber performs better than expected in shear test
Tests conducted in support of new criteria for design of CLT diaphragm.