Mayor Jeremy Stutsman announced that US. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials will be returning to Goshen to meet with residents about the removal of asbestos at the former Johnson Controls site, 1302 E. Monroe St.
“The EPA has been extremely proactive in dealing with the contamination found at this site” said Mayor Stutsman. “We have asked them to keep the community informed about the clean-up process and they have agreed to hold an open house to answer questions. The goal for the open house is to be completely transparent so the public is fully informed about clean-up activities.
EPA Open House
Date: Wednesday, August 17
Time: 3–7 p.m.
Where: Schrock Pavilion, Shanklin Park (411 W. Plymouth Ave.)
Mayor Stutsman contacted the EPA in February of this year, as soon he became aware of environmental tests indicating the presence of asbestos. “I asked the EPA to take immediate steps to secure the site and protect our residents from asbestos exposure. We are very appreciative of the work the EPA is doing to keep our community safe”, commented Mayor Stutsman.
The property is owned by TOCON Holdings, LLC. The company purchased the former Johnson Controls manufacturing facility and demolished a number of manufacturing buildings. Environmental concerns surfaced when an independent environmental report revealed the presence of asbestos contamination in the demolition debris left on the site by a contractor hired by TOCON Holdings. Subsequent testing from the EPA confirmed the contamination, leading to emergency measures by the EPA to secure the site and prevent asbestos exposure.
The next step in the process will be to remove the contaminated debris from the site and safely dispose of the materials. EPA contractors are expected to be on-site beginning August 25 and will complete the work in approximately twelve weeks.
