Asbestos Removal Prior to Demolition in Capitol Village Published Nov. 12, 2009 By Natural Resources Management 14th Civil Engineer Squadron COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- The second phase of Privatized Housing at Columbus AFB is scheduled to begin this month with the demolition of 200+ homes in Capitol Village. Houses in Capitol Village were constructed during the 1950-1960 period and renovated numerous times since construction. Through the 1970s, asbestos was commonly used to fireproof roofing and flooring and for heat insulation. Federal regulations allow asbestos to stay in place as long as it does not pose a threat to human health. As you may expect, some of the houses in Capitol Village do indeed have asbestos. Most of the asbestos-containing material is located on the exterior of the houses--in the siding and gables, while some houses still have asbestos-containing floor tiles. Columbus AFB Natural Resources Management personnel have characterized, cataloged, monitored and maintained all areas containing asbestos, to include residential areas. Thanks to diligent efforts by Columbus AFB personnel, there have not been any health related incidents due to asbestos exposure in housing at Columbus AFB. Prior to demolition activities, the contractor must remove all asbestos from the housing units. The contractor will take all appropriate measures to ensure workers and residents are not exposed to asbestos during the abatement. They will post temporary fencing and/or signs which are off-limits and will securely bag, transport and dispose of all waste containing asbestos in accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements. As always, please do not wander into any demolition or construction areas as they pose more than just potential asbestos hazards. If you have any questions or environmental concerns please contact Ms. Renae Fischer, Civil Engineer Squadron Natural Resources Element chief, at 434-7974.