School board accused of hiring unlicensed carcinogenic asbestos abatement company to conduct removal

In Fulton, Illinois, the River Bend School Board is struggling to find a way to finance the costs related to a recent asbestos incident. Superintendent Jane Bauer offered a report on the asbestos abatement at the local high school’s shop classroom at the November school board meeting.

Bauer is concerned that the school will be fined over the incident.

“I just know, that we have done every single thing right. And we are being accused of allowing abatement to take place by someone who’s not licensed. And that is not the truth, but that is how the state is portraying it at this time,” said Bauer.

Licensed removal of asbestos is important, as federal regulations are in place to make sure removal is performed safely. Exposure to even a small amount of asbestos is considered unsafe, and may lead to the development of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, affects less than 3,000 new patients in America every year. The cancer is aggressive, and many patients succumb to mesothelioma within 24 months of being diagnosed.

Bauer is concerned that between fines and the cost of paying for the asbestos abatement in the shop classroom, the school board will be out quite a lot of money. According to Bauer, the school’s insurance provider has been contacted to ascertain what level of coverage the district has, and unfortunately the cost of asbestos abatement will not be covered.

“This project is going to be a big project,” said Bauer, who says it is “unfortunate” that the school will not be getting extra money from the insurance company during this time of need.