Army cuts funding for asbestos cleanup

Sumpter, Wisconsin – Delayed efforts to demolish old buildings at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant have caused asbestos inspections to come to a halt as well. This poses a public health concern, according to state and county officials.

The asbestos in those buildings are currently in a state where they can easily crumble and become dust, making them airborne.

Plant officials initially requested about $19 million for demolishing costs from the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. However, due to the Army’s lack of a healthy budget, only about $1 million was allocated for the project. That is only enough money to pay for basic operations at the plant – maintain landfills, operate the wastewater treatment plant, maintain security and various other small functions. The lack of budget also cost 62 employees their job because their duties were no longer required.

Some of the buildings at the plant have already inspected and approved for demolition. However, if the delays last much longer, the buildings will require new inspections to ensure that their destruction will not create a possible asbestos threat. The cost of the demolition project will rise because of it.

Three Congressional members from Wisconsin are urging the Army to change its decision to cut budget for the Badger plant, citing that it is the Army’s responsibility to clean up the site. If left as they are, the buildings pose a health and environmental hazard to the residents of Sauk County.

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