Demolition samples under EPA scrutiny

By BRENT SHRUM Western News Reporter

The Environmental Protection Agency is revising its protocols for the demolition of asbestos-contaminated buildings based on lessons learned while tearing down a dilapidated structure between Epperson Mountaineering and Tony's Muffler in downtown Libby.

According to information released by the EPA, extensive air and dust sampling undertaken during the demolition in late June showed asbestos in the air at "unacceptable levels" at the immediate work site.

Samples are still being analyzed, but indications thus far are that the release of asbestos was confined to the work area and did not extend beyond the perimeter, said EPA project manager Peggy Churchill.

"We feel pretty confident with it not being anything that will exceed the level of concern," she said.

Air monitors were set up at different heights in three rings extending from the immediate work site, Churchill said. Dust was also collected at locations around the area and indoors at nearby businesses. The samples are being analyzed to the most detailed level possible, Churchill said.

"The ones we have gotten back look good," she said.

Samples are being studied to determine at what points in the demolition asbestos fibers were released and how they behaved once they were in the air. The samples were taken throughout the three days workers were on the site, Churchill said.

The demolition was conducted according to a nationally reviewed workplan drawn up by the EPA. Based on experience, a second demolition scheduled for this week — of a Libby-area home where asbestos-contaminated vermiculite was used in the plaster making up the walls — is being conducted somewhat differently, Churchill said.

The downtown building was wetted down before demolition, the area was misted with water during work, and hoses spraying water were manually directed to areas where work was under way, Churchill said.

"It has to do with keeping the area as wet as we possibly can," she said.

The house being demolished this week will also be pre-wet, Churchill said, but a different technique is being used. The plan calls for water to be sprayed directly into the wall cavities over the 24 hours preceding demolition. Quick analysis of samples is planned for updates while demolition work is in progress.

EPA policy calls for buildings to be cleaned of asbestos contamination before demolition, except in cases where the building is structurally unsound, as in the case of the downtown building, or impossible to clean, as with the house being demolished this week, Churchill said.