Asbestos Issues at Waterford – The Analysis and the Solution
The Gardner Finance Committee Packet for the the meeting of July 24, 2026 contains a DEP Inspection Report, CLICK HERE. The report details where asbestos was found at the Waterford Community Center. Gardner Mayor Nicholson is asking for the City Council to utilize some of the $8 million bond proceeds to fund necessary asbestos abatement and other repairs. View complete packet, CLICK HERE.
The DEP Inspection Report (Link to PDF is above), details the results of asbestos testing conducted at 70 Waterford Street in Gardner. Various building components are examined including floor tiles, mastic, and ceiling tiles to identify the presence of hazardous materials. The graphics presented in this article provide detail on what was found including items testing positive for Chrysotile and Anthophyllite. Asbestos was detected in nine of 20 samples analyzed via Polarized Light Microscopy. Notable findings include White Cementitious Ceiling Tile containing 10% Chrysotile and various Black Mastic and Floor Tile samples containing between 2% and 7% asbestos (Chrysotile and Anthophyllite).
Once properly abated which the Mayor’s request outlines, there would be no danger to persons utilizing the building.
