Earlier this week, an 85-year-old water main burst beneath New York City’s West 57th Street, releasing torrents of water that was laced with asbestos. This area of West 57th is one of the city’s busiest commercial districts.
According to an article in the New York Times, the water main break created traffic chaos and cut off the water supply to several buildings in the area. Asbestos fears closed the Fortunoff jewelry store at Fifth Avenue at 57th after 100 gallons of tainted water spilled inside, according to a spokesman from the NYC Fire Department. The rupture also disrupted bus routes and prompted fears of damaged foundations at four buildings.
“Road repair work was delayed after a sample of mud from 57th Street was found to contain asbestos,” the article explains. However, eleven other samples did not contain the dangerous mineral. Authorities believe the source of the asbestos was a 12-inch steam pipe owned by Consolidated Edison (Con Ed), located near the water main. Its asbestos wrapping probably came dislodged when the main ruptured, officials theorized.
“Con Ed decontamination crews washed down the street and cleaned whatever mud was left. The authorities said they planned to keep air monitoring equipment in place and suspend repair work if asbestos was detected,” the article noted.
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