Public not at risk as hazardous material is removed from plant
Posted: 04.30.2012 at 3:58 PM
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LAKE LINDEN -- A clean-up crew is removing asbestos-containing materials from what was once known as the Calumet and Hecla power plant in Lake Linden.
 
Last fall, Honeywell International began clearing away hazardous materials, and the project continues throughout this year.
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is managing the project.
 
“The old building had asbestos pipe wrapping and other asbestos materials that were used in the building itself, and a lot of them have been torn down and a lot of the materials were left on site, so the workers are trained and know what asbestos-containing materials look like,” said Andrew Maguire, federal on-scene coordinator for the U.S. EPA. 
 
A larger cleanup is planned this summer in order to remove heavier materials like lead and copper found around and inside the building.
 
The former Calumet and Hecla Mining Company power plant is considered a hazardous waste site. The public is not allowed inside the building, but the EPA says residents are not in danger.
 
“You shouldn’t be worried currently. The reason we’re picking it up is because asbestos is a hazard to the public, but there are site controls in place currently, like the fence line, to ensure none of the materials is getting off site,” Maguire said. 
 
The EPA says they are also performing air quality checks.  
 
This is the last major building of the largest copper mining complex in North America.
 
Although no official agreement has been made, the plant will most likely be demolished.