Demolition of the Branscomb Quadrangle has been temporarily halted after small traces of asbestos were found in the quad. This halt comes after the university announced a construction plan last spring for four new residential buildings to be built in place of the Branscomb Quad.
Asbestos is a fiber that is found in rocks and soil, according to the EPA. The mineral was often used in older buildings and surfaces, and it can release fibers into the air when disturbed. If exposed, these air particles can lead to lung disease, including cancer, and other harmful effects to the respiratory system.
In a message to The Hustler, Vanderbilt Facilities detailed the demolition halt and what this means for the greater Vanderbilt community. According to Planning, Design and Construction, small traces of asbestos were found in the building after some testing.
“As part of the demolition process, the contractor performed routine testing to properly determine whether any asbestos-containing materials were present prior to removal and disposal of the building material. Abatement efforts began immediately in accordance with state and federal regulations,” the message reads.
Further, Facilities has taken necessary safety measures to ensure the safety of the community, including vacating the building and the area and working quickly to contain the situation.
“PDC and the contractor purposely waited until Branscomb Quad was fully vacated to perform asbestos testing to ensure the safety of previous Branscomb residents and because this is very noise intensive,” the message read. “Abatement is nearly complete, and there is no risk to the campus community.”
Junior Viji Burma, a former resident of Branscomb, expressed mixed feelings about the lack of communication from the university.
“If [the university] knew about the asbestos beforehand, they should have at least told us,” Burma said. “Or, at the very least, they should have told us now instead of keeping it quiet. I shouldn’t have had to find out about something as serious as asbestos from some random [students]. I [am] wondering what they [are] going to do about it now. Does [this] mean Branscomb is just going to sit there forever?”
In a separate message to The Hustler, Vanderbilt Facilities acknowledged the concerns of students and assured that no former or current students were affected by asbestos exposure.
“Asbestos was commonly used in older construction materials before new regulations banned the use of it. At Branscomb Quad, the asbestos was safely contained and presented no danger to the building occupants. Because of this, former residents would not have been affected,” the message reads.
It is not confirmed what the university plans to do with the demolition of the Branscomb Quad, as well as the timeline of the new residential buildings.
UPDATED: In a statement from Facilities, demolition work has restarted on the Branscomb Quad as of Sept. 4, concluding abatement efforts and continuing with expected projects.
