EPA orders removal of asbestos at fire-damaged Argyle building

By JOY BROWN

STAFF WRITER

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency on Monday ordered extensive asbestos removal at the burned Argyle apartment building, where demolition is expected to start this week, Service-Safety Director Paul Schmelzer said.

"The news is the worst case scenario from the owners' perspective," Schmelzer said. Specialists in hazardous materials removal must undertake "full-site remediation," which is costly, he said.

The 122-year-old building, damaged by fire and the millions of gallons of water poured on it Feb. 23, has been destined for razing since last week, when structural engineers decided it was in danger of collapsing. Wall bracing was done to temporarily keep it upright.

City officials had hoped to get the site declared an emergency by the state, so the razing process could be hurried. But the EPA's asbestos concerns have slowed demolition.

Since the fire, South Main Street from Sandusky to Lincoln streets has been closed to traffic, which has affected commerce, too. Some of those barricades will come down today.

"We hope to have the building in a pile, sidewalks cleaned up and Main Street reopened on March 12, a week from now," Schmelzer said Monday.

Asbestos removal could begin as early as today, but Schmelzer said hazardous materials crews will have to get equipment there and become familiar with the site.

Asbestos cleanup and demolition can be done at the same time, he said, and demolition may begin Thursday.

Read the original post:
EPA orders removal of asbestos at fire-damaged Argyle building