Environmental Protection Agency Begins Otsego Asbestos Removal
The Rock-Tenn Paper Mill in Otsego, Michigan shut down operations in 2004 after decades of
operating with asbestos contamination. Throughout their run as a paper mill, The Rock-Tenn caused
harm to many of the residents of Otsego. Although they have now been shut down for over a decade,
the EPA has concerns about environmental contamination. The harmful substances and chemicals, such
as asbestos, can easily seep into the environment and cause even more health troubles for locals.
The EPA has undertaken a million dollar demolition project to remove the asbestos in this
abandoned mill and protect the environment and local residents. The project will begin April 3 rd and end
in three months.
Tricia Edwards, the federal on-scene coordinator of the EPA, represented the project during an
Otsego public meeting regarding the cleanup. She assured everyone that multiple crews will work on the
cleanup, removing asbestos methodically and by hand. Special care will be taken to ensure that asbestos
do not spread past the area. The process will begin with a complete wetting down of the area to ensure
that no asbestos go airborne and a fence will be installed to prevent trespassers and possible exposure
to the deadly fibers. All of the contaminated material will then be transported to a designated landfill.
After the removal of asbestos and demolition of the plant, Otsego officials hope that new
companies and developers can work on the area without fear of contamination.
The Rock-Tenn Paper Mill in Otsego, Michigan shut down operations in 2004 after decades of
operating with asbestos contamination. Throughout their run as a paper mill, The Rock-Tenn caused
harm to many of the residents of Otsego. Although they have now been shut down for over a decade,
the EPA has concerns about environmental contamination. The harmful substances and chemicals, such
as asbestos, can easily seep into the environment and cause even more health troubles for locals.
The EPA has undertaken a million dollar demolition project to remove the asbestos in this
abandoned mill and protect the environment and local residents. The project will begin April 3 rd and end
in three months.
Tricia Edwards, the federal on-scene coordinator of the EPA, represented the project during an
Otsego public meeting regarding the cleanup. She assured everyone that multiple crews will work on the
cleanup, removing asbestos methodically and by hand. Special care will be taken to ensure that asbestos
do not spread past the area. The process will begin with a complete wetting down of the area to ensure
that no asbestos go airborne and a fence will be installed to prevent trespassers and possible exposure
to the deadly fibers. All of the contaminated material will then be transported to a designated landfill.
After the removal of asbestos and demolition of the plant, Otsego officials hope that new
companies and developers can work on the area without fear of contamination.
