University of Wyoming cited for asbestos violations

Nov 10, 2009

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has cited the University of Wyoming for scattering asbestos-containing materials during a demolition project at the Bureau of Mines building. Violations include failing to conduct an asbestos inspection, failing to provide notification to the proper authorities, failing to remove a regulated asbestos-containing material prior to demolition, failing to utilize trained asbestos personnel to remove the material, failing to wet the material down and failing to place the asbestos-containing materials in leak-tight containers prior to disposal.

Asbestos was commonly used to insulate older buildings like that which housed the Bureau of Mines. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lead to serious illnesses like asbestos or mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. The university’s violations may have exposed the public to the carcinogen.

The incident was reported to the DEQ on June 23, and the DEQ inspected the site the following day, informing the university that it had two days to clean up the asbestos contamination. The notice of violations was sent to the university on September 28, with a note that the matter may be referred to the state Attorney General’s Office so that penalties can be recovered in District Court.

For the full story, go to Trib.com.

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