A stop work order from WorkSafe BC on the demolition activity at the former Marigold Nursery site in Central Saanich has been lifted.
WorkSafe BC initiated their initial inspection on July 21, after the owner failed to conduct a site inspection for hazardous materials before salvage and building de-construction activities. According to WorkSafe, asbestos was found in the extensive amounts of debris — such as: asbestos-containing transite.
Additionally, WorkSafe BC ordered the company to deal with a free standing cylinder of helium with an attached regulator and multiple propane cylinders.
The employer, according to WorkSafe BC, subsequently had another company come in to do a report. That work was done July 25 and as of July 26, the stop work order was lifted.
Asbestos-containing materials are still, however, present on site, stated WorkSafe BC in an email, but have been managed or mitigated.
There has been partial containment of the asbestos transite sheeting materials under polyethylene covering.
The pressurized gas cylinder of helium has been removed and the cylinders of propane have been relocated to an area away from de-construction activities.
Other materials, such as lead acid storage batteries, have been stock piled for removal from the site.
Proper clean-up is still required by the employer, according to WorkSafe BC.
This involves barricading the entrances to buildings and structures not accessed for hazardous materials, collecting transite debris using moderate risk work procedures outlined in the site inspection for hazardous materials and filing a Notice of Project (Asbestos) for moderate risk clean up and containment of the asbestos containing materials.
Now that the stop work order has been lifted, employees are free to continue their work.
The site, formerly known as Marigold Nurseries since the 1960s, is now owned by Marigold Lands Ltd.
The new owners have a development plan in front of the District of Central Saanich, outlining plans for new market and affordable housing units and a small commercial component.