The old Wetmore Elementary School in Utica, New York has sat abandoned for nearly 20 years, waiting for the day when someone would find a new use for the 1900s-era school building. Now, school district officials say thieves who entered the school to steal copper pipes have turned the structure into an asbestos hazard.

An article in the Utica Observer-Dispatch reports that the boarded-up school was broken into in February by individuals bent on finding items they could re-sell for cash. When copper pipes were removed, the thieves disturbed the asbestos insulation around the pipes. That means friable asbestos material is now strewn throughout the school, causing a hazard for anyone else who might dare to enter, including individuals interested in purchasing the building in the future.

“Once we discovered that, we had to shut and seal the building off,” said Michael Ferraro, district maintenance foreman, who noted that a licensed asbestos contractor will be assessing the damage at the property. “We’re trying to get a scope of work together so we can come up with a cost,” he added.

Utica, New York Board of Education President Christopher Salatino said the Municipal Housing Authority has been considering purchasing the property for senior housing, but will want to make sure the property is free of asbestos before proceeding. Unfortunately, however, the cost of the asbestos abatement – which could be as high as $1 million – is putting a damper on the proposed project and keeping others from considering alternative uses for the old school.

Many of America’s schools were constructed with building materials that contain asbestos, particular those built previously to about 1980. Asbestos was a common component in these materials through much of the 20^th century and many schools have tiles, acoustical plaster, pipe and wiring insulation, and even stage curtains that might contain the hazardous material. The EPA has laws in effect that govern the maintenance of asbestos in schools and each must have plans in place that show where the hazardous materials are located. According to the rules, school maintenance staffs are supposed to be trained to handle any asbestos-related emergencies as well.

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