Lyndhurst, nj locals concerned over possibility of asbestos dust

Local frustration is high in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, over the actions of Bedroc Contracting, an excavation and demolition company. The company is under fire over its recycling center, which is located directly adjacent to a new recreation complex, and is also located near the town’s pre-kindergarten facility. Due to zoning regulations the recycling facilities can take in wood, metal, masonry and concrete materials. However, locals are particularly concerned about the large amounts of dust created by concrete crushing operations at the facilities. Many residents are worried over the possibility that some of the concrete contains asbestos and other harmful substances. One resident said, “I have issues with putting children on those fields without knowing what’s in that dust. I have serious concerns about it.” Asbestos, a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral, is particularly harmful when crushed or otherwise disturbed, as the act of crushing releases tiny asbestos fibers into the air. Once airborne these fibers can be inhaled. Over many years, inhaled asbestos fibers can cause a serious type of asbestos cancer called mesothelioma, which is aggressive, resistant to treatment, and ultimately fatal. The recycling center is allowed to accept construction waste, but isn’t zoned for crushing stone (or concrete). Bedroc Contracting has already been fined a total of $4,000 for six violations during April, but continues to crush concrete and stone. Town officials say there isn’t much they can do, as state zoning regulations allow the crushing to continue. One official said, “We’ve been complaining to the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission now for seven, eight months. We’ve been pursuing it as what we see is a potential health hazard. It’s a clear problem that needs to be addressed. These fines just aren’t enough to cause compliance.” The town has retained environmental counsel to deal with the matter. Eric Bernstein has so far documented conditions at the facility with photographs and complaints from locals about dust and noise. State officials say they are beginning to note compliance issues, and have found instances where the recycling center has violated the conditions of its permit. NJDEP spokesperson Larry Hajna said, “Solid waste inspectors visited the site in mid-April and noted that facility operators were advised they were out of compliance for various recycling center approval conditions.” However, the NJDEP has issued only one fine, in 2006, for $3,000. State agencies are finally beginning to come down on Bedroc Contracting for its violations, with six recorded in April at a cost of $4,000 in fines. In the mean time, residents are being encouraged to voice the complaints about the dust that’s being created at the recycling center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)