Chapter 204 Notes
Edition 1.5.1 August 2018

Special Asbestos Edition
Thought it was worthwhile to take a moment and update the entire bargaining unit on
what we have learned over the last week on the asbestos problem at the old office. There is still
much we do not know, but at least the BU can all be on the same page.
First, the few facts that we have established.
1) The first issue concerns the current asbestos abatement notice posted at 999 E St. NW. As
reported before, the work is being conducted on the 9th floor, and concerns 420 sq. ft. of textured
ceiling using full containment procedures under negative air pressure. DC Dept. of Energy
Abatement permit No. 2018-313-0. (Incident A)
2) A long time OGC attorney reported that in 1995 or 1996 while working a weekend he found
plastic sheeting in the stairwell leading to the 8th floor library. He found a workman who
explained that asbestos work was going on. FEC mgt. was notified and in a meeting the next
work day FEC mgt. stated to the building owner its displeasure over the lack of any
notice. (Incident B)
3) A long time employee stated that construction work did take place on the 8th floor in 1995 (part
of IT at that time) and that workmen on this project used a great deal of plastic sheeting while
her unit remained in place; an FEC retiree confirms this work took place in 1995 with workers
who were wearing “masks and jumpsuits.” (Incident C)

We do not know a great deal, including these basic questions:
•

Whether Incidents B and C are actually the same project, from either 1995 or 1996;

•

If Incident B was a separate project from Incident C, did the latter involve asbestos removal;

•

Whether the 9th floor project (Incident A) had any relationship to the two earlier incidents;

 •

Whether the asbestos bearing material identified in Incident A was always exposed prior to rehab
or whether some masking material had to be first removed before exposing the asbestos, and if
so, the nature of the masking material;

•

If Incident C was a separate asbestos removal project, what notice, if any, did FEC mgt. receive
or distribute to staff regarding asbestos removal; and

•

The extent to which, if at all, that air quality tests have been conducted at 999 E St. to search for
asbestos throughout the lease period.

At this stage we must recognize the possibility that FEC staff may have been exposed to
asbestos for unknown periods of time in two locations, from the move-in until the ’95 or ’96
work on the 8th floor, and perhaps for the entire lease period with the 9th floor sculptured
ceiling. We should also be mindful that nothing has yet been uncovered that would support a
conclusion that staff has been exposed. The Chapter is still trying to collect information,
including copies of air quality reports sent to us over the last two decades, but NTEU was not a
party to any of the lease agreements, which probably limits our ability to get information from
other parties. We will certainly cooperate with any initiatives Mgt. undertakes to look into this
matter.
We share the concern that members and several retirees have expressed to us on potential
exposure. The Chapter will do all it can in our limited role. Please feel free to contact me. One
of our members found an excellent fact sheet from the National Cancer Institute which may be a
good starting point for those of us who need to get up to speed on this complicated matter. The
link for this ten page document follows.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-factsheet