Sioux City Sues Over Abandoned Asbestos Waste

May 8 , 2006 - The town of Sioux City, Iowa is suing an excavation company for leaving asbestos-containing debris at the demolished site of a downtown building for more than 6 years, creating a health hazard that may have affected those who frequent the area.

The city claims that asbestos-laden debris was left at the site of the Livestock Exchange Building during and after clean-up, conducted by Pat Sachau Excavation Company, following a fire that occurred at the site in 1998.  Sachau was hired by the building’s previous owner, who is also being named in the lawsuit.  Sachau’s company demolished an older portion of the building, which had been constructed in 1894. 

When the Livestock Exchange Building was scheduled to be demolished in 2004, workers who were clearing the area found the covered debris and expected that it may contain asbestos.  Lab tests confirmed that the workers were correct.  The debris remains covered and fenced in and has not yet been removed.

According to local news reports, “the city did not specify the amount of damages it is seeking, only that it receive a sum that will compensate it for damages, plus interest.”