Saranac Lake, NY, Approves Asbestos Remediation at Abandoned Village Property

When communities like the Village of Saranac Lake, NY, take possession of abandoned, asbestos-contaminated properties, their local governments must determine the best way to remove contaminates from the blighted properties.

Asbestos is known to cause serious health problems many decades after exposure to the dangerous mineral. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer or asbestosis, please complete the form on this page to obtain more information from our asbestos lawyers about your legal rights.

In February 2010, the Adirondak Daily Enterprise reported on environmental contamination and zoning problems associated with their seizure of a small property in the Village of Saranac Lake. A trailer on the abandoned property on Neil Street is contaminated with asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

Because of the small dimensions of the lot (0.11 acre), the Village or any potential buyer of the property has few options to build a new structure on the lot without obtaining zoning variances. The Village Board voted to approve the $12,000 funding for asbestos abatement and disposal and to have the trailer demolished, and them move forward with offering the property for sale by sealed bid.

NYS Regulations for Asbestos Abatement
The Village is required to follow federal and New York State regulations regarding the removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and ACM debris. These regulations, which are overseen by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC), require that the Village follow a number of regulations, including:

• Hiring an asbestos removal contractor certified by the state to perform the work;
• Making sure that all ACM is removed and disposed of in accordance with state and federal regulations; and
• Ensuring that all precautions are taken to make sure those who live or work in the area where the asbestos abatement is taking place are protected from exposure to dangerous asbestos dusts.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we may be able to help you to seek justice for your illness and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.