Asbestos found at Waterford Community Center; mayor proposes full remediation for two-story wing

Mayor Wright told the committee that inspections and testing by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found disturbed asbestos-containing materials at the Waterford Community Center. He explained the school department had previously encapsulated asbestos floor tiles under new floor tiles; contractors later drilled into flooring and unintentionally disturbed the buried asbestos tiles.

"Should an additional review have happened? Yes," Mayor Wright said, adding that multiple tests were done and results were included in the meeting packet. He proposed a remediation plan that removes asbestos from the two-story wing (flooring and ceiling tiles), replaces first-floor ceilings and floor tiles where the senior center will be located, and leaves the second-floor wing closed for now because it lacks an elevator and is not ADA accessible.

Councilors asked about tenant impacts and timelines. Mayor Wright said the impacted area is quarantined and does not affect other tenants in the building; DEP found other areas clean and usable. Staff noted the remediation will require further procurement (OPM selection, design and bidding) and could extend through the end of the calendar year. The mayor also recommended running a water line into the building now to support future sprinkler installation, noting the state fire marshal does not currently require sprinklers but future development may trigger that need.

Committee kept the item with the committee and requested additional updates and documentation from DEP and procurement staff before the next meeting.