Washington, DC – The General Counsel of the Office of Compliance (OOC) and the Office of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) today signed the final comprehensive settlement of a complaint and three citations issued to the AOC involving safety and health hazards existing in the Capitol Power Plant utility tunnels. (Photo attached)

Since no objections or comments were filed with the Office of Compliance regarding the five-year abatement period, the Settlement Agreement will now be submitted to the Executive Director of the Office of Compliance. Following review by the Executive Director, the Hearing Officer presiding over this litigation, Salvatore Arrigo, will receive the parties’ Joint Motion seeking a Decision that effects the terms of the Settlement Agreement.

“We look forward to working with the Architect of the Capitol to ensure that the hazards identified in the tunnels are promptly corrected,” said Peter Ames Eveleth, General Counsel of the Office of Compliance.

“Addressing the issues in the utility tunnels has been a priority for me and for the Agency. I am pleased that the OOC and the AOC have reached this settlement over the past several months. We are committed to working to resolve these issues as expeditiously and as safely as possible,” said Acting Architect Stephen T. Ayers. “I would like to thank everyone involved in drafting this Settlement Agreement for their time and dedication to finding a solution to correct these issues.”

The Office of Compliance advances safety, health and workplace rights in the U.S. Congress and the legislative branch. Established as an independent agency by the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, the Office educates employees and employing offices about their rights and responsibilities under the Act, provides an impartial dispute resolution process and investigates and remedies violations of the Act.