May 2nd, 2005

Sunnyslope Facility, Ottumwa, still stands even though it was scheduled for demolition, and this is because of recent tests that have shown the presence of asbestos within the building, even though an asbestos removal company has already gone out to the site twice to deal with the removal of this deadly substance. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of asbestos, even though it was supposed to have all been cleared.

A DNR official explained that the building must be free from any signs of contamination before it can be demolished. He stated: "It's according to the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants regulations. It's all done for the workers health and safety so they do not breath in the hazardous material as the building is being torn down ... and also for the people who live nearby."

The supervisor on the demolition project stated: "I'm not an expert on asbestos." Mr. Peterson added that he had been out to the sites to perform some checks earlier in the week, and had been given the go ahead by the DNR for demolition. However, the decision to make a last minute check before the demolition went ahead resulted in halting the project because signs of asbestos were found.

Affordable Asbestos, the company that was hired for the removal of the asbestos will now be sent out again, after already attending the site twice in order to remove asbestos from the facility.