November 12th, 2007

The transfer of a remaining 91 acres of an old Army base has been postponed after public outcry of the potential redevelopment of the area. Residents are concerned that demolition could stir up existing asbestos on the base.

Fort Ritchie has been in talks for more than a decade with a Maryland developer over almost 100 acres of the former Army base. While some acres were already turned over to the company, the remaining 91.4 acres has been blocked from being transferred after public concern was raised over the project. The developer wanted to use the land for commercial and residential purposes after the existing buildings had been torn down. But the presence of asbestos has given the public the foothold it needs to delay the turn over.

While the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection each states they will oversee the demolition, the presence of asbestos could cause an issue. Asbestos must be safely removed, sealed and disposed of by licensed professionals in order to keep the public safe. If asbestos is mishandled, the substance can break apart into airborne particles, which, when inhaled, can lead to respiratory diastases. Emphysema has been linked to the material, and asbestosis and mesothelioma are both direct results of asbestos exposure. While the concerns are being addressed, the remaining acres have not yet been turned over to the developer.