This time-critical removal action involves the cleanup and proper disposal of debris from partially collapsed residential houses that are burned, abandoned, and known to contain friable asbestos. There are three non-contiguous properties found in Otero County Colorado, which are identified as the Site. Property No. 1 & 2  have been burned and are open to the environment while Property No. 3 contain structures that have been abandoned, structurally unsound and open to the environment. 

The Site was identified by municipal and county officials as a safety concern, posing a potential asbestos exposure threat to nearby residents and community members. Conditions at the Site present a threat to public health and the environment and meet the criteria for initiating a removal action under 40 CFR § 300.415(b) of the National Contingency Plan.

Municipal and county officials identified properties that pose a threat to public health and the environment and requested State and EPA assistance. EPA conducted a removal site evaluation in July 2020 identifying 3 properties met the criteria from EPA to initiate a time-critical removal action.

1. Remove asbestos material and debris from all properties.
2. Transport asbestos contaminated material to an off site disposal facility. 
3. Keep stakeholders informed of response actions.

EPA started removal activities at Property No. 3 on September 10, 2020.

EPA ERRS contractor was able to mobilize equipment and crews and started the removal process of the main structure. ERRS utilized a tackifier agent in the water spray to decrease particulates and asbestos leaving the site perimeter during demolition activities. All crews maintained Level C protection while in the hot zone. City of La Junta provided support by controlling traffic and providing logistic support for the Property No. 3 during removal activities. 

After the main structure was leveled, the secondary structure work started on September 12, 2020. The secondary structure caused a site slow down as an oil tank was discovered in the foundation (believed to be a heating oil tank). The contents were pumped off to a drum and the City of La Junta was able to arrange disposal with a local vendor.

Proceeding weather in the week caused landfill conditions that were hazardous to truck traffic (rain and snow), because of this the landfill will not accept any waste until Monday September 14, 2020. No asbestos waste has left Property No. 3, waste has been consolidated, segregated and maintained on the property until transportation and disposal activities can begin. 

1. Continue demolition, consolidation and segregation of asbestos contaminated material at Property No. 3. 
2. Begin transportation and disposal asbestos contaminated material from Property No. 3. 
3. Delineated work area and set up support at Properties No. 1 & 2. 
4. Continue to keep stakeholders informed of response actions. 

Risk of thermal stress on the crews is possible as the temperatures and weather have transitioned from snow/rain (>40°F ) to hot clear skies (80°F to 90°).