Site has potential for asbestos tests in the future

Article Added April 26th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

Big Tex Grain Co. left behind dilapidated buildings on a 7.5 acre site just south of downtown. The EPA will come up with a plan to test the soil and dust to determine if the site is free of asbestos.  Asbestos, particularly the tremolite strain found in Libby, can cause lung cancer and other potentially deadly illnesses such as mesothelioma.

Local residents are concerned that redevelopment could stir up the harmful asbestos.  Many of the residents didn't think that the EPA's 2 to 6 inch soil test depth was enough.  The plant was operated for decades by WR Grace Co. and sits on the banks of the San Antonio River.  WR Grace shipped nearly 6 million tons of asbestos related products to more than 200 sites, including this facility.  The vermiculite was shipped from WR Grace's Libby, Montana mine, which is also a hotbed for asbestos related diseases.  This San Antonio site processed more than 100,000 tons of asbestos material from the early 60's to the late 80's.

The developer wants to redevelop the site into a trendy commercial and residential area; this is another reason why many local residents are concerned because people could be living and working on the contaminated site. The EPA and the developer will perform independent tests on the site to make sure it is fit for development.  A plan for the tests could be completed in 4-6 weeks. 

Article Added April 26th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story