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Fact Sheet
June 2006
Time-Critical Removal Action, Former Cardwell Hospital Site - Stella, Newton County, Missouri
INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, will begin a Time Critical Removal Action at the Former Cardwell Hospital Site located in Newton County, Stella, Missouri. EPA plans to begin mobilizing at the site in July, 2006. The purpose of the removal action is to eliminate asbestos releases, and to address other contaminants at the site. The former hospital has been recognized as a time critical action because the building is collapsing, it contains large quantities of friable asbestos, and it is reportedly being frequented by children and trespassers.
The village of Stella is located in southwest Missouri in Newton County.
The former Cardwell hospital is located in the 700 block of Ozark Street within the city limits of Stella.
BACKGROUND
Historical records indicate that the former Cardwell Hospital building has been utilized as a hospital, medical center, and residential care center since the 1920s. The former hospital building is bordered by residential properties, a senior center, and commercial properties.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has responded to several complaints regarding public safety at the Cardwell Site since 1995. Representatives from MDNR's Southwest Regional Office and Air Pollution Program have inspected the former hospital several times from 1995 to 2003, and documented the presence of friable asbestos-containing material in the building. In addition, MDNR reports indicated that the building was structurally unstable with gutted rooms and collapsed roof and floor sections.
A Phase I Targeted Brownfield Assessment was performed under the MDNR Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program in late 2004. The Village of Stella acquired the property on July 7, 2005, and erected a temporary barrier fence around the property in late July 2005.
EPA SAMPLING ACTIVITIES
EPA Region 7 conducted sampling activities and a site investigation in mid-May 2005, and mid-July 2005. The results of the investigation included the following:
- Friable asbestos exists at the building in the form of pipe insulation and floor tiles.
- Asbestos was identified at concentrations ranging from 15 to 40 percent.
- Air sampling conducted outside the building showed asbestos releases exceeding some health-based standards.
- Soil sampling conducted outside the building showed concentrations of asbestos exceeding health-based standards and the presence of lead and other contaminants.
- The building is in a gross state of disrepair. Areas of the ceiling and flooring have collapsed or are collapsing.
- Few windows or doors remain on the building. Asbestos floor tiles are in pieces or crushed into fine particles. Asbestos pipe insulation is exposed and is crumbling or falling off the pipes in various areas.
- As the building continues to degrade, the likelihood of more concentrated asbestos releases will increase.
- Trespass of entry by multiple persons is evidenced by graffiti, trash and beer bottles. During sampling activities, several children approached the sampling team and said that the building was used frequently as a “play area” by the local children.
TIME-CRITICAL REMOVAL ACTION
This removal action will eliminate the threat to human health and the environment that is posed by asbestos and other contaminants at the former hospital building. The removal will also reduce the threat posed by airborne health hazards to trespassers or children at or in the vicinity of the building.
This action will include:
- Demolition, removal, and off-site disposal of areas of the building that contain hazardous substances and are in danger of collapse, or are structurally unstable.
- Removal and off-site disposal of asbestos insulation surrounding the steam pipes, boilers, and associated piping.
- Removal and off-site disposal of asbestos-containing floor tile materials and other miscellaneous asbestos-containing debris.
- Excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated surface soils and restoration of affected areas.
The removal action is expected to be completed in approximately three months.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD FILE
An Administrative Record regarding EPA activities surrounding the former hospital site has been created for public review. The Administrative Record is available at the following locations during normal business hours:
Historical Society/Museum (upon request)
473 Ozark Street
Stella, Missouri
(Contact Ada Clymer @ 417-628-3826)
EPA Region 7 Records Center
901 N. Fifth Street
Kansas City, Kansas
If you have questions or need additional information, contact:
Community Involvement Coordinator
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of External Programs
901 N. Fifth Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
Toll free: (800) 223-0425
young.belinda@epa.gov
