Jul 12, 2010 - Asbestos and Lead Clean Up Required for Restoring Mount Umunhum
Almaden Air Force Station first took over the mountain in 1957, constructing military buildings and a radar tower. The Station was decommissioned in 1979, and now deteriorated structures contaminated with asbestos and lead remain, posing enough of a health hazard that the area has been closed to public use.
Mount Umunhum, which stands for hummingbird, was named by Native American Indians, who hope to be able to use the lands for prayer and ceremonies again. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space purchased the land and now hope that with over 3 million in federal grant money, they can begin the process of restoration. The goal is to have the mountain open again by 2013, however it is estimated that over $11 million will need to be raised through donations and private funds in order to complete the project.
The region has remained closed due to high hazard of exposure to toxicants, mainly asbestos and lead. In the time that the Air Force Station was built, it was common to use asbestos and lead in many construction materials. It was not until the 1980’s that asbestos use became highly regulated by the government. Before that, asbestos was added to many building products because of being such an excellent insulator and fire proofing substance.
The older buildings are now in deteriorated condition, which means that many of the building materials that contained asbestos are damaged. When this occurs, asbestos fibers are released into the air where they can be inhaled and lodge into the lining of the internal organs, causing a fatal cancer known as mesothelioma many years after exposure.
For the mountain region to be restored, licensed and trained asbestos abatement contractors will need to remove the asbestos contaminated materials as well as any that contain lead, another known health hazard.
Many in Northern California support the restoration of a place rich with natural beauty, wild life, and native history.
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