Michigan city could pay $280,000 to remove asbestos from building
The city of Jackson, Michigan, could be forced to pay $280,000 more than initially thought for the removal of asbestos from the Consumers Energy building, the Jackson Citizen Patriot reports.According to the news source, a city contractor underestimated how much asbestos was located throughout the structure, which led to a change order request from a second contractor.
Ultimately, the cost of the asbestos abatement could rise to more than $1.1 million, and city manager Larry Shaffer said Jackson is attempting to recover some of the money from the contractor who originally underestimated the extent of the asbestos.
While it may be expensive, the proper removal of asbestos from buildings set to be demolished is of paramount importance as the dangerous mineral fibers can become airborne if loosened during such work. The inhalation of these fibers has been proven to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.
City officials are reportedly hoping the asbestos work will be completed by early fall, and the entire demolition project is expected to cost $2 million, the news source reported.
4/2/12
