The City of Delta and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requested the EPA’s assistance to address debris containing asbestos-contaminated materials (ACM) identified at the Delta Cleaners site following a fire that occurred in October 2023. The building was destroyed by the fire and heavy equipment was used to collapse remnants of the structure due to safety concerns. Samples collected following the fire by a consultant hired by the property owner identified the presence of friable asbestos.

This time-critical removal action involves the cleanup and proper disposal of debris containing ACM currently piled at the site. The EPA On-Scene Coordinator and EPA's hazmat contractor mobilized to the site the week of June 17 to initiated the removal action, which is estimated to last for approximately 4 to 5 weeks. 

Mobilize personnel and equipment to site.

Load debris containing ACM for transportation and disposal.

Ensure harmful levels of particulates and/or suspect ACM do not migrate offsite.

EPA and EPA's hazmat contractors (START and ERRS) mobilized personnel and equipment to site and coordinated traffic control for the removal action with representatives from the City of Delta.

EPA will maintain wetting operations throughout to prevent potential asbestos fibers from migrating.  

Loading of debris containing ACM for transportation and disposal began on June 18, 2024 and as of June 19, 2024 a total of 180 cubic yards of ACM has been moved off site.

Continue coordination with representatives from the City of Delta.

Continue loading debris containing ACM for transportation and disposal at the Mesa County Landfill.

Demobilize from site.

EPA will use best practices and engineering techniques for asbestos removal activities. Debris containing ACM will be kept wet to prevent the migration of asbestos fibers. Trucks utilized for T&D will be double-lined with 6-mil plastic. ACM debris will be loaded, "burrito" wrapped, and transported to the Mesa County Landfill for disposal.

Safety measures to be implemented include:

• Wetting of debris prior to and during removal operations to provide control of the migration of fibers and dust.
• Traffic control at each property to include the use of traffic barriers (e.g. cones, barricades, and vehicle emergency lights).
• Routine assessment of potential hazards including slips/trips/falls, heavy equipment, pedestrians near site activities, and traffic control.

EPA will maintain wetting operations throughout the cleanup to prevent potential asbestos fibers from migrating.  

Loading of debris containing ACM for transportation and disposal continued on June 20 and June 24, 2024; no loading operations were conducted on June 21 due to weather conditions that may have caused safety issues. As of June 24, 2024 a total of 680 cubic yards of ACM has been moved off site.

Continue coordination with representatives from the City of Delta.

Continue loading debris containing ACM for transportation and disposal at the Mesa County Landfill.

Loading of debris containing ACM for transportation and disposal continued on June 25, June 26, and was completed on June 27, 2024. As of June 27, 2024 a total of 1,300 cubic yards of ACM has been moved off site.

Backfill activities were conducted on June 27, June 28, and were completed on June 29, 2024.

EPA communicated with City officials on June 29 regarding the completion of field activities and the reopening of 3rd Street in the vicinity of the former Delta Cleaners property.