County hears asbestos survey results at Market Street building; expert says risk low unless floors are disturbed
Summary
A public commenter and former EPA asbestos enforcement officer told the Limestone County Commission that floor tiles at the Market Street building are non‑asbestos but the adhesive contains asbestos minerals; he said EPA/OSHA thresholds mean the material poses low risk unless extensively disturbed and the county will solicit a contractor quote for removal and tenant impacts.
A public commenter identified to the commission as Elliot Terrell told commissioners on Nov. 17 that a recent asbestos survey of the Market Street building found non‑asbestos floor tiles but adhesive that contains asbestos minerals.
Terrell, who said he has 42 years in environmental health and safety and previously worked as an EPA asbestos enforcement officer, described a regulatory distinction between friable asbestos (which can be crushed by hand pressure and creates higher exposure risk) and non‑friable materials such as asphaltic floor mastics that bind asbestos fibers. "EPA regulations don't kick in until we disturb a 160 square feet," he said, adding that OSHA is concerned primarily where renovation or demolition will disturb more than regulatory thresholds.
Terrell told commissioners the current condition — mastic encapsulated under another flooring material — is unlikely to create airborne exposure for building occupants. "As it sets right now, they don't consider it a potential for exposure in this situation," he said.
Chair said the county will seek a written quote from contractor Sandy Hartman (transcript spelling varies) on what removal would entail and the likely length of tenant displacement. Chair cautioned that, based on contractors' comments, removing tile down to concrete is often necessary for a warranty and can trigger requirements such as temporary evacuation and ADA restroom upgrades. "If we decide to go that route," the chair said, "the people in the office are probably gonna be out for several months."
The commission did not take formal action during the work session. Chair said staff will return with a contractor estimate and further details to inform any future decision about renovation or abatement.
Why it matters: The Market Street building houses outside tenant offices near the county EMA; renovation choices could require temporary relocation of tenants, involve abatement costs and trigger additional accessibility upgrades that affect project scope and budget.
What happens next: Chair said the county expects contractor quotes and more information in the coming weeks; no vote or formal directive was recorded during the session.
