FOX 4 WFTX - Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples News, WeatherWhiskey Creek neighbors want answers about asbestos
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When it comes to asbestos, Michele DePalma is not worried about her health, she's worried about her son's.
"I want to know if my child is going to get sick, is he going to end up with cancer?" Her fears began to mount when the Department of Environmental Protection confirmed asbestos was found at the County's Summerlin Road overpass site. Part of the project is now on hold.
DePalma says she herself is experiencing sinus issues, so she began talking to other parents and neighbors in her Whiskey Creek neighborhood about the work site, and dirt mounds across the street from her backyard.
"There are pipes sticking out of them, pipes, wires, all kinds of stuff." DEP officials say the asbestos was found in pipes, and they're looking into whether or not it was pipes already buried beneath the ground, or material brought in by the contractor Posen Construction. Posen is choosing not to comment.
In her search of the nneighborhood DePalma found out she's not the only one worried about the asbestos. Mother of two MJ Harris has similar fears.
"My concern is they're home all day, and my boys can't come outside and play because there's dust flying around." Both moms say their sons have recently started getting unexplained headaches.
"I don't know if it's linked to this, but something is going on to make our children sick," said DePalma. She's now handing out flyers advertising a meeting where an attorney will be on hand to answer questions. After being asked, DEP officials tell Fox 4 they'll go to any meeting for residents to help calm fears if invited.
"Right now we're going on bits and pieces, and that can boost up the anxiety," said Harris.
DEP Director Jon IIglehartsays it's unlikely any asbestos would have settled into nearby homes, because the amount found was simply too small.
"Asbestos fibers will go in the atmosphere, but there really shouldn't be any concern from the construction activities there," said IgIglehartnbsp; Today, a consultant went out to the site for the first time to evaluate a clean-up plan. When one is approved and crews began cleaning out the site, the DEP will momonitorir quality in the area, and possibly change traffic patterns.
The DEP is also looking to see if the contractor should have known that old water pipes containing asbestos were buried beneath the site.
CHRISTINA BAILEY, REPORTER
cbailey@fox4now.com
