Editor:
A letter headed “Worrisome behaviour” in the Sept. 14 issue of the Coast Reporter contains several inaccurate and misleading statements related to site preparation for the George Hotel and Residences.
Here are the facts of the matter:
Before commencing demolition, our team had taken several sets of samples and sent them to the lab – they had all come back negative for asbestos. It was then brought to our attention by WorkSafeBC that further testing was requested to make sure that all parameters of compliance testing were being covered. It was requested that the testing be done by an independent third party. We stopped work until this independent third party did the testing and submitted it.
The third party expert has now developed a remediation plan, which WorkSafeBC is currently reviewing and which we will of course follow to the letter. It is important to note that from the beginning, we were working with a reputable contractor who ensures his workers wear appropriate safety gear.
Contrary to Mr. Storr’s implication, there has been absolutely no tributyltin found in any testing related to the demolition of the buildings. The traces of tributyltin found at the shoreline are a by-product of the ship repairs that had been done in years past, specifically paint removal. A remediation plan has been developed for that area; this plan has been communicated with the Ministry of Environment.
Responsible demolition, site remediation, and construction are important matters, which my team takes seriously. We take our guidance in these matters from Keystone Environmental in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and other professionals.
Fear mongering is neither constructive nor instructive; it is simply an attempt to sway public opinion, relying on emotion rather than facts.
Klaus Fuerniss, President,
The George Gibsons Development Ltd.
