Albuquerque’s Gateway Center: A Toxic Discovery Unfolds

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News Summary

Albuquerque’s Gateway Center: A Toxic Discovery Unfolds

Asbestos Discovered in 2023

In a shocking twist of fate, the recently renovated Gateway Center in Albuquerque made headlines in 2023 as asbestos was discovered at the facility located at 5400 Gibson SE. This finding has led to serious repercussions, as rumors swirl around the mishandling of hazardous materials during renovations.

Lawsuits Emerge

As word of the asbestos discovery spread, a legal storm began brewing. Four lawsuits have emerged thus far, with workers alleging exposure linked to the renovation work at the facility. The most notable lawsuit was filed on December 12, 2023, when the City of Albuquerque took action against Consolidated Builders of New Mexico, the contractor responsible for the renovation project.

The City Takes Action

The city’s lawsuit claims that Consolidated Builders is contractually obligated to cover costs associated with three previous lawsuits filed by city workers. These workers allege that their exposure to asbestos came about due to negligence in handling asbestos during the ongoing renovation projects.

A Call for Accountability

In light of the lawsuits, the city’s objective is clear: they seek to distance themselves from the lawsuits filed by workers by holding the contractor accountable for the issues stemming from the renovation work. The unveiling of an investigative report further illustrated the gravity of the situation, revealing serious mishandling of asbestos, including a blatant disregard for proper inspections and the improper disposal of hazardous materials.

Environmental Violations

The New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau expressed grave concerns regarding the city’s actions throughout the renovation. Their findings categorically labeled the situations as “willful and serious,” resulting in substantial fines being levied against both the city and the contractor involved in the renovation.

Heavy Fines Imposed

The fine imposed on the City of Albuquerque reached a staggering $761,112, while Consolidated Builders faced a penalty of $331,475. The citations were primarily composed of eight “willful-serious” violations and one “serious” citation against the contractor, emphasizing the negligence surrounding the project.

Unsafe Work Practices Illuminate the Crisis

Reports detailed alarming unsafe work practices, which included the use of mechanical scrapings to remove old flooring containing asbestos. Moreover, workers inadequately swept debris into the trash without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), raising serious concerns for the safety of all involved in the project. To exacerbate matters further, these unsafe practices occurred while the HVAC system was operational, potentially spreading hazardous dust throughout the building.

Government Investigations Follow

In the aftermath of these revelations, the Chief of New Mexico’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau expressed profound shock at the willful violations committed by the city. It paints a disturbing picture of negligence in protecting workers’ health and safety throughout the renovation process.

Response from the City

The City of Albuquerque conceded that they failed to adhere to legal protocols regarding asbestos removal. In response, disciplinary actions have reportedly been taken against certain project management personnel, coupled with plans for additional training for staff members involved in construction and renovation projects in the future.

Uncertain Legal Landscape

As the situation continues to unfold, the city has not publicly declared whether it intends to dispute the hefty fines imposed upon it. As legal battles loom on the horizon, the ramifications of this toxic discovery at the Gateway Center promise to have lasting effects on staff and workers who were exposed during the renovations.

With the stakes so high, the Albuquerque community watches closely as events surrounding this hazardous situation develop. The discovery of asbestos and the subsequent fallout serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations, protecting not only workers but the wider community from the dangers associated with asbestos exposure.