Environmental investigation turns up vermiculite/asbestos dust

EPA staff visited the site on March 2, 2000. Staff observed vermiculite sparkles on the soil surface at the rear of the building. Samples were taken of dust collected from rafters inside the southwest and northwest sections of the building that contained 1.4% asbestos (actinolite, tremolite).

Since 2002, EPA has detected winchite, richterite, and tremolite, which are consistent with Libby asbestos. There was 0.6% asbestos (actinolite and tremolite) in between framing on an inside wall. Insulation in one area contained 2.1% asbestos (chrysotile, actinolite).

Approximately 20 bags of Zonolite vermiculite were discovered in the crawl space in the west side of the building. Multiple samples from bag contents and soil were negative for asbestos. However, one sample had a trace of tremolite asbestos.

Abatement was recommended and completed by a W.R. Grace contractor under the oversight of ODEQ. Three additional areas were sampled during the abatement and analyzed by R.J. Lee Laboratory, which was later determined to be a long-term contract lab for W.R. Grace. Based on the samples provided by W.R. Grace and an asbestos abatement clearance inspection in February 2001, ODEQ staff recommended no further action.