Rockaway Beach church failed to obtain asbestos inspection before renovations

ROCKAWAY BEACH The state of Missouri has found that a Rockaway Beach church is in violation for failing to have a building inspected for asbestos before performing renovation work.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources stated in a letter of warning issued Thursday, Aug. 29, that Bridge of Faith Community Church failed to have a project inspected by a certified asbestos inspector prior to completing a construction project.

DNR Communications Director Gena Terlizzi said because the department was notified after the renovation had taken place, the department was unable to test for asbestos.

There has to be an inspection before any demolition, Terlizzi said.

According to the letter of warning addressed to Bridge of Faith Community Church Pastor Jonathan McGuire, The church renovated the 2,600-square-foot office of a resort at 200 Lake St. in Rockaway Beach, including removal of interior walls. The church failed to have the affected facility or part of the facility where the demolition or renovation operation occurred inspected by a Missouri certified asbestos inspector for the presence of asbestos, including Category I and Category II nonfriable asbestos containing material.

Asbestos, according to the Environmental Protection Agencys website, is associated with health risks such as: lung cancer, mesothelioma a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest and the abdomen and heart and asbestosis a serious progressive, long-term, non-cancer disease of the lungs.

The inspection began on Aug. 6.

The inspection was prompted by a citizens concern reported to this office which alleged that the church did not properly document a demolition project, the letter states.

The DNR letter states that the church made a thrift store from a resort office.

The required asbestos inspection was not performed prior to the renovation, the letter states.

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Rockaway Beach church failed to obtain asbestos inspection before renovations