Energy plant runs into asbestos trouble

La Plata, MD – Reports that asbestos might have been disturbed at a generating plant brought a stop to work on new pollution controls last Tuesday.

According to Mirant spokeswoman Misty Allen, the construction to install a pollution control technology at the company’s Morgantown plant came to a temporary halt because of an asbestos concern in the construction area.

Alen said a contract worker disturbed the asbestos when he broke through the barrier in an industrial fan which contained asbestos insulation. The fan was in an area marked to indicate asbestos was present so Mirant is investigating if the worker was following proper procedures.

A professional asbestos removal contractor arrived on the site to perform work on Wednesday.

Test results showed that asbestos levels were so low, there was no need for concern or any further safety measures to be taken. However, some workers are asking for more information about the incident.

One worker mentioned that superiors had been given warning twice, on different days, that the barrier had been tampered with before work at the site came to a halt. He said he was concerned for his colleagues and their families, who may be at risk as well through exposure from their working member.

An official complaint has been filed with the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health division of the state labor department.

Mirant Corp. was found guilty of violating emission limits earlier this month. The company received a $175,000 fine and was required to donate $75,000 to help reduce pollution from school buses in Prince George County.

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