On April 17, 2012, at approximately 1700 hours, MDEQ requested EPA's assistance in responding to a release of asbestos due to improper removal & disposal at 501 Berrien St, Albion, MI. OSC Lippert responded. START and ERRS were activated.
The building is the center of a residential neighborhood and across the street from a City park. Pieces of asbestos are outside the building and in the street. Metal scrappers have removed metal piping within the building and piles of asbestos are near open doors and broken windows. Asbestos has migrated outside the building by the scrappers, rainwater entering the building through large holes in the roof, and blowing winds. Signs of trespass are throughout the building. ERRS is removing asbestos from the areas outside of the building and boarding it up.
Calhoun County Health Department has declared the building to be a public health threat.