Florida Officials Investigating Mishandling of Asbestos Pipe

September 28, 2009

In Sebring, Florida, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is currently investigating the alleged mishandling of a length of asbestos pipe during the Sebring Parkway Construction. "Our department is gathering information from the project site, the landfill and its personnel. In addition, we are interviewing witnesses who participated in the removal project including county personnel," Randal Landers of the DEP stated in a recent e-mail.

The Department of Environmental Protection needs to be notified by law if a project involved more than 260 linear feet of asbestos pipe. In addition, a licensed asbestos contractor must be on site to ensure that the asbestos removal is done properly. When improperly dealt with, asbestos particles can become airborne, and if those particles are inhaled or ingested a person may develop mesothelioma or lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can affect the lungs, heart, or lining of the abdomen. The disease affects less than 3,000 people each year, but those who contract the disease can die within months after being diagnosed. The majority of mesothelioma sufferers live for less than two years after being diagnosed.

Local landfill Director Ken Wheeler confirmed that a 25- to 30-foot section of pipe was found at a nearby landfill. He also added that he did not think it was asbestos pipe. "One of our operators found a large pipe and the DEP is checking to see if it is asbestos, and if it is, we will make sure that it is handled properly," Wheeler said.

But according to Rick Solis, a construction worker, "They acted recklessly," Solis said. "Not everyone is going to stand for it. Right is right."

Solis said that there was a great deal of pipe removed during the Sebring project. "We are talking thousands of feet of this pipe. The county took out over 1,000 foot of pipe, and much more was buried. Thousands of feet. Anyone working out there was exposed. Kids playing on the dirt piles, people walking their dogs, other county employees, were all exposed."