A number of residents have raised questions about dust control during the grading phase of construction at the Hunters Point Shipyard. The concern focuses on naturally occurring asbestos that can sometimes be found in the dust. Naturally occurring asbestos is found throughout San Francisco. Therefore, we have planned for what happens if we encounter it during construction. Lennar takes these concerns seriously and has worked hard to keep the community informed about our construction activities.
Working closely with the City, Lennar has in place an approved three part approach to dealing with asbestos. First, Lennar has extensive procedures to reduce the amount of dust. Second, Lennar has a plan that has been approved by the Air District to monitor the air to find out whether asbestos is being detected. And third, Lennar shuts down work if asbestos is detected above levels that have been conservatively set by the agency.
We regret if dust has been a concern to some of our neighbors. But we also want you to know that the San Francisco Department of Public Health has looked into the situation and has concluded that it is highly unlikely that it poses health risks to them or the community at large. According to a report issued June 1, 2007 by the City and County of San Francisco "there is no medical or scientific evidence that dust from naturally occurring asbestos generated form the grading operations on Parcel A poses an endangerment to human health."
The report also states that "leading scientists from various areas of expertise have all concluded that it is highly unlikely that construction dust from Lennar's construction activities pose any long-term or serious health risks." This conclusion by city health officials and other regulatory agencies comes after months of exhaustive review.
We want the community to know that at each and every stage of the redevelopment process, Lennar has been guided by a commitment to protecting the health and safety of the Bayview Hunters Point community.
Lennar officials have participated in dozens of public meetings in the Bayview Hunters Point community, at the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to explain how dust is being contained and how public health is being safeguarded. The plans have been reviewed by relevant city, regional, state and federal agencies.
Lennar and the contractor performing the grading work have implemented specific plans to mitigate dust generated at the job site. These measures include a redesign of the grading to avoid naturally-occurring asbestos, regular watering of the construction site, the installation of stationary misting systems, the installation of asbestos air monitors and dust monitors on the job site and in the community, and a 24-hour hotline for residents.
Lennar along with city officials and community leaders held a "Dust Control Workshop" in July 2005 to discuss the planned grading activities and asbestos issues. Since then numerous public hearings have been held in Bayview Hunters Point, at the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
In 2004, the U.S. Navy concluded that Parcel A is safe for residential use. The Environmental Protection Agency, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board concurred in this assessment.
Questions or concerns related to construction activities can be made by calling the Lennar toll-free hotline at (866) 5-LENNAR, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.