News Summary
Community fears of asbestos contamination in Dilkon were alleviated after thorough testing revealed no hazardous materials were present in construction debris near the Chapter House.
Concerns Eased Over Asbestos Contamination in Dilkon
DILKON, Ariz. – A cloud of uncertainty had settled over the Dilkon community recently due to fears surrounding asbestos contamination in construction debris located near the local Chapter House. Community members expressed growing anxiety after a former official shared a photo on social media, claiming the debris included hazardous materials from the Chapter House floor.
In an effort to address these concerns head-on, Council Delegate Cherilyn Yazzie took the initiative to collaborate with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (NNEPA) in a thorough investigation of the situation. The rapid response was crucial, as community members were relying on accurate information regarding their health and safety.
As of February 28, 2023, NNEPA conducted tests on the debris pile and confirmed that no asbestos was found. This conclusion was supported by All Nations Environmental, Inc., which carried out extensive testing to verify the results. The findings provided much-needed relief to residents who feared exposure to harmful asbestos.
NNEPA’s Senior Environmental Specialist noted the importance of these findings, reassuring the community that the debris pile in question does not contain asbestos. In fact, any asbestos-containing demolition materials had already been disposed of properly in a designated landfill, demonstrating the commitment to maintaining environmental safety and protecting community health.
In light of these developments, the Dilkon Chapter has now embarked on a process to obtain quotes for removing remaining non-asbestos materials from the site. This action signifies proactive steps towards completely clearing any items that could potentially cause concern, even if they are not hazardous. Residents have expressed their appreciation for these measures as they work to ensure a safe and clean environment.
The investigation’s timeline began on February 26, 2023, when the initial concerns arose from the former chapter official’s social media post. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Delegate Yazzie acted quickly. She reached out to both local officials and the NNEPA to clarify the situation, ensuring that clear and accurate information would be provided to the community.
Delegate Yazzie emphasized the necessity for proper guidance concerning the management of asbestos and other potential contaminants, such as lead-based paint and mold, throughout renovation projects. Proper planning, management, and adherence to necessary protocols are paramount during the demolition and waste disposal processes. This attention to detail is essential in preventing similar situations from arising in the future.
Community members seeking additional guidance on construction and renovation projects are encouraged to connect with the Division of Community Development Capital Projects Management Department at (928) 871-6211. As concerns about asbestos can be prevalent in many communities, access to reliable resources and information is critical.
As the situation in Dilkon unfolds, the collaborative efforts between community officials, environmental protection agencies, and local residents reflect a unified commitment to safety and transparency. Navigating the challenges posed by such environmental hazards requires diligence and cooperation to ensure that communities remain informed and protected.
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