The Pan Am/Parapan Games have brought crowds, traffic and at least some of that economic spin-off they promised us taxpayers to the city. The Games also brought a slew of construction projects to Toronto and the GTA, including the Pan Am Athletics Stadium at York University.
In that situation, unfortunately, it looks like the taxpayers may also be on the hook for some additional costs – some of them due to asbestos found on the site.
Asbestos Underground
Among the unforeseen work and subsequent costs being claimed are those for costs and delays due to the discovery of asbestos both above and below the ground.
The open air stadium at the University’s Keele Cammpus seats 12,500 and the dispute about who owes what for which costs is likely to remain unresolved until the athletes have long gone home.
This type of cost overrun is not uncommon and is often already accounted for in the budgets for construction projects of this size. Many such contractual arrangements require the contractor to be insured against the costs of cleaning up harmful and toxic substances, including asbestos, mould and others.
Asbestos under the ground does pose a not insignificant risk. If it remains wet or embedded in mud or clay, it is not considered to be a risk. However, once exposed to the air, earth can dry out and asbestos can be released as inhalable particles in dust and spread on the wind. To make matters even more worthy of caution, when it’s underground – as in the case of the Pan Am Stadium – much of the time, the extent and exact nature of the material is unknown.
How did it get there?
The reasons for discovering asbestos underground can vary;
- Buildings containing asbestos or asbestos containing materials (ACM) were not properly demolished and disposed of – the debris was simply buried underground;
- Asbestos contaminated soil was used as fill or topsoil.
Very Important!
Remember: asbestos may be found on any site – residential or commercial. If you find old structures or materials under the ground when gardening or landscaping, don’t take chances – have it tested to find out exactly what it is.
Safe – Not Sorry
The safest route is complete asbestos removal or asbestos remediation. It’s too serious to take chances. If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or on your property, call the experts at GreenStream.
In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.
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.
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