EPA: Boise-based ski and snowboard park developer required to properly clean up asbestos to protect workers and area residents

From #EPA:

EPA: Boise-based ski and snowboard park developer required to properly clean up asbestos to protect workers and area residents

(Seattle, April 13, 2015) A Boise ski and snowboard park owner and developer has received an asbestos abatement Compliance Order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency following the partial demolition of the Lazy J Tavern complex near Eagle, Idaho, just northwest of Boise.

 In January 2014, developer Gateway Parks LLC, purchased a parcel of property next to an existing park near Eagle to expand operations.  In May 2014, the company hired a consultant to perform asbestos inspections on eight buildings on the site to prepare for demolition of the buildings. The consultant found asbestos and submitted a bid for abatement. Gateway Parks rejected the bid, and in mid- to late 2014, some of the buildings were demolished without safely removing the asbestos or notifying the EPA as required by federal asbestos law.

 Because asbestos materials were left in the buildings when they came down, the resulting debris piles were contaminated with asbestos. EPA began an investigation in coordination with state and local authorities after receiving a public complaint in late December 2014.

EPA’s order requires Gateway Parks to clean up the contaminated debris from buildings already demolished in accordance with federal safe asbestos disposal requirements, and to follow all relevant laws and regulations for future demolitions on the property. Gateway Parks now has to take immediate steps to control dust from the site and has 60 days to comply with the order. The company must also inform the EPA when the cleanup is complete.

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that naturally occurs in rock and soil. It was historically used in building materials and in construction for its tensile strength, fireproofing, and insulation properties. When inhaled, microscopic asbestos particles can lodge deep in the lungs, increasing risks of developing lung disease or cancer. Health risks from asbestos exposure are often made worse by smoking. In general, the greater the exposure to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing harmful health effects, with disease symptoms often developing years after exposure. 

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair or remodeling.  Only trained and certified asbestos abatement professionals should handle, remove and safely dispose of asbestos containing materials in licensed landfills or other approved disposal facilities.

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For more about EPA’s work to reduce health risks in homes from asbestos:
http://www2.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family