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Property Owner in Allegheny Co. to Clean Up Asbestos Hazards

Release Date: 09/25/2012
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, [email protected], 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA (September 25, 2012) – In a settlement reached with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Legacy Landings, LLC, owner of a property in Gibsonia, Allegheny County, Pa., will take steps to protect the nearby public from asbestos hazards at the site. Legacy Landings has agreed to properly clean up and dispose of asbestos-containing material released from abandoned greenhouses and other buildings on property formerly occupied by the Pittsburgh Cut Flower Company.

EPA inspected the site after receiving information that scrap-salvaging work was underway and that the buildings may contain asbestos. The inspection confirmed friable asbestos, which can cause a form of lung cancer especially when inhaled over a long period of time, was present inside and outside of buildings. Trespassers had frequented the property and salvaging activities likely contributed to the asbestos releases on site and possibly to other properties by wind or rain.

Under the settlement, Legacy is required to post signs and provide security to limit access and help prevent further disturbance of asbestos at the site. Legacy will locate and properly dispose of the friable asbestos eliminating the potential health risks.

The Pittsburgh Cut Flower Co. operated a commercial greenhouse business at the Gibsonia site from the early 1900s through the 1980s. The property contains abandoned commercial greenhouses, a large boiler building, offices, and smaller storage buildings in varying stages of decay. In 2007, Legacy Landings acquired the property which was abandoned since the late 1980s.

For information about asbestos https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/