Re: Asbestos Abatement

As the Friends project leader for the 483/492 preservation work I guess I'd better speak up on the issue of asbestos removal, an issue we've had to grapple with for the past two years. There is a very, very small chance that we could do the removal by keeping the asbestos thoroughly watered down and then have a qualified contractor take the asbestos to the one certified burial site in NM.
This fall we will be pursuing that option with the NM Clean Air Bureau which is charged with enforcement of the Federal Regulations. At a minimum several Friends would have to attend a five-day class in Albuquerque in order to be certified.
But, most likely, we will end up having to use certified contractors. The Friends plan to minimize the costs by having all in readiness -- both locos are now stripped down to the jacketing, they are in the roundhouse where a polyfilm tent can be hung without need for special scaffolding.
This approach should help keep contractor costs down to $20,000, and we are pursuing a matching grant from the Los Alamos Natl. Lab Foundation to help defray the cost. Last year LANLF granted the Friends $10,000 for work on 497, etc. We also hope to receive additional volunteer help from Johnson Controls of Northen New Mexico the outfit that deals with asbestos abatement up this way.
Of course, since the bi-state Commission is the landlord of the Railroad, whatever plan the Friends put forward will require Commission approval.
Best time for the actual work would be this coming March. Wish us luck.