February 06, 2025
Removal Work Update
- EPA returned to the site in late December 2024 to ship remaining wastes that were staged on Site.
- All remaining asbestos contaminated materials and hazardous waste was shipped offsite or disposal completing the removal action.
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continues work to remove all e-wastes from the building.
- Removal of the roof on the southern building was completed and the debris was loaded onto roll off containers to be disposed of at a nearby EPA approved landfill.
- Over 137 tons of asbestos contaminated material have been removed off site.
- The work area in the northern section of the building containing asbestos contaminated material was sealed and negatively pressurized to prevent asbestos from leaving the work area. All asbestos contaminated material was removed, and the room was then treated with sealant.
- E-waste in the southern building was relocated to gain access to remove 10 drums. The drums are awaiting to be sampled to identify the contents and arrange for disposal.
- An EPA Community Involvement Coordinator distributed a fact sheet about the cleanup work to residences in the surrounding area.
EPA anticipates the cleanup will take about five to six weeks to complete. As the asbestos is removed, the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources will evaluate options to address electronic waste
in conjunction with the city of West Bend and Washington County.
Site Background
EPA conducted a site assessment last week following a
request from WDNR and the city. EPA discovered asbestos-containing materials
and e-waste on-site. EPA will remove the asbestos-containing debris from the
building and dispose it in an EPA-approved landfill. During removal, EPA will
spray water on debris to control any dust and will monitor the air to ensure
asbestos fibers do not leave the cleanup area. During cleanup, residents may
see more traffic and hear noise around the site area.
The 105,000-square-foot facility is located in the
heart of downtown West Bend. The site is surrounded by single-family homes and
the Eisenbahn State Trail.
Your health and safety are
important!
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has a
fibrous form, which makes it a strong and heat-resistant material. It was
historically used in many products and is still present in older homes and
buildings. Breathing in fibers from the breakdown or disposal of old asbestos
products can cause harmful health effects. Potential health issues can include
shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Long-term exposure is linked to
mesothelioma and lung cancer. As a result, EPA has banned most uses of asbestos.
