They had all the right permits and precautions in place when they started the demolition, but now that the EPA has stopped demolition, the old grain elevator is unsafe.
St Joseph officials are demanding the property owners and demolition contractor erect a safety fence around an old grain elevator near 8th and Mitchell as they wait for the federal government to determine if hazardous materials have been released.
“We’ve sent them a letter requiring that they install a chain link fence to at least six feet high to secure the site by Tuesday afternoon,” said Steve Hofferber, the city’s Associate Director of Inspections and Code Enforcement.
“If they want to propose a different way to secure the site, as long as it’s effective, they can propose that to us and we would consider it,” Hofferber said.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency halted demolition of the elevator after it began. They are now sampling for pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals in a process that could last two weeks or more. (click here for more)
Region Seven EPA Spokesman Eric Washburn said no further demolition or other work will be allowed at the site until the sampling and testing are completed. Washburn hoped to have the sampling results by “the second half of June.”
Washburn says the agency was not notified as required before notification began.
The property at 1300 South Eight is owned by St Joseph Properties and HPI Inc. The demolition contractor is TNT Wrecking and Salve of Kansas City, Mo.
Hofferber says the companies had the proper permits when they started the work. The city requires proof of insurance and proof of the property owner’s consent before such a demolition is approved.
“There are certain demolition projects, because of the size of the property or the previous use of the building, that also fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies,” Hofferber said.
“The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a role, regarding asbestos regulation and air pollution, and the Environmental Protection Agency has a role. So, in this case the Environmental Protection Agency has identified some concerns and they’ve stepped in.”