The Environmental Protection Agency is working to remove asbestos, pesticides and other hazardous substances from the abandoned Albert potato farm in Wothington, Massachusetts. One of the farm’s buildings is structurally unsound and is releasing asbestos into the environment. In addition to several storage tanks, both above and below ground, the EPA found approximately 25 containers of hazardous chemicals on the site. The ground was not properly sealed around the some drums, raising the possibility of a hazardous release into the soil. And the farm has no fencing or other means to prevent access to the property. EPA crews are removing asbestos-containing transite board from the abandoned buildings and will dispose of asbestos products in a landfill licensed to handle them. The EPA is also doing air monitoring to be sure asbestos is not continuing to be released. The cleanup project is expected to cost about $120,000.
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