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Environmental News
Kris Lancaster
(913) 551-7557
lancaster.kris@epa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2004
EPA REVIEWS AIR MONITORING FROM ST. LOUIS AIRPORT DEMOLITION ACTIVITIES
EPA has reviewed and evaluated the St. Louis Airport Authority’s air monitoring data from some building demolitions that used a “wet method” to control asbestos instead of the traditional method prescribed by the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
EPA concluded that the “wet method” was generally effective in controlling the release of large fibers and dust. The lack of asbestos fiber data keeps EPA from stating with certainty that there was no release of individual asbestos fibers, and the limitations of the data mean that no conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of the wetting process for individual buildings.
EPA is rescinding the March 3, 2004 extension of the administrative
order issued on May 1, 2003, relating to the demolition of asbestos-containing
structures in the airport expansion project area. The order allowed the
Airport Authority to conduct wet-method demolitions at pre-approved commercial
and residential buildings. At this time, no further demolitions using
the “wet method” will be conducted in the St. Louis metropolitan
area, except as already allowed under the NESHAP.
An informal public availability meeting will be August 26, from 6 p.m.
to 8 p.m. at the Holman Middle School, cafeteria, 11055 St. Charles Rock
Road, St. Ann, Mo. Representatives from EPA Region 7, the EPA Office of
Research and Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
the St. Louis County Health Department, and the Airport Authority will
be available to answer questions.
Link to St. Louis Airport Final Report, [PDF] (52 pp., 3 MB) dated August 6, 2004
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