News & Press

Asbestos at River Edge? No!

Assumptions Without Fact Verification Led to Misinformation

A water leak clean up crew inappropriately used red tape that stated, "Caution, Asbestos Removal Area” to block the parking lot and front of the building at the Milledgeville River Edge site at Blandy Way Office Park on Highway 22 West in Milledgeville.  October 4, 2012, the  Facebook page for The Union Recorder published a picture and statements that asbestos had been found and was being removed from the River Edge-Baldwin Site.

Cass Hatcher, Director of Facilities for River Edge stated, “River Edge wants to communicate clearly that in no way will we place our clients, staff, or the general public in an unsafe environment.  It is unfortunate that our efforts to ensure the building was accurately repaired after water damage were miscommunicated to the public without being properly vetted.”

The facts:  The work being performed at the Milledgeville Site is due to water pipes that burst the late evening of Thursday, September 27, 2012.   The property owner immediately contacted a restoration contractor (SERVPRO) and his insurance company (Travelers) to remove the water,dry the location and repair damage to the building. An asbestos containing material (ACM) assessment is required before any work of this type can begin.  The assessments revealed absolutely no evidence that asbestos-containing material (ACM) is present in the damaged areas. 

For the safety of clients and their families, the contractor taped off the main entrance where construction was underway with tape used for asbestos abatement.  As soon as River Edge staff informed the contractor of the message and concerns the red tape conveys to our clients, staff, and general public, the contractor immediately removed the red tape and replaced it with appropriate yellow caution tape.

“The Crisis Service Center and Clubhouse areas were completely unaffected.  Remaining services continue in compressed quarters until the clean up is complete.  We look forward to news coverage regarding all the wonderful services occurring to make life better for the clients and communities we serve.”  said Jean Boone, River Edge-Baldwin Site Manager.

River Edge Behavioral Health Center provided mental health, addictive disease and developmental disability services to more than 11,000 Georgia residents last year, serving – predominantly – residents of Baldwin, Bibb, Jones, Monroe, Putnam, Twiggs, and Wilkinson counties.  For services in Milledgeville, call 478-445-1290, in Macon call 478-803-7625.