Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

Plans to expand Middle Park High School in Granby, Colorado, were delayed this summer when construction crews found more asbestos than expected during renovation work on the existing facility. The Sky-Hi Daily News, which covers Granby along with Winter Park and other cities in the region, says crews planned asbestos abatement as part of a 12-week project, but uncovered asbestos in vinyl flooring, which they had not anticipated.

The $9.8 million improvement project expands the existing facilities, adding new classrooms, relocating some offices for more efficient use of space, and improving the auditorium. Prior to construction beginning, the contractor identified areas where it expected to find asbestos, and planned proper abatement procedures, which include isolating and sealing the affected areas while removing the substance using proper hazardous materials equipment, clothing and respirators to avoid inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Asbestos is linked to mesothelioma, a deadly cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and, less often, the abdomen. It also is linked to asbestosis, a severe scarring of the lungs that can seriously impair breathing.

After evaluating the job sites within the school, the contractors discovered asbestos in vinyl composition tile flooring in the school’s commons area, which was scheduled for expansion. Proper abatement of this area added two weeks to the project timeline.

The school’s opening is delayed to Monday, Sept. 8, from an original date of Sept. 2, but construction is ongoing, with the project at about 50 percent completion. However, all asbestos has been safely removed, according to school officials.

School officials say students were never in any danger from the asbestos in the facility, as it was completely contained, and there were no airborne particles. Proper abatement procedures have insured safety going forward, they told the Daily News.

Temporary walls have been constructed to keep students away from construction areas. The new classrooms are projected to open in November, and the project should be complete in December.

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Tags: asbestos, Colorado, mesothelioma

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