Contaminated former CTS site moves closer to condemnation

A recent bid by residents near the contaminated former CTS of Asheville plant on Mills Gap Road to have the property condemned has taken a step forward.

A group of residents attended the June 21 meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and requested the condemnation. Action to address the contaminated site — where a vacant plant once housed chemical electroplating operations — has moved forward at a snail’s pace over decades, residents say, as state and federal agencies analyze the situation. The EPA is presently considering placing the site on its National Priorities List, a move that would place it among the nation’s most contaminated sites, and provide federal “Superfund” dollars to aid cleanup if the responsible party can’t be forced to do so.

The first step in the county’s condemnation process is an inspection of the property. An inspection occurred with visits by county building inspection staff on June 24 and again on June 29. The report cites numerous (13) sizable holes in the roof, which shows extensive evidence of decay. Steel beams supporting the roof show signs of corrosion due to leaks. A large percentage of the glass in windows and doors is damaged or removed, the report states, and all exterior doors have been removed, leaving the building accessible, although the property is enclosed by a 6-foot chain-link fence.

“Given the extent of decay … it doesn’t seem feasible to repair these holes” in the roof, the report states. “In all probability the roof, roof decking and some of the cross members would need to be replaced.”

Photos taken by an EPA contractor in recent weeks show extensive graffiti indicative of trespassing. The report makes a brief analysis of what would be required to secure the building against access, namely, extensive application of plywood to sheath the door and window openings, coverings that would require continued maintenance to retain their integrity.

The report refrains from actually recommending condemnation, however, and seems to leave the door open to anything from demolition to fortifying the derelict building.

Photos courtesy of EPA.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.