Asbestos and Lead Cleanup Underway at Great Falls National Park

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News Summary

The EPA begins a $4 million cleanup for asbestos and lead at Great Falls National Park, addressing health risks and community concerns.

PATERSON, NJ — Asbestos and Lead Cleanup Underway at Great Falls National Park

Workers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are set to kick off a significant cleanup project to tackle asbestos and lead contamination at the historic Great Falls National Park starting June 2. The project is geared towards addressing environmental hazards from the Allied Textile Printing site, which has been a focal point of concern for years.

This hefty $4 million cleanup project comes amidst increasing fears over the release of harmful contaminants as factory ruins continue to deteriorate. The EPA has alerted nearby residents about the potential health risks that could arise during the cleanup, emphasizing that airborne particles may pose serious threats to public safety. As the structure’s integrity weakens, greater care is required to minimize exposure risks to local residents, especially children.

Not everyone is satisfied with the communication efforts surrounding this cleanup. Concerns have been raised by various community activists and leaders regarding the lack of information regarding protective measures needed for residents throughout the ongoing cleanup process. Local activists worry the absence of sufficient community notification may leave vulnerable groups, including children, at risk of exposure to hazardous materials.

The Cleanup Plan in Action

The first step in this extensive cleanup effort will involve the removal of an unstable 118-foot-high smokestack, which poses a significant risk of collapse. Equipped with protective gear, workers will utilize a “manlift” to carefully dismantle the bricks from the smokestack’s top. Dust control measures will be in place, with bricks being lowered through a fabric chute for containment. Each brick will undergo contamination testing as part of the safety procedure.

In a proactive approach to managing airborne contaminants, the EPA plans to use fine misting techniques to combat dust dispersion during the clearing of debris. As the project progresses, air quality monitoring stations will be established around the cleanup site, allowing residents to access real-time air sample data through an EPA-managed webpage.

Community Response and Concerns

$7.9 million park expansion, which was completed last September. Due to proximity, the expanded area remains closed until health authorities deem it safe for public access. As a result, many locals are left waiting for access to this picturesque park, with hopes for reopening in the coming months, contingent on cleanup progress.

Mayor Andre Sayegh attended the recent unveiling of the Quarry Lawn Park expansion while announcing measures to address the asbestos mitigation concern, reflecting governmental attention to the situation despite the frustrations voiced by community members. A safety fence was erected around the site in 2021 to deter public access, reinforcing the serious nature of the contamination risks involved.

The Road Ahead for Cleanup Operations

Following the removal of the smokestack, an engineering assessment will provide insight into the stability of the remaining structure, with no definitive timeline given for the overall cleanup duration. Local officials have acknowledged that cleanup efforts could extend well into 2025, emphasizing the project’s complexity due to asbestos-related hazards.

Besides addressing immediate safety concerns, the EPA has expressed commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the Allied Textile Printing site, which has roots tracing back to various prominent manufacturers since the early 19th century, including Colt’s firearms. Cooperation with local preservation experts aims to protect specific historic buildings while embarking on modern environmental cleanup processes.

As the cleanup unfolds, community members remain cautiously optimistic yet vigilant, advocating for improved safety measures and health initiatives in the area. This ongoing endeavor serves as a pivotal point in not only protecting local residents but also in reclaiming a significant historical space for future generations.