Illinois EPA removes asbestos from former Venice school

VENICE — Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Bureau of Land Chief, Bill Child, was joined by state, school and local officials, today to discuss Agency's the removal of asbestos from the former Venice School building, as it is being readied for demolition.

 

Along with Illinois EPA, Madison County Regional Superintendent, Robert Daiber and Venice School Superintendent Beverly Young, gave remarks concerning the asbestos cleanup work, which has posed a threat to frequent trespassers and nearby residents since its closure. 

 

This project will not only remove a physical and environmental threat from the community, but will also allow property values to increase and to be utilized by the community for the residents of Venice.  It is expected to be complete in early January of 2008.

 

Unlike many demolition projects where asbestos is a concern, the old bricks and much of the demolition debris will find a new purpose as fill material.  After the asbestos is removed, nearly 80 percent of the remaining brick and concrete building material will be able to be recycled.

 

While surveying the property in July of 2007, the Illinois EPA found asbestos in numerous building materials including the plaster, caulk and ceiling and floor tiles.  Due to the dilapidated condition of the building, the Illinois EPA believed it was highly likely that asbestos fibers were being released into the environment could be coming into contact with trespassers and nearby residents.  Exposure to asbestos poses potential health risks, and high levels are associated with lung disease and cancer.

 

Due to these health concerns, the Illinois EPA is now removing the asbestos where safe to do so.  All asbestos matter will be disposed of at an asbestos permitted landfill, where it will be buried and covered immediately with six inches of compacted soil. 

 

The site is home of the original Venice High School built in 1910, the Venice Elementary School built in 1920, and several later additions built in the1950s.  These once functional schools, built of predominantly brick, concrete and wood material, hold the threat of asbestos and lead exposure to the community they once served. 

 

Since December of 2005, the Illinois EPA has completed asbestos abatement and removal of five abandoned schools located throughout the state.  Many of the affected communities have been able to expand or create recreational parks for the local residents, including playground equipment, ball diamonds and pavilions.  The Illinois EPA focuses its efforts on abandoned deteriorating schools owned by either a municipality or a school district. 

 

The Venice Community Unit School District No. 3 is the current owner of the former Venice School property.