Air quality regulators have ordered “strict containment measures” be put in place for asbestos-wrapped steam pipes that were disturbed at a Boyle Heights high school undergoing demolition.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District Friday ordered the measures to be taken on the campus of Theodore Roosevelt High School at 456 S. Mathews St. after a demolition contractor found the pipes in debris piles. The asbestos was disturbed in a campus building, according to SCAQMD.
“SCAQMD will take every step within our authority to ensure public health is protected,” said Wayne Nastri, SCAQMD’s executive officer. “We will deploy all necessary measures to contain asbestos or any other air toxics at the demolition site.”
Under SCAQMD’s orders, contractors must contain any debris piles containing asbestos, ensuring that it “is contained, fenced and signage is posted.”
The agency has also required that contractors submit a cleanup plan that, once approved, is executed according to SCAQMD rules.
Inspectors were sent to the school Thursday and again Friday to monitor the situation.
The agency had previously responded to a complaint at the site on Oct. 10, but no violations were found at that time, officials said.