A Movie Set with Familiar Issues: Asbestos & Mould

Built to withstand a four-megaton nuclear bomb, a former military facility deep underground in Northern Ontario is now home to a movie shoot – and some familiar old problems.

Known as The Colony, the compound was the twin of an American base at Colorado Springs, and was the command and control centre for the North American Air Defence Command for more than four decades. The bunker was located 68 storeys below the rocky terrain of the North Bay area of Ontario. Decommissioned in 2006 when it was replaced by a newer – and above ground – facility, the complex is still owned by the DND (Department of National Defence) and while not in use, is currently the set for a feature film starring actors Bill Paxton and Laurence Fishburne.

A Futuristic Set with Old Problems

The film has a futuristic plot about survival in a “new ice age” but the building itself, according to a DND brochure, has a lot of old problems, including:

• Asbestos in pipe insulation. Asbestos was often used to insulate steam pipes, boilers and furnace ductwork in the form of an asbestos blanket or asbestos tape. The material can become released in the air where it can be inhaled and therefore dangerous if the material is damaged, or if it’s disturbed or removed during renovations
• Mould in the walls of one of the rooms, which has been sealed off. Water leaks from a roof or around windows is a very common source of mould growth inside walls. The trouble with this type of mould growth is that you’ll seldom know about it until it’s already taken hold.

Vigilance is the Answer

An aging high tech facility, or your lovely older home – with the same common hazards. The only way to know about these often hidden sources of unwelcome contamination in your home and get peace of mind is to call in the professionals for an inspection.

In between professional inspections, you’ll want to inspect your home yourself on a regular basis, keeping an eye out for sources of moisture and condensation, accumulation of little black spots on walls and floors, and an overall musty odour – these are your clues to mould growth.

Keep an eye on your pipe and furnace insulation. As long as it’s entirely intact, it’s not considered dangerous, but once it starts to crumble, don’t fool around – call in the experts right away for abatement or removal.

At GreenStream Environmental, we’ve got the solution for your “old home” issues, including:

• Asbestos abatement and removal
• Mould Removal

In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414.  You’ll be glad you did.