Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

The discovery of a vein of asbestos on the site of the $100 million state prison in Grayson County, Virginia, has halted construction, according to a report published today by the Winston-Salem Journal. The project is on hold while developers determine how to remove or contain the mineral. Exposure to asbestos fibers is linked to the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

The prison site is located off U.S. 58, east of Independence, according to the Journal report. Work on the site stopped May 9, when a contractor grading the site noticed a brownish material softer than the surrounding rock that appeared to be asbestos, the paper says. Officials then tested the material and confirmed that it is asbestos.

According to the Journal story, the prison is slated to open in 2010, and was actually ahead of schedule, so delays to deal with the asbestos shouldn’t hamper its planned completion date. However, the State hadn’t planned on the additional costs that will be accrued in the removal process. The prison is expected to create 375 jobs and an estimated payroll of $6 million.

Tags: asbestos, mesothelioma, Virginia

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