Asbestos soil to be removed from Mount Library

The Mount Maunganui Library will have work done to remove asbestos-contaminated soil. Photo/file

Work on removing asbestos soil outside the Mount Library will begin tomorrow, and is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

The library will remain open while diggers remove the soil that tested positive for asbestos fibres.

While the building was being cleaned by water blasting late last year which resulted in debris, including asbestos, being left in the soil, according to Tauranga City Council.

The asbestos fibres were from the parapet cladding and roof membrane.

Water blasting ceased once staff became aware of the asbestos and the affected area was fenced off and matting laid down to contain the fibres, and the affected parts of the roof were sealed off.