Gardner panel orders DEP-reviewed remediation after asbestos found during community center renovations

During routine HVAC installation work at a city-owned building used for community programs, contractors drilled through newer floor tiles and exposed older 9x9 asbestos-containing tiles, staff told the Gardner City Economic & Community Development Committee on June 24.

Director Stevens said the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was contacted after the city’s director of public health raised concerns. "We reached out to the Department of Environmental Protection, asked that they come out and fully inspect the site," Stevens said, describing a DEP inspection that led to a required nontraditional remediation work plan.

Why it matters: asbestos-containing materials disturbed during construction can require specialized cleanup protocols to control airborne fibers and remove or encapsulate the material safely. Committee members pressed staff for a timeline and assurances that public-facing programs would not be disrupted beyond necessary containment.

What staff said: Stevens said the contractor drilled into older tiles that were previously encapsulated under newer 12x12 tiles. He described the work as contained to the two-story wing and said, "we are reviewing all options moving forward…we are working with DEP to get it done." In response to a question on timing, staff said they expect most remediation steps to be completed "by the end of the summer," but that the DEP-mandated work plan will set a firm schedule.

Impact on programs and next steps: staff emphasized the affected area is isolated and that other parts of the building can continue operating. The senior center relocation to the two-story wing is dependent on completion of the remediation and the proposed 90‑day transition plan will begin only after the cleanup is finished. Stevens said the city will provide ongoing updates as the DEP work plan is finalized.

Officials and agencies referenced: Gardner City staff; the Department of Environmental Protection; the city’s director of public health; the Architectural Access Board was also listed earlier in the meeting for other accessibility reviews.

What remains unknown: staff did not give a precise remediation completion date; they said the DEP nontraditional work plan will establish a schedule. The meeting record indicates the city expects "most things taken care of by the end of the summer" but did not provide an exact completion date or a dollar estimate for remediation costs.

The subcommittee asked staff to return with updates once the DEP work plan is in hand and to report any schedule changes that affect the senior center move or public programs.