JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Could there be a delay in demolishing the Jacksonville Landing?
Contractors have another step to take before work to take down the iconic building can even start. That includes testing the site for asbestos, which if found would require proper removal.
The shops are closed and all but one tenant are gone from the Landing. But before it all comes down, contractors need to make sure the site does not test positive for asbestos – the once-common building material now linked to severe health problems.
The Landing was built in 1982 – seven years before the Environmental Protection Agency’s full ban on asbestos use. It’s unclear until a survey is conducted whether there is asbestos on the property.
The operator of the demolition, D.H. Griffin out of Central Florida, was awarded the $1 million contract in June. Part of the deal is they will conduct the survey.
A City of Jacksonville spokeswoman said they are within their federal guidelines to have the contractor test the site, and if found, remove asbestos through a certified contractor.
The On Your Side team contacted the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees compliance of asbestos removal across the state. The agency said it will be working closely with the city and contractors on the survey.
D.H. Griffin declined to comment and a timeline for when the survey will take place was not available.