Florida Town Seeking Asbestos Removal

The City Commission of Lake Wales, Florida has postponed an asbestos removal project in order to search for a company in the area that can do the work.

Lake Wales is looking to remove asbestos from underground cement water pipes. The cement pipes are used to distribute water throughout various parts of the city.

The city’s staff recommended a proposal from Killebrew Inc. Killebrew placed a bid of $549,945 for the asbestos removal. However, the city commissioner wishes to see more bids before choosing a company.

Lake Wales Utilities Director Ray Creel said he’s not aware of any other companies within 300 miles of the city that can do the type of work needed.

If the city decides to send out for bids instead of accepting the proposal from Killebrew, Inc., there may be a three or four month delay in the removal of the water pipes. There is currently no deadline set for the removal of the pipes.

The asbestos in the pipes is not believed to pose any immediate health risks. However, the EPA has ordered the pipes to be removed as soon as possible.

Exposure to errant asbestos may lead to the eventual development of mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer.

About half of the affected Lake Wales pipes will be removed, while the remaining pipes will have to wait until funds from next year’s budget can be accessed. City officials will target certain areas for removal first, taking into consideration all possible risk factors.

The city commission voted unanimously to approve the motion for city staffers to seek out local contractors to bid on this project.