The Department of Environmental Quality has released its findings ahead of the demolition of Capital Hill Mall in Helena.
A press release states the 213,000-square-foot mall was finished in 1965 with subsequent remodels. Like many buildings of its vintage, the facility was constructed with flooring, wall treatments, roofing and other materials containing asbestos.
An inspection report was submitted to the DEQ in December identifying 73,000 square feet of flooring and 86,000 square feet of roofing material containing ‘non-friable asbestos.’
Non-friable asbestos refers to any material that contains more than one percent asbestos, but cannot be pulverized under hand pressure.
It could pose a health risk if not disposed of properly during demolition.
As of Tuesday, approximately 100 tons of material containing the asbestos has been removed, but roofing material containing non-friable asbestos remains on the building.
The demolition will be performed according to state and federal asbestos safety regulations and will not present a public health hazard.
The DEQ reported that up to 80 percent of materials from the mall will be salvaged. Materials containing non-friable asbestos will be hauled to the Lewis & Clark County Landfill, which received approval from DEQ to accept the debris.
Demolition of the 213,000-square-foot building is expected to be finished by late April, barring weather delays or other unforeseen circumstances.
