Asbestos Discovery Delays Demolition Work

Asbestos Discovery Delays Demolition Work

Ref: Stephen J. Pytak, Republican Herald - April 25, 2008

An asbestos discovery in the white shingles covering property at 523 N. Centre St. postponed the demolition of that building and the former Going My Way bar at 521 N. Center until May 2, according to Elm Street manager for the City of Pottsville, Schuylkill Community Action, Mike McGeever.

McGeever said, J.M. Brennan & Sons, Blakeslee, Monroe County, the contractor, was hoping to knock down the late 19th century buildings Monday.

On Thursday, however, CCM Contracting Inc., Wilkes-Barre, a sub-contractor that J.M. Brennan & Sons hired to check the building for asbestos, determined the "transite wall boarding" on the three-story building was laden with asbestos, said company vice president, Michael Brennan.

Brennan said, because "it's a non-friable type of asbestos, as long as it doesn't break up and turn into flakes, it's safe."

McGeever said, there is no evidence of asbestos being present in any other part of the structure.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site, Asbestos particles, impure magnesium silicate mineral, can be the cause of chest and abdominal cancer and lung disease.

The situation was communicated to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Wilkes-Barre when the discovery was made by CCM Contracting.

McGeever said, "The DEP needs 10 days to get the paperwork together, and decide whether or not they want to oversee the asbestos removal. It is a standard practice."

The start of demolition was rescheduled by J.M. Brennan & Sons as a result.

McGeever said that the DEP told the contractor that the wall boards can be hand removed.

McGeever further stated, "It can be disposed of in normal fill as there are no special disposal methods or packages."

Assistant regional director with the DEP Northeast Regional Office, Wilkes-Barre, Gary Greenfield, could not by the end of day Monday, confirm this.

The initial cost of the demolition project was $15,600. That cost will jump "approximately $800" with the asbestos removal, McGeever said. He said the project is being financed with left over money from a $280,000 Elm Street grant received in May of '06.

The 521 N. Centre St. property is the former Going My Way bar and 523 N. Centre St. housed apartments and was part of the bar.

On a similar note, McGeever said that Schuylkill Community Action would like to invite residents of North Centre and Nichols streets to a meeting about the Elm Street Program at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Good Will Fire Company No. 4 located on Nichols Street.

Residents will be updated on developments and informed of future plans. Also, projects for spring and summer will be identified, committees formed and open discussion will be invited, McGeever said.

The Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Harrisburg and The state Department of Community and Economic Development and admitted the city in November 2004 to the five-year Elm Street Program. McGeever said, it provides funding for facade improvements, street and sidewalk renovations and additional beautification projects.