Dust mitigation plans have been submitted to air quality regulators after the discovery of naturally occurring asbestos at El Rancho Escondido.
E.R.E. Ventures LLC, the company that owns and operates El Rancho Escondido, is currently working with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to implement a comprehensive dust control and monitoring program in connection with construction occurring at the site.
Dust mitigation plans have been submitted to air quality regulators after the discovery of naturally occurring asbestos at El Rancho Escondido.
E.R.E. Ventures LLC, the company that owns and operates El Rancho Escondido, is currently working with the South Coast Air Quality Management District to implement a comprehensive dust control and monitoring program in connection with construction occurring at the site.
The Air Quality District, which manages air pollution in parts of Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, must approve mitigation plans for the site.
The submitted plan seeks to keep dust generation at the construction site to a minimum and to prevent exposure to asbestos-containing dust. According to E.R.E. Ventures LLC, naturally occurring asbestos does not pose a health risk until it becomes airborne.
Key elements of the plan include applying dust suppressants to unpaved roads, use of dust-reducing construction techniques, wind barriers and covers to contain exposed soil, and exit stations to prevent vehicles and equipment from tracking asbestos off-site. The plan also calls for close monitoring of air quality in and around El Rancho Escondido in addition to measuring local wind speed and weather.
“We are focused on minimizing the impact of this situation on anyone who visits the site, including our employees, the contractors who work on the site, and the public,” said E.R.E. “The site will remain closed until we are confident that it is safe for employees and visitors to return.”
El Rancho Escondido Road remains closed. Local traffic should continue to use Middle Ranch Road for access from Avalon to Two Harbors. Traffic between Avalon and the Airport may continue to use Airport Road.
