Alternative Asbestos Control Method
Pilot Research Project #3
Boca Raton Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas
Our Team
- Adele Cardenas Malott
Project Manager, Dallas - Roger Wilmoth
Project Manager, Cincinnati
National Resources
Like the first and second pilot projects, Project #3 was carried out as a joint effort with state and local government and regulatory authorities. In this case, the City of Fort Worth, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and EPA were involved.
Fort Worth was the third pilot research project location for the continued testing of the Alternative Asbestos Control Method. The test site was located at 5901 Boca Raton Boulevard, in the east corner of Fort Worth, Texas. This location was in a long standing residential area next to the Woodhaven Country Club and was surrounded by a number of well established apartments and duplexes. The area has been the focus of the City of Fort Worth for redevelopment efforts.
The Project #3 demolition occurred on a weekday to minimize potential public exposure to those living in the neighborhood. No schools exist within a ½ mile radius of the building site. The area was secured during the time of demolition. The building had a clearance of approximately 300 feet from the nearest occupied site. The 2200 square-foot building was two stories high and was surrounded by soil on the back side and pavement on the front side.
The asbestos-containing material on this building consisted of about 2000 square feet of asbestos popcorn ceiling, tile and wallboard materials that contained 2 to 5 percent chrysotile asbestos.
The asbestos-containing materials for the first test were positive wallboard systems and vinyl asbestos tile and the second test were positive for transite siding, which included commercial grade panels as well. Data indicate that the first test was promising and improvements in the protocol were factored into the second test. We are now evaluating the data from Pilot Project #2 conducted in July 2007. Initial results from Project #2 are also encouraging. Once the Project #2 report is published we will evaluate the data from Project #3.
The alternative method, if successful, will potentially accelerate the future demolition of many abandoned buildings around the nation that remain standing, currently presenting a variety of serious risks to nearby residents. Using the Alternative Asbestos Control Method, these former blighted areas would be available for redevelopment, potentially creating new jobs and tax revenue for communities across the country.
A technical team of EPA scientists and engineers was assembled to review and further refine the pilot project protocols as necessary. A site-specific Quality Assurance Project Plan was developed. EPA’s Office of Research and Development in conjunction with Region 6 conducted the project. An independent peer review – including an opportunity for public comment – will be carried out on the results of Pilot Projects #2 and #3.
For more information on peer review and public involvement go to the public involvement web page.
Additional Site #3 Information
- Aerial view of project location: Large Scale (PDF) (1 p, 4.14 MB, About PDF), Small Scale
- Photograph Gallery
Background Information on Project #3
- The City of Fort Worth Internet website provides information on the city's efforts to address the demolition of an asbestos-containing building in Texas.
- Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Alternative Asbestos Control Method Pilot Project #3 (PDF) (99 pp, 1.79 MB, About PDF)
- Asbestos Remedial Action Project Plan (PDF) for Pilot Project #3 - updated December 12, 2007 (24 pp, 262 KB, About PDF)
- Asbestos Health and Safety Plan (PDF) (77 pp, 1.8 MB, About PDF)
- Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Alternative Asbestos Control Method Demonstration Project 3 (PDF) (99 pp, 1.79 MB, About PDF)
- Alternative Asbestos Control Method Project 3 - Enforcement Discretion (PDF): Letter from RA Greene requesting enforcement discretion to demonstrate method (2 pp, 101 KB, About PDF)
- Alternative Asbestos Control Method Project - No Action Assurance (PDF): Letter from AA Nakayama providing no action assurance during project 3 demonstration (2 pp, 117 KB, About PDF)
- Asbestos Remediation Plan Project Plan for Demonstration Pilot 3 (PDF) (24 pp, 262 KB, About PDF)