Residents living in the Marshall Place neighborhood of Newport News, Virginia are concerned about the presence of asbestos in a nearby former industrial plant site. Demolition began approximately three weeks ago at Mariner’s Watch which led to the residents concern that asbestos containing materials may not be being handled properly.
According to city officials, though, the materials are being accounted for and handled the way they are supposed to be handled. City officials have stated that the state Department of Environmental Quality and the United States Environmental Protection Agency are both working closely with the construction crews in order to be sure that all dangerous materials are being removed and disposed of according to regulations.
It has also been stated by a Department of Environmental Quality manager that the work conducted on the former industrial site will be checked this week by a pollution inspector. He also has stated that the owner of the property will be required to submit proof to the city that any asbestos containing materials were disposed of in the correct manner.
Asbestos not disposed of properly may become airborne and pose a significant risk of exposure to those in the immediate area. Asbestos exposure can cause a range of health problems including asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
The demolition of the building is said to be a step in the preparation for the development of an upscale residential complex project.
