The Environmental Protection Agency is set to begin removing contaminated soil from the former Bix Tex Grain facility, between Probandt Ave. and the River, just south of the Blue Star Arts Complex. Most people refer to the now-empty compound as Big Tex, and the Silos. But it was W.R. Grace and Co. that received, stored, and processed Libby vermiculite when they owned and operated the site some decades ago.
Libby vermiculite contains a naturally-occurring asbestos called tremolite, which has been definitively linked to asbestosis and lung cancer in people. So the EPA is cleaning former W.R. Grace sites all over the country.
Eric Delgado, On Scene Coordinator for the Agency, addressed neighbors at a community meeting last Wednesday. Having completed years of studies here in San Antonio, he says EPA contractors will begin removing the dangerous soil within the next week, and will have it all replaced with clean soil by the middle of December.
Mr. Delgado explained the various safety measures the EPA employs to assure that harmful contaminants are not made airborne, and cannot contaminate adjacent areas during the remediation process. Neighbors with questions are invited to stop by the EPA trailer located at 354 Blue Star St.
You can also visit the EPA's website, which includes documents specifically related to this project.
No comments:
Post a Comment