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A non-profit organization that runs several Southern Arizona charter schools has been fined $18,500 for alleged violations of U.S. environmental law.

Portable Practical Education Preparation Inc., headquartered in Tucson, was fined under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act as a result of government inspections conducted in 2006.

The non-profit agreed to the fine without admitting guilt and corrected problems the same month they were detected, the Environmental Protection Agency said in a press release.

Inspectors found 500- to 600- square feet each of asbestos-containing building material at the Celestino Fernandez Learning Center, 1840 E. Benson Highway, in Tucson; at the Raul H. Castro Learning Center, 530 12th St., in Douglas; and at the Manuel Bojorquez Learning Center, 203 Bisbee Road, in Bisbee.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber, once was widely used in building material for its thermal insulation and fire resistance.

It generally is not hazardous when undisturbed but can pose health risks if fibers become airborne and breathable, as during building renovations or repairs.

Educational agencies are required by law to inspect their schools for asbestos and prepare management plans to prevent or reduce asbestos hazards.