State officials step in to clean up asbestos problems in Merino, Colorado
After the Merino Volunteer Fire Department worked with Merino, Colorado residents to clean up the community by demolishing and burning an old building, state health officials discovered asbestos in the smoldering pile. No demolition permit or asbestos removal permit had been obtained for the project.
A certified asbestos contractor will clean up the site, but the property owner and operator will be responsible for paying and confirming that this is done. The local fire department will keep the site damp in the meantime to avoid the release of asbestos fibers into the air. Breathing airborne asbestos fibers can cause serious diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer that grows in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen.
Officials said that, although asbestos regulations provide for substantial fines, officials are working with the property owner to clean up the problem and are not imposing fines at this point.
For the full story, go to the Journal Advocate.
