Texas company delays move due to asbestos, mold problems

October 26, 2009

In the Texas communities of Bryan and College Station, the Science Park at Research Valley is still vacant. Lynntech, a local company, had hoped to be moved into the building last month, but now it seems that because of various delays, the 180,000-square-foot building will remain vacant through the end of the year.

In March, Lynntech finalized the purchase for the Science Park facility. Lynntech is a scientific research and development company that focuses on water, energy and health innovations. John Clanton, Lynntech’s chief executive based in College Station, said he expected his company to start using the building in early 2010, but unexpected delays occurred.

"The construction permit was issued the week before last. We have people starting on the construction activity right now," Clanton said. "We’re looking at January occupancy to have all of the lab spaces completed."

In addition, "The building had a number of issues just based on the age of the structure and being unoccupied," he said. "There was asbestos and mold." By law, the asbestos must be cleaned up, because asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is incurable, and often goes undiagnosed until it is in a very late stage. The disease typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before the first symptoms of the cancer present themselves.

The building was formerly used by Westinghouse and has been vacant for about a decade. David Gwin, College Station’s economic development director, told reporters that "We’re elated that Lynntech is making this investment…We understand a move of this scale takes time, and we want to support Lynntech in that regard."