Asbestos Removal Process
Adheres To Strict Regulations; Air Quality Monitored Closely
Although the bulk of asbestos removal work in the district's
buildings was completed during the summer, some additional asbestos
removal will likely be necessary in the future. As with most
construction and renovations projects, it is necessary to remove
asbestos-containing material that would be disturbed during
construction. Some examples of materials affected may include floor
tile, wall plaster, pipe wrapping or ducting. All asbestos removal
work is conducted under strict State and Federal requirements and
procedures when students are not in or near these spaces.
All asbestos removal work in the school district is designed and
planned by the Thomas Group, a large and experienced Architectural
and Engineering firm that has designed and overseen hundreds of
asbestos removal projects. Members of the Thomas Group staff
involved in the planning are certified asbestos removal designers.
All work is performed to meet stringent performance requirements
established by the New York State Department of Labor, and all work
must be in compliance with federal guidelines under AHERA (Asbestos
Health Emergency Response Act). All asbestos removal companies and
employees are required to be certified asbestos removers and
haulers. As required, the removal is conducted using negative air –
that is when air from outside is piped in and out during the removal
process. The school district has also hired an independent asbestos
monitoring and testing company that performs air monitoring during
and after the removal process – both inside and outside the
containment area. The testing results for each building are
voluminous. These documents are made available for public viewing by
contacting Assistant Superintendent for Business Matt Bourgeois at
377-4666, extension 50709.
The testing company will not permit the removal of the containment
structures unless the air testing results meet governmental
requirements after the asbestos has been removed. The independent
air monitoring company also provides upon completion of testing, a
letter to the school district indicating that all work done and
results of air monitoring were in compliance with State and Federal
regulations.
Read a copy of the most recent letter. Please contact
your building principal or the superintendent’s office with any
questions.
