An industrial hygienist hired by The Bee also found asbestos veins in road embankments eroding onto sidewalks in the subdivision. The community center, which is used daily for child care, athletics and other activities, is about 100 yards north of the Woedee Drive test site, said Wayne Lowery,general manager of El Dorado Hills Community ServicesDistrict. Asbestos consultant Doug Colley checks monitoring equipment at Oak Ridge High School. Officials said they would be surprised to find asbestos at levels of concern at the elementary and middle schools because the grounds and surrounding areas are well paved and landscaped, which reduces exposure. But people have concerns and want to be sure the schools are safe.
Geologists are the front line investigators.
They search for the mineral that is found in veins of serpentine rock that pervade portions of the foothills. The area is a hodgepodge of old and new rock between the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra, which makes surveys a challenge. One patch of earth may contain serpentine while another nearby may not. Geologic maps do not provide the level of detail demanded by home buyers who want to be assured that their investment and health are not in peril. Hubbard and Gius worked up a sweat Tuesday at Serrano.