Iowa school asbestos removal and bad weather hamper construction

Sep 8, 2009

The construction of a new high school in Davis County, Iowa has been hampered by rainy weather and delays in the demolition of the old Vocational Agriculture building that needs to come down to make room for the new school. The Vocational Agriculture building needs to undergo asbestos abatement before it can be removed, and the construction manager for the project said that there was more asbestos than they had anticipated. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that was commonly used in construction materials prior to the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious illnesses like asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

Terracon Consultants performed the asbestos testing for the school. Once it sends the results of the testing to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the DNR must review and accept the results before Story Construction can get going on the demolition.

School board members were concerned that the asbestos removal procedures were setting the project behind schedule and may be costing more money than had been set aside. The superintendent stated that the costs are still within those set out in the original contract, but the whole process is just taking more time than expected.

For the full story, go to The Ottumwa Courier.

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