Asbestos abatement in Newton, Massachusetts to come in slightly under budget

Newton, Massachusetts will finish their $197.5 million Newton North High School construction project slightly under budget–despite the cost increase to demolish the old building.

Although there had been, originally, a $4 million allowance for the demolition of the 1970s-era building, an additional $3.6 million is required to remove all hazardous materials.

Tests showed the 37-year-old structure was ridden with asbestos, lead, mercury and PCBs. All hazardous materials must be removed under regulated procedures, before demolition may occur.

When asbestos particles are made airborne, individuals exposed to the hazardous material, for an extended period of time, are placed at risk for contracting mesothelioma. The disease attacks the linings of many of the body’s internal cavities.

The rare cancer, which affects 2,000-3,000 Americans each year, is difficult to diagnose. Doctors have, unfortunately, yet to find a mesothelioma cure. Mesothelioma doctors often struggle to treat this type of cancer, as it is particularly aggressive.

City officials accepted the winning bid for the demolition project from Costello Dismantling. The district had upped the demolition allowance to $10 million; however, they will pay $2.5 million less than their increased allowance for the job.

Dan Costello, president of Costello Dismantling, is prepared for additional contamination: ‘‘but we’re well prepared. We’re scheduled to be working on the site until March, so we should have plenty of time, and we have extensive experience and have worked with the abatement company who will be removing the material from the site in the past.’’

Demolition is scheduled to begin July 1, after all hazardous materials have been removed from the building, and is set to conclude by March 2011.