Capitol Tunnel Still Full of Asbestos

Juluy 19, 2006 - A report issued by the U.S. Public Health Service has informed the Architect of the Capitol’s (AoC) office that asbestos discovered three years ago in the entrance to utility tunnels in the Longworth House Office Building basement is still there.

According to the publication The Hill, a report entitled “Capitol Power Plant Steam Tunnels Condition and Hazard Assessment Progress Report”, which was issued on July 10th, states that asbestos in the “duct insulation” has been neither repaired nor abated.

The problem was first discovered in June 2003 and the material was to be immediately abated.  The utility tunnels underneath the Capitol building contain pipes that bring steam and cold water to the Capitol complex.  The article reports that tunnel entrances are behind closed doors that require access cards, but many of the doors open into areas that are often traveled by staff.

Eva Malecki, a spokeswoman for the AoC, identified the problem area as Tunnel V. She noted that this tunnel had been abated in 2005 and the section noted in the report had recently become friable. She said the area was not accessible to the general public. 

“A small section of ductwork in that tunnel has asbestos insulation that the tunnel shop took samples of last week,” she said. “As a precaution, Capitol Power Plant management is requiring proper protective equipment be worn in the V tunnel while the area is tested and evaluated.”

The AoC has recently been under fire for failing to provide protective clothing and respirators for its workers.  Employees have testified as to the hazardous conditions in the tunnels and their fear of prolonged exposure to asbestos.