Texas Site Could Be Contaminated with Asbestos

June 26, 2006 - In yet another chapter in the infamous case of W.R. Grace and Company and their many vermiculite plants located throughout the United States, state and federal environmental regulators began testing soil near the old Big Tex Grain Co. in San Antonio for signs of asbestos, lead or other potentially dangerous materials.

An article in the San Antonio Express-News notes that tests are being performed at the site of the former W.R. Grace vermiculite ore processing plant near downtown Antonio, which is scheduled to be made into a recreational area for the residents of the city. The testing was put on the fast track, noted officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, because city crews had already begun tearing up the site to build a bike trail, despite the potential of contamination.  This worried residents who lived in nearby homes. 

"It was a bit of a surprise to see them starting," King William resident Margarita Maldonado said. "We have concerns about that area."

State environmental officials asked city crews to please stop their work until the testing is complete and results are reported.  However, the city maintains that the site is clean and asbestos-free and has refused to halt the work. 

"There has been quite a bit of study and quite a bit of investigation," said David Newman, Environmental Services Manager for San Antonio. "We're proceeding forward with this unless they tell us they've found something."