In August
2018, the City of Walsenburg condemned the residential structure located on Walsen
Avenue, Walsenburg, Huerfano County, Colorado (the Site). In September 2018, the
structure burned, and portions of the building collapsed. The structure is in a
state of severe disrepair due to weathering, a collapsing roof, and missing
walls and windows. In March 2019, the City of Walsenburg conducted an
evaluation of the Site and determined that the burned structure contained
friable asbestos.
On August
3, 2020, the City of Walsenburg and the Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment (CDPHE) contacted the EPA Region 8 Response Program requesting
assistance in performing a removal action at the Site. The City of Walsenburg provided
the EPA with sampling data, where asbestos (chrysotile) concentrations were measured at
concentrations as high as 6 percent.
Based on the OSC’s evaluation of the crumbling building materials and
the missing walls and windows, there has been a release of
friable asbestos to the environment from the ACM at the Site. The property is
in a residential neighborhood with other residences located in close proximity.
There are continued incidents of trespassing and adequate barriers are not in
place to prevent children or other persons from accessing the Site. The hazardous materials inspector documented a
couple of incidences evidence of trespassing and vandalism in August 2018.
Weather events including wind, rain,
and snow will continue to degrade the remaining portions of the structure. This
will cause asbestos fibers to continue to be released from the ACM as the
material weathers and become friable due to ongoing exposure to the elements. Hence,
asbestos fibers may migrate off-Site and pose an asbestos inhalation threat to nearby
residents and community members.
