The University completed asbestos abatement procedures in 22 residence halls over the summer, according to Facilities Management's Director of Project Management Paul Dietel, though none were in response to an imminent problem.
The procedures, which the University conducts as part of renovation projects, are also sometimes conducted proactively in buildings that are not under renovation.
"None of the work was done because of a hazard, but part of an ongoing maintenance of the buildings," said Director of Environmental Health and Safety Stephen Morin. "We coordinated it around the summer programs and had a closely planned schedule."
Morin said that projects like the current renovation of the Metcalf Chemistry and Research Laboratory include a standard asbestos abatement procedure, but the University also takes a proactive approach in dealing with asbestos when students are not using certain buildings.
"For asbestos in buildings, the (Environmental Protection Agency)'s policy is to not impact asbestos unless you are doing renovation," Morin said. "We took a proactive approach in Hegeman (Hall), for example, because we wanted to prevent the potential for students to impact the asbestos."
Dietel and Morin emphasized that the University takes into account all necessary safety measures when conducting an asbestos abatement, including air containment and minimization of exposure to hazardous materials.
"It's all highly regulated," Dietel said. "All of the abatement sites are completely contained."
Morin said the University ensures that all necessary precautions are taken into account and that they go above and beyond required measures to make sure the safety of both students and faculty is met.
"We definitely expect more than the minimum," Morin said. "We have a consultant who makes sure the contractors are doing their job properly and that safety measures are followed."
He said the project must also meet set regulations for its workers outlined by the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Dietel said there are other buildings being considered for abatement, and the availability of funding will determine how soon the University can move forward on treating those.
"There is a possibility that we may move forward with more projects over winter break and next summer," Dietel said.
