Asbestos could limit Tarentum demolitions

Asbestos could reduce the number of dilapidated buildings that Tarentum will be able to tear down this year.

The borough expects to receive the results of asbestos testing on 28 properties this week, code enforcement officer Anthony Bruni said.

The borough paid Corwin Inspections $11,175 to do the testing. That did not include remediation, which will be handled by the demolition contractor.

In addition to buildings containing asbestos in floor tile, Bruni said he knows of at least a half-dozen that have the cancer-causing mineral in their siding.

Demolishing buildings containing asbestos increases the cost of the work because of the safety precautions that are required during removal.

The results of the asbestos testing will be included in a bid package the borough will put out as it seeks proposals from demolition contractors, Borough Manager Michael Nestico said.

Of the roughly 30 properties on the borough’s demolition list, Nestico said officials have identified 10 that will be a priority to take down because of health, safety and structural issues.

Additional properties will be added as options. Borough officials have said they want to tear down as many as possible, but it will depend on what can be covered by the $150,000 that the borough has available to spend.

Bruni said the borough will notify residents who live next door to or in the area of asbestos-containing buildings about their demolition, especially so those with respiratory issues can take precautions.