水果派AV

The shelter's executive director, Nick Lapresi, told 水果派AV that the cancer-causing material was found earlier this month in the 41 York St. facility, where major renovations聽began in May.

A demolition crew removing flooring in the 70-year-old shelter's lobby found a type of tile that typically has asbestos. Crew members stopped tearing the floor, Lapresi said, and a certified inspector confirmed the discovery.

Lapresi emphasized that there aren't any safety or environmental concerns and that work at the other parts of the site has continued unaffected. Construction for the project is still expected to be done by August, he said.

"Everything's been right on track. This has been the only hiccup," he said.

"New flooring on this part of the building, that's all we were doing. It's not affecting the main scope of the project."

A licensed abatement contractor starts later this month, with a five-day removal process scheduled. The overall abatement process is聽anticipated to cost about $22,000, the SPCA director said. That includes determining that the site had asbestos, air monitoring work and the removal.

Lapresi said the asbestos efforts are a "minuscule" element of the total project.

"Although this is a setback, it was a setback that was easily remedied and hasn't contributed to any delay in the construction project," he said.

The project entails replacing the facility's decodes-old kennels with larger and quieter ones and adding a modern clinic and surgery suite. There will also be designated quarantine areas to ensure sick animals receive proper treatment while protecting the health of others. Other shelter improvements will include designated quarantine areas for sick animals, two new HVAC systems and insulation and siding.

Most of the undertaking will be funded through a $482,491.50 grant from the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund. Donations totaling聽聽were also raised via a capital campaign to match an $80,000 grant from the Fred L. Emerson Foundation. The shelter also received a $35,000 Stanley W. Metcalf Foundation grant.

The renovation will allow the SPCA to meet the state's Companion Animal Care Standards Act for Shelters and Rescues, effective Dec. 15.