Asbestos Removal Efforts Gain Momentum in Paterson

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News Summary

Asbestos Removal Efforts Gain Momentum in Paterson

In a significant move to ensure public safety and address health risks, asbestos removal is currently underway in the basement of Paterson City Hall. The project, which began on a Monday, is expected to persist into the second week of February, signifying a serious commitment from local authorities to combat the threat posed by this hazardous substance.

Despite the ongoing work, municipal government offices will remain operational, with notices posted at City Hall informing the public about rigorous air monitoring being conducted by the contracted specialists. The focus on public safety has led to strict protocols, including closing off work areas in the basement during the removal process.

This effort follows the recent completion of asbestos removal in the City Council meeting chamber. This chamber has been off-limits since last March due to a ceiling collapse, originally anticipated to be reopened within months. However, further asbestos discoveries in the ceiling prolonged the timeline, with expectations now set for a reopening in the third week of February.

While the City Council meeting chamber has been closed, public meetings have been transitioned to the city’s broadcast studio at 77 Ellison St., which is conveniently located just two blocks from City Hall. The city has earmarked a substantial budget of $2 million for the asbestos-related work in both the basement and the council chamber, underscoring the urgency of these efforts.

Understanding Asbestos Risks

Health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have emphasized the grave risks associated with asbestos exposure. Primarily affecting the lungs and their membranes, asbestos can lead to serious health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Prolonged inhalation of high levels of asbestos fibers is particularly dangerous, potentially causing lasting lung damage, scarring, and significant respiratory complications.

Compounding the situation, asbestos removal is also taking place at the Allied Textile Printing site near the picturesque Paterson Great Falls. The site, notorious for its historical contamination, has delayed plans for a new park due to the ongoing asbestos cleanup efforts. This abandoned industrial site, which features collapsed buildings and a deteriorating smokestack, poses numerous health risks due to its infestation with asbestos and other harmful materials.

Historically, the site has housed various industrial companies, including the notorious Colt’s firearms manufacturer. Once sprawling with up to 40 buildings, many have since been demolished following its abandonment in 1943. Given previous incidents of fires and structural collapses, the site remains a hazard for nearby residents.

Ongoing Cleanup and Future Developments

In response to these dangers, a protective fence was erected around the property in 2021 to restrict access to the contaminated area. The Mayor of Paterson, Andre Sayegh, has acknowledged the challenges, announcing that while the city has opened a $7.6 million Quarry Lawn Park, it will not be accessible to the public until the cleanup is complete—a process that began as recently as September 16, 2024, and is anticipated to last several months.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively collaborating with the city and other agencies to oversee the cleanup process, ensuring that the historically significant structures on the site are preserved. Although Quarry Lawn Park is designed with features including a riverside walkway, picnic areas, and benches beside the remnants of industrial architecture, its opening may extend until 2025 due to the extensive cleanup underway.

The EPA has assessed the situation as presenting an imminent and substantial threat to human health, attributing this to the possible release of asbestos and other hazardous substances. Asbestos removal will occur on-site, with a carefully managed off-site disposal plan for any hazardous materials. During the cleanup, measures for air quality monitoring and dust control will be in effect to protect the community from potential health risks.

As the city works diligently toward resolving the issues posed by asbestos contamination, residents are left waiting for both the reopening of key municipal areas and the development of new recreational spaces once the cleanup has been completed. The situation remains a critical public health initiative, reflecting the broader commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the community against the perils of asbestos.