Groton Naval Base
Groton Naval Base is the common name for the New London Naval Submarine Base, which was converted from a Navy Yard to the first submarine base in 1916. It was expanded during World War II, and with the advent of nuclear power, it was given additional resources to improve its training and support facilities. In 1969, it became the center for the logistical and training needs of fleet ballistic missile submarines. In 1974, the Naval Submarine Support Activity was located there.
Asbestos became a concern at the Naval Submarine Medical Center, Industrial Hygiene Branch, in 1982 and again in 1985. Surveys to monitor the deterioration of about six miles of piping inside base tranches showed they had been lagged with asbestos. Maintenance personnel were exposed to the asbestos on a daily basis. Asbestos exposure can cause a number of deadly diseases, including mesothelioma.
The Medical Center recommended that the removal of this asbestos become a priority project because of exposure, and that fiberglass be used as a replacement for the worn asbestos.
Asbestos on Groton Naval Base
The renovation of Building 448 necessitated asbestos abatement because of the asbestos-containing spray-on fireproofing that was applied to the structural steel used in the original four-story section of the building. Although the asbestos-containing fireproofing material was largely intact and undamaged at the time of the renovation, it released enough fibers for asbestos dust to accumulate on the suspended ceiling system. The renovation was complicated by the fact that access to spaces above the suspended ceiling was restricted because of the probability that workers would encounter asbestos-containing materials.
The building's roof, which was leaking and causing damage to ceiling tiles, also needed to be replaced. However, it was suspected that the roof may also have been constructed with asbestos-containing materials.
Use of asbestos-containing materials in the construction of Base buildings was not confined to Building 448. In a 2008 report prepared by EnvironMed Services after conducting an asbestos inspection of Building 105, the Company found asbestos-containing materials in the following locations:
- 300 square feet of 9" green vinyl floor tile with white streaks in the First floor bathroom
- 4 square feet of Transite insulating blocks on the elevator switchgear panels in both Penthouse Elevator Equipment Rooms
- 10 feet of white wire insulation on the elevator switchgear panels in both Penthouse Elevator Equipment Rooms
Asbestos 1 of Several Contaminants on Groton Naval Base
In June 2006, Building 325 was given a $532,000 renovation to remove lead paint from the building. The structure, which was a part of the facility since 1955, was completely stripped of the paint from ceiling to floor. The repainting of the building was a joint effort between Environmental Specialists, Inc., and Yankee Fiber Control, Inc., with cooperation from the Naval Submarine Support Facility.
In 2001, Naval Analytical Lab, Naval Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit Two in Norfolk identified the building as having lead paint.
The base was recommended for closure by the Department of Defense in the 2005 BRAC Recommendations, but ultimately it was allowed to remain open.
If you think you were exposed to asbestos at Groton Naval Base, learn more about the dangers of asbestos and the diseases it causes, including mesothelioma. Get a free informational packet that details mesothelioma, its symptoms and treatments. Fill out this form to get your free packet.
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Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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