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Update 11:30 a.m. Dec. 6: Workers completed the first phase of soil removal Dec. 3. 

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Soil at the site of the new large lecture hall on California Avenue has been found to contain naturally occurring asbestos. Contractors and ºÙºÙÊÓƵ employees are carrying out air monitoring around the site and preparing to remove soil for appropriate disposal. Most of the work will take place over winter break, after Dec. 9.

ºÙºÙÊÓƵ routinely tests for asbestos on development sites like this one that exceed an acre in size. Plans for the lecture hall already called for the removal of a large volume of soil. The contaminated soil will be separated and disposed of at specialized landfill sites.

ºÙºÙÊÓƵ has hired a state-certified asbestos consultant to advise on the project. The university and the project contractor are taking all appropriate measures to protect the health and safety of workers on the site, prevent contamination and protect the community. Such measures include protective clothing and equipment for employees working on the site, air monitoring around the site perimeter, and properly removing and disposing of the material.

The work is not expected to significantly delay the project’s completion, scheduled for winter quarter 2018.