The Fernandina Beach Building Department slapped a "stop work" order on the demolition of three downtown neighborhood homes because asbestos was being removed without the required permits. Work on the homes have been idled for more than a month.
The stop work orders were posted on Nov. 11 and the homes have not been touched since then.
The homes at 123, 124, and 119 S. 4th Street are part of the Tringali property development and are future sites for new townhouses.
There are strict state and local requirements for asbestos removal to minimize the release of asbestos fibers during demolition activities involving the removal, handling and disposal of asbestos-containing material.
According to Angie Lester, CRS administrator for the Building Department, asbestos affidavits have been submitted but not paid for. Jensafe Environmental was doing the work.
Officials at Jensafe Environmental did not respond for comment on the situation.
"It's important to note that the Contractor has hired Jensafe Environmental who is very aware of the methods to remove and report on Asbestos. It appears they are using the wet method for removal," Lester wrote in a Nov. 21 email to City Manager Ty Ross.
She said the buildings were draped "and they have removed siding from two structures."
According to local resident Taina Christner, workers were seen in hazmat suits last month removing what appeared to be house siding containing asbestos.
" Approximately two weeks ago, my neighbors and I noticed the removal of what appeared to be asbestos shingles from three of the homes on the property. Despite the workers donning hazmat suits and facemasks, none of us observed asbestos safety measures such as wetting down the shingles with water or the use of plastic sheets to contain airborne particles," Christner said "At that time, I assumed the contractors were carrying out the task under city supervision, adhering to all necessary rules and regulations."
Who is responsible for securing the permit? Tringali or Jensafe Environmental?