Feds will clean up asbestos contamination at San Antonio’s old Big Tex site
Asbestos-contaminated soil at the old Big Tex site south of downtown San Antonio will finally be cleaned up by the EPA. Between 1961 and 1989, the former grain company site was a vermiculite processing plant where more than 100,000 tons of W.R. Grace’s asbestos-contaminated vermiculite ore from the Libby, Montana mine was processed.
Federal crews are already removing the contaminated soil, scraping off at least the top six inches of soil in contaminated areas. They will also remove asbestos from two contaminated buildings on the site. Asbestos contamination at the site has stood in the way of redevelopment for decades.
Asbestos removal requires careful adherence to safety procedures to avoid dangerous exposures to the fibers. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma and other serious and sometimes fatal diseases. The old Big Tex site is in the middle of a populated area, so it is critical that no airborne asbestos escape the work site. During the removal, EPA crews will wear protective gear, including respiratory protection. The soil will be continually sprayed with water to prevent dust from becoming airborne, and air quality monitors will be in use to guard against airborne asbestos.
The cleanup is expected to cost about $500,000, which will be paid by the EPA. The EPA will then seek reimbursement from former or current owners of the site who are found responsible for the contamination.
For the full story, go to MySanAntonio.com.
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