Asbestos detected at church demolition site in Carter County

Debris at a demolition site in Carter County contained asbestos, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). This month, TDEC issued a violation notice to the contractor demolishing Watauga Point United Methodist Church and its property owner. Asbestos in the church was not removed and the building was not inspected for it before demolition started. Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant that increases the risk of developing lung disease. Handling and disposing the material is regulated by federal law. When asbestos-containing material is disturbed, it can release asbestos particles into the air. A TDEC representative inspected the demolition site June 25 in response to a complaint submitted to the department, according to public documents. The inspector said they found pieces of Transite panels in the debris, and collected a sample of material. A lab analysis of the material confirmed the presence of asbestos. Transite paneling refers to a mixture of cement and asbestos material. Waste from the site is going toward the Iris Glen Landfill in Johnson City. The landfill confirmed to TDEC that it received two loads of waste from the demolition company on June 25. The city of Elizabethton issued a demolition permit for the project, but contractors and property owners are still required to notify the state about demolition at least 10 working days before it started. According to the inspection notes, TDEC and city of Elizabethton staff discussed incorporating the notification requirement into a checklist the city provides to permit applicants. The contractor and property owner were cited for not removing asbestos-containing material that would break up or be dislodged during demolition, and not inspecting for asbestos before demolition. They were also cited for not notifying TDEC of the demolition at least 10 working days before it starts, which is required whether or not asbestos is present. On June 29, a specialty demolition company certified to handle asbestos told TDEC it would oversee handling asbestos-containing waste material for the site. Any entities issued a violation notice are required to respond within 20 days. Documents related to the inspection are available under this article at johnsoncitypress.com. Jorgelina Manna-Rea is a Report for America corps member reporting on issues relating to the environment.