Northpoint Lake Michigan - Asbestos?

[tdog]

We kept our boat at Northpoint in Winthrop Harbor Illinois for three years, and then took the last two years off (tried trailering, which was a hassle). We now have a 10 month old son, and want to get back on the water for ease of use. Northpoint is the nicest nearby marina, and the most reasonable. We have concerns about asbestos or other environmental issues. We have seen the signs there, but all of the news coverage this past summer was worrisome. The harbormaster told us there was nothing to worry about and referred us to the EPA. I was wondering if anyone here had any information or could point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

Terry - Haven't been around in a while.

 

[Golfman25]

Terry,

Welcome back. Haven't heard anything about Asbestos or other environmental issues at Northpoint. What do you know?

 

[tdog]

Dave! I was hoping you would respond. I have lost your e-mail, and since I no longer have an anchor, the site won't let me send you a message.

There are signs on the beach there warning of asbestos, and then there were a series of news reports last summer. The south unit of ISB was previously a John Mannesville plant that manufactured housing products from asbestos. The north unit was a sub-division that started falling into the lake and was purchased by the state in the 70s and leveled. The materials in those houses (roofing shingles, siding, insulation, plumbing) contained asbestos. I did a google search last night north point marina asbestos and a bunch popped up, including the white paper outlining in more detail what I included above. The gist from that report was that the asbestos that has been found has been encapsulated and doesn't pose a danger, just a PR nightmare. I will do more searching. We are concerned about the little one. When they leveled the sub division, they left all of the sub-structure piping as opposed to digging it up and making it airborn. But then when they dug the boat basin, that allegedly disrupted some of the asbestos containing sub structure and it got in the water. I am searching on! Seems like the overall message is that it sounds bad, but is safe. I need to check more sites.

How is your son? I assume, since you posted the stories, that your boat was not at Skipper Bud's?

Terry - PS, our new son is 10 months old!

 

[Golfman25]

Terry, after your post I did some searching and found the same info. I did notice the beach to the south fenced off, but thought it was a wildlife reconstruction type of thing, not due to asbestos. I was down there once and the beach sucked -- mostly rocks. Anyway, I would not worry too much about it. As I understand it, asbestos needs to be broken up and in the air for it to do any harm. Just head north to Wisconsin.

Boat is at Skipper buds, but in the back 40 lot. No fire damage. Son is doing ok. Broke his leg last summer so our boating season didn't start until labor day. Hopefully this year will be better. Congrats on the little one. As for email, just add aol.com after my username.