A 2013 discovery of asbestos on the property of Wescosville Elementary School has caused numerous East Penn residents to call for a criminal investigation into the activities and those involved in the illegal dumping.
The latest request for police intervention came from Nancy Hill, who also asked officials to provide the names of the school district employees that buried the asbestos-containing construction debris upon its discovery.
Although many East Penn residents have voiced their concern regarding the origin of the asbestos, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection were satisfied with the school board’s plan of action, which included swift asbestos abatement overseen by an inspector.
Due to the unlikelihood of success, no investigation was started by either party, which led to the outcry from local residents. “What kind of message are we sending our children?” asked Nancy Hill. “Illegal is illegal.” According to Hill, the entire asbestos removal project, which cost approximately $18,000, should be paid for by the individuals who disposed of the hazardous material on school property. Hill also felt that the school district employees, who have since moved on from their positions with the district, should also be held responsible for their thoughtless reaction.
Asbestos can be extremely dangerous, especially when it is disturbed, as it is during construction, renovation, and demolition projects. When asbestos is friable, it easily breaks apart and becomes airborne, causing those in close proximity to inhale the toxic dust. Exposure to asbestos can result in a variety of respiratory health problems, including mesothelioma.
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