08-28-13 News Release - Laserfiche WebLink

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NEWS RELEASE Date: Friday, April 26, 2013, 10:00 a.m. From: 3rd District Council Member Valerie Schey Contact: 210 -9623 Utilities Committee Chairperson 6d' District Council Member Oliver J. Davis Contact: 876 -6938 Public Works & Property Vacation Committee Chairperson Council Member at Large Karen L. White Contact: 235 -5985 Health & Public Safety Committee Chairperson City Council Seeps Answers from Administration on Asbestos Removal & IDEM Discussions Related to Proposed Demolition of Vacant and Abandoned Homes The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) website on asbestos begins with the following statement: "Asbestos is a problem because, as a toxic substance and a known carcinogen, it can cause several serious disease in humans..." www.in.gov /ideni/4983html The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that: "Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos - containing material during product use, demolition work... exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease..." www.2epa.gov /asbestos.html As the City of South Bend moves forward with the implementation of various recommendations set forth in the "Vacant & Abandoned Properties Task Force Report ", we want to make sure that the public health, safety, and welfare of our City are protected. On Monday, April 22, 2013, both at the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee, as well as under "Special Business" at the Common Council meeting, several Council Members asked questions of the City Administration with regard to proposed demolitions related to vacant & abandoned properties plaguing our great City. Some of the information requested, as part of the Council's oversight authority to assure a proper check and balance involving the monitoring and supervision of tax - funded programs, included the following: • Have you received any documents from IDEM related to the proposed plan of demolition? If so, please provide copies. • Are there any budgetary implications regarding compliance with IDEM regulations in the event that asbestos is involved? • Are there potential penalties if the City fails to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations? • Has the Administration been in contact with the "Asbestos Coordinators" for EPA Region 5 which govern Indiana, to seek advice and recommendations before proceeding ahead with the proposed demolitions?