Officials at the University of Colorado at Boulder are investigating the cause of an asbestos contamination incident during an asbestos abatement project in a small powerhouse facility near the Williams Village residence hall complex. There was no exposure to students or the general public.
On Thursday evening, air monitoring systems for the project detected asbestos levels that exceeded state and federal limits. The incident was contained to the powerhouse, a service building located near Williams Village at the intersection of 30th Street and Baseline Road.
Immediate steps were taken to close the building and begin evaluating the extent of contamination in the building. Further inspection and additional air monitoring by an independent industrial hygiene firm were completed. Results showed asbestos contamination in the building's main room, but none in the control room or the electrical vault room.
The building, which contains about 8,225 square feet, currently is being upgraded to serve an expansion to Williams Village.
Three campus employees and 12-16 employees of the Natkin mechanical contracting firm of Englewood were working in the area during the abatement project. It is not known at this time the extent to which employees were exposed during the incident.
"Our first priority is to determine the level of possible exposure to our three employees as well as those of the contractor," said Paul Tabolt, vice chancellor for administration. "We also are working to determine how this accident occurred and how it can be prevented in the future. Abatement work will be suspended until these issues are resolved."
All required notifications have been made to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, he said.
Tabolt said the abatement firm will "work around the clock to clean all surfaces before the area undergoes a final aggressive air monitoring clearance prior to reopening the power house."