May 5, 2011 - Jennifer Smythe
Work on a 12-lot residential subdivision development at the site of a former landfill in Oceanport, NJ was quickly halted at the end of March after asbestos shingles were discovered on the property. "We don't know when it happened, but it was before 1969 (that the shingles were left)," said Oceanport Borough Engineer Bill White.
According to White, the New Jersey Environmental Protection (EPA) ordered the stop to construction, and plans to conduct “a remedial investigation to find out how much asbestos is there and to decide what can be done about it. The DEP is going to determine the parameters."
The Oceanport Patch news site reported that “Borough Clerk Kimberly A. Jungfer said the county Health Department contacted the borough about what happened and that county and state health officials will also be involved.”
So far, the town’s officials say that the asbestos discovered is not "friable” meaning that it does not appear to be airborne. Despite this, results from the EPA investigation will need to be verified before any further construction resumes. As the asbestos has been at the site for over three decades, it is necessary to determine the extent of possible contamination of nearby residents. Appropriate safety measures are also needed to protect residents and construction workers from any further exposure.
White added that after the EPA inspections are conduced “whatever needs to be done at the property would be paid for by the property owner.”
Across the country, law firms are fighting the asbestos problem on the legal end by helping people suffering from asbestos-related diseases receive monetary compensation. One leading law firm that has been helping people for over twenty years is Weitz & Luxenberg.
Former Quarterback charged with felony for improper handling of asbestos The Daily Show Rips Into Asbestos Town Weitz & Luxenberg brings you the latest news about asbestos.
