GOSHEN Ind. (Nov. 3, 2016) – Mayor Jeremy Stutsman announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed the removal of asbestos at the former Johnson Controls site, 1302 E. Monroe St.
Wednesday, Nov. 2, was the last day EPA officials were on site, after three months of asbestos removal. The work was completed within the time estimated by EPA officials, and was done so in a safe manner as to not affect surrounding neighbors.
EPA On-Scene Coordinator Andy Maguire showed the completed work to Mayor Stutsman, Community Development Director Mark Brinson and Brownfield Coordinator Becky Hershberger on Wednesday.
This completes the EPA’s action on the site, meaning the once-affected parcels will be released again to TOCON Holdings, LLC, the property owner.
“I’d like to thank the city for working with us,” Maguire said. “I think it went well, and the city was of big help, giving us supplies to work with.”
TOCON Holdings purchased the former Johnson Controls site and demolished a number of manufacturing buildings. Concerns arose when an independent environmental report revealed the presence of asbestos in the demolition debris left on the site by a contractor TOCON Holdings hired.
Mayor Stutsman contacted the EPA in February this year, as soon as he became aware of environmental tests indicating the presence of asbestos on the site.
“I’m really grateful for Andy’s work, how responsive the EPA has been and how quickly it all happened,” Mayor Stutsman said. “Thanks to the work performed by the EPA, our community does not have to worry about any more asbestos contamination from this site.”