The city of American Canyon, California is unsure whether installing water storage tanks will disturb asbestos in the soil.
At last week’s City Council meeting, Resident Jack Remington reminded city officials that there is, indeed, asbestos in the dirt where the city hopes to install water storage tanks. The asbestos is a result of the former granite quarry, found near the tanks future location.
Remington expressed his concern for the toxic material: "I brought it up because I want the council to know if they didn’t already, and everyone else who might be interested…They better not be disturbing the soil, ’cause that stuff is bad news, with the wind blowing it hither and yon — hopefully mostly yon.”
Other City Council members share Remington’s concern for the asbestos-ridden soil: "Because the tanks are downhill, I don’t know how they’re going to keep it from getting airborne. There’s always a concern with possible toxins,” said Councilwoman Cindy Coffey.
When asbestos particles are made airborne, those exposed are put at risk for contracting mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer which attacks the mesothelium.
Unfortunately, there is no mesothelioma cure, and treatment of the disease typically arrives too late for those diagnosed.
Mayor Leon Garcia noted that he’s confident with everything that’s being done to keep residents safe from asbestos exposure, and that the city took similar precautions while renovating the American Canyon High School.
"I’m sure they’ll mitigate it so that it’s not a safety hazard," said Garcia.
Don Evans, head of the district’s school planning and construction department, noted he’s unsure whether an asbestos inspection has occurred.