Mesothelioma-causing asbestos to be removed in Rhode IslandBarrington, RI - In Barrington, Rhode Island, asbestos removal is ongoing as a precursor to much-needed renovations at the Bay Spring Community Center (BSCC). The renovation project has been in the planning phase for years, and funds were finally made available in January of this year by the Barrington Town Council. Preliminary work began last month, and by the end of the spring season, upgrades to the sprinkler system, first-floor spaces, bathrooms and an office will be complete. The work is being completed by ADS Construction of East Providence.
Town Planner Phil Hervey said preparing the building for the project was time-consuming, and required help from many volunteers.
"First was the clean-out of the building by the people from the neighborhood," he explained. "ADS has completed the demolition and are working on a fire-rated boiler room enclosure. Right now we're proceeding with hiring an asbestos-removal company to complete the removal of asbestos floor tile, which will need to be done before ADS can begin with the main floor renovations."
Asbestos removal is important for both legal and health reasons. Exposure to asbestos, a substance regulated by the federal Clean Air Act, can lead to the development of mesothelioma. Lung cancer and asbestosis can also develop after exposure to asbestosis, in some cases.
Peter Gray, President of the Bay Spring Community Center is pleased that the project is underway. "I am thrilled. The renovation has been on and off council agendas for at least 15 years. We had to show them the need and we succeeded. It was never a priority to fund it," he said.
