Air quality concerns at Collier County recycling plant put to the test

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla (WINK) - Independent testing found fiberglass and other construction materials in dust collected near a Collier County waste and recycling facility, according to a newly completed air quality report.

For months, nearby business owners have raised concerns about dust blowing from the Coastal Waste and Recycling facility on Yahl Street in Naples.

One of the nearby business owners, Joseph Barbara, said, "I feel like I've smoked three packs a day."

WINK Investigates first reported those complaints in November, when neighbors said dust was coating cars, buildings, and surrounding properties. They said they feared the dust could pose health risks.

Now, a newly completed independent air quality report suggests elevated particulate levels and recommends formal regulatory testing.

What the independent report found

WINK Investigates called James Kukalis, owner of Clean Air Management, who offered to conduct testing. 

According to the Kukalis's Air Quality Report – Coastal Waste Yahl St., surface dust samples collected near the property tested positive for:

• Fiberglass
• Gypsum (drywall material)
• Cellulose insulation fibers

Over the course of a month, Kukalis also measured airborne particulate matter using a laser particle counter over five separate days near the facility.

The report focused on two federally regulated pollutants:

PM 2.5 (fine particles)

• EPA annual standard: 9 micrograms per cubic meter
• Five-day average measured: 14.48 

PM 10 (larger inhalable particles)

• EPA annual standard: 150
• Five-day average measured: 240

The report cites the samples as “grab samples,” which differs from full regulatory compliance testing. The EPA does not mandate a monthly standard.

The report states there is a “strong indication” elevated particulate levels may be present and recommends formal regulatory sampling by state or federal agencies.

Expert perspective on health impacts

WINK Investigates shared the findings with Dr. Nora Demers, a biology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University in the collage of arts and sciencs. 

Demers explained that PM 2.5 particles are particularly concerning because of their size. She also noted fiberglass is a known respiratory irritant.

"It's glass, it's sharp," Dr. Demers said. "There's no question that there's health, human health implications for what's going on." 

Demers said seeing annual EPA-level numbers during short sampling periods would justify more comprehensive regulatory testing.  

Nearby business owner reaction

WINK Investigates showed the testing results to Barbara. He said the results validate what he says he has experienced.

"I knew there was fiberglass. I knew it was insulation," Barbara said.

Barbara says he has experienced chest pressure and respiratory irritation while working near the facility.

“I’m a non-smoker. I feel like I have pressure on my lungs at all times,” Barbara said.

He is now calling for formal regulatory oversight.

"We just keep getting the door shut on us. Who do we get to stand up for us?" Barbara said. If you complain to the EPA about something and you think it's toxic, wouldn't you think they would at least check on you, not just shut the door on you?"

Ongoing requests to regulators

Since November, WINK Investigates has been emailing both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), informing them of neighbors’ concerns and asking what actions, if any, will be taken to address them.

After receiving the latest independent lab results, WINK followed up again with both agencies.

The EPA acknowledged receipt of the inquiry and said it will work on the matter with its enforcement division.

The FDEP responded that it is working on the original request. 

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County deferred questions to the FDEP.

Collier County and Commissioner Chris Hall did not respond to WINK Investigates inquiry on test results. 

Coastal Waste & Recycling full statement

Coastal Waste & Recycling declined an on-camera interview and provided the following written statement:

“We are aware that concerns have been raised by some nearby businesses, and it is our intention to be a responsible and valuable member of the community. Coastal Waste & Recycling acquired this facility in October 2024, and since that time has implemented a progressive capital improvements plan focused on enhancing operational efficiency and long-term performance. While current operations meet applicable regulatory and industry standards, Coastal is upgrading existing systems to incorporate additional state of the art automation and modernized technologies.

The Naples facility provides construction and demolition (C&D) recycling services that are valuable to Collier County and the State of Florida, supporting waste diversion, material recovery, and broader sustainability initiatives by reducing the volume of material sent to landfills and enabling the responsible reuse of resources.

This facility operates in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations and has been inspected over the years with no findings of non-compliance by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or Collier County.

Coastal is proactively upgrading existing systems to add automation and advanced technologies that further support environmental, health, and safety objectives, including enhanced dust suppression capabilities.”

What happens next?

The independent report does not constitute an official regulatory violation. Only state or federal agencies can determine compliance through formal testing.

However, the report by Kukalis concludes that the data collected indicates elevated particulate levels that warrant further regulatory review.

For nearby business owners, the question now is whether regulators will conduct their own testing — and if so, when.