EPA Disapproves “Wet Method” of Asbestos Removal

Responding to mounting community opposition to an asbestos removal experiment planned in Fort Worth, Texas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in June 2004 that it would not approve a test of the controversial “wet method” for demolition of the Cowtown Inn, an asbestos-laden motel complex, pending further study of the method. In October 2004, the City of Fort Worth announced that it would spend the money necessary to demolish the Cowtown Inn using approved asbestos removal methods.

The EPA made public its decision not to approve the test – which would have involved bulldozing the building while spraying it with a fire hose to keep the asbestos dust down – one day after senior agency officials met with attorneys from two national public interest law firms, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice and the Natural Resources Defense Council, and a grassroots organization in east Fort Worth, the Handley Community for Environmental Justice (HCEJ). Attorneys with Baron & Budd, P.C. represented Handley Community for Environmental Justice pro bono in its opposition to the experiment. Baron & Budd also worked with the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators & Asbestos Workers, which spearheaded a door-to-door organizing campaign with HCEJ and affiliates of the Texas AFL-CIO to organize community forums and distribute thousands of public health flyers throughout the community.

The EPA declined approval for the experiment in Fort Worth or in populated neighborhoods of any other cities, such as St. Louis, where the method had been used at the St. Louis Airport for several years without the permission of the EPA. Instead, the EPA indicated that it has contacted the U.S. Department of Defense to request assistance in finding a suitable location to conduct the test at a military installation remote from residential neighborhoods.

This was a victory for public health and safety, and for a clean environment. It’s proof that grassroots organizing bringing together labor organizers, environmental advocates, trial lawyers, students, community residents, and local religious leaders can make a difference!

Take Action

If you suspect an improper asbestos removal project or building demolition in your community, contact your EPA regional asbestos coordinator at www.epa.gov/asbestos or call the EPA’s hotline at 1-800-368-5888.