Vermont DEC, EPA Clear Out Asbestos from Mt. Norris Boy Scout Camp
Federal and state clean-up workers recently completed work to identify and remove asbestos contamination from the Mt. Norris Boy Scout Reservation in Eden Mills Vt., a camp facility owned and operated by the Green Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America. EPA performed the work at the request of the Boy Scouts.
Environmental sampling work began at the site in early 2009. Following initial results from that sampling, which showed some potential for asbestos in camp buildings and property, the Green Mountain Council elected to suspend camp operations for 2009 and requested assistance from EPA to perform more rigorous sampling and removal of any contamination that might be found at the camp.
The federal agency worked in coordination with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. Environmental workers conducted extensive sampling and other work until winter weather in late 2009 stopped the efforts. They recently returned to the camp to complete their efforts.
Using a certified asbestos abatement contractor, work at the camp included cleaning the interiors of all 58 onsite buildings, a process consisting of HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping and the use of negative air machines. As the Scouts typically sleep in canvas tents, they were all opened and meticulously vacuumed. Bare areas near the camp dining hall were asphalted to prevent any asbestos fibers from becoming airborne. EPA also re-asphalted the main parking lot and rerouted much of the localized surface water flow to ensure that erosion will not cause disruption to any asbestos fibers contained in fill underlying asphalted areas.
Mt. Norris Boy Scout Reservation is planning to resume its normal summertime camp schedule.