Cleanup Near Great Falls Sparks Concerns Over Asbestos Safety for Local Residents

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News Summary

The EPA’s recent cleanup operation near Great Falls has raised safety concerns among local residents due to lack of communication about potential asbestos risks.

Cleanup Near Great Falls Sparks Concerns Over Asbestos Safety for Local Residents

In early January 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a cleanup operation at the contaminated industrial site near the Great Falls in Paterson, NJ. The cleanup, which took place from January 6 to January 9, aimed to address debris accumulation near the site of the Allied Textile Printing (ATP) facility. However, the operation quickly ignited tensions among local residents, particularly due to the lack of prior notification about the cleanup.

Residents Left in the Dark

The cleanup work occurred in close proximity to four apartment buildings accommodating over 200 homes. Residents remained unaware of the EPA’s efforts until January 16, 2024, when information was disclosed in a Pollution Report. This lack of communication led to frustration among tenant leaders, who argued that advance notice could have allowed families to make informed decisions about their outdoor activities during the cleanup.

Despite the uproar, federal officials maintained that it was unnecessary to inform residents about the cleanup, asserting that the operation did not involve areas known for widespread asbestos contamination. However, the site has a dubious history; a warning letter from the EPA to the city in November 2023 cautioned that a collapse at the ATP site could yield a “catastrophic release” of asbestos materials.

What Was Included in the Cleanup?

The cleanup focused on collecting non-asbestos-related materials, such as vegetation, trash, and even mattresses, indicating that the cleanup’s intent was primarily to prepare the site for future operations rather than specifically targeting asbestos removal. Air monitoring conducted during this period showed that no dust was detected from the debris removal, with samples sent for further asbestos analysis to reassure concerned residents.

Future Asbestos Cleanup Plans

A more comprehensive cleanup focusing on asbestos-related hazards is slated for later in 2024. Tenants and health officials are urging that these operations include robust communication efforts to avoid sowing suspicion or fears about the cleanup process. Ernest Rucker, among the tenant leaders, highlighted the importance of transparency in informing residents to build trust and eliminate any unfounded fears surrounding the cleanup.

The Broader Implications

An extensive effort was made to secure the area around the ATP site, which has a fence restricting access due to the hazardous material. Previous emergency removal actions took place in 2015 and 2021, showing the ongoing struggle to address the contamination effectively. Currently, the EPA is on hold with the $7.9 million national park expansion project until the asbestos cleanup is finalized. This ambitious plan includes the critical deconstruction of a towering 118-foot-high smokestack to prevent its collapse on workers involved in asbestos removal.

Health Risks and Monitoring

The dangers of asbestos are well-documented, with inhaling high levels posing a threat of severe health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. In light of these risks, the EPA has committed to posting air monitoring results online, although updates have been sparse until recently, when six reports finally appeared. Upcoming monitoring summaries promised by the EPA will include data from the January cleanup, aiming to keep residents informed regarding air quality and potential risks.

Community Involvement and Future Safety

Patterson Mayor Andre Sayegh has been active in seeking updates from the EPA to ensure that public safety remains a priority throughout this process. The collaboration between city officials, the National Park Service, and environmental experts underscores a community-oriented approach aimed at preserving the site’s historical integrity while addressing urgent safety concerns.

The story remains unfolding as the EPA prepares for more extensive asbestos cleanup efforts in the upcoming year. Community leaders and residents alike are watching closely, hoping that better communication practices will prevent further frustrations as they seek a safer living environment in the shadow of Great Falls.