In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the complexities surrounding a local property contaminated with asbestos, highlighting the challenges and financial implications of the abatement process. The project, initially thought to involve only a single room, has expanded to require comprehensive remediation of the entire house due to state regulations from the Department of Environmental Quality.
Barry, a project manager, explained that the contaminated materials, including furniture and cabinetry, must be carefully packaged and transported to the Wasatch Front, incurring an estimated hauling fee of $115,000. The funding for this operation will come from the general fund, and a lien will be placed on the property to recover costs upon its eventual sale.
Concerns were raised about the potential for the current landowner to undertake new construction without settling the lien, as they still have an existing mortgage. Officials acknowledged the risks but emphasized the necessity of the project for neighborhood safety, citing instances of children accessing the dilapidated property and debris affecting nearby homes.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to communicate with local residents about the abatement process and ensure safety measures are in place during the project. The timeline for starting the work is projected for early November, pending final contract approvals.