The mill's powerhouse building thermal system insulation contains asbestos on some of the pipes. Materials in and around the boilers are also suspected of containing asbestos.
Asbestos can cause cancer, and mismanaging it is a very serious matter.
Federal and state laws require that companies must inspect structures for the presence of asbestos before demolition. In addition, the building owner must inform the Department of Ecology of his or her intent to demolish a structure. If asbestos is present, it must be removed prior to demolition. Engman satisfied none of these requirements. The encapsulant helps keep the asbestos from entering the environment.