Rapid Assessment Related to Asbestos Management at Beirut CDW Storage Site

On August 4, 2020, improper storage of thousands of tonnes of ammonium nitrate led to a massive explosion at the Port of Beirut, Lebanon. The blast killed 180, injured 6,500, and caused an estimated US$10 to US$15 billion in property damage. Compounding these tragic losses is the potential of asbestos contamination associated with the large volume of construction and demolition waste (CDW) generated by the blast. There are plans to reuse the CDW, but conducting an asbestos assessment of this waste stream is critical before proceeding with reuse efforts. This presentation by Manager, Environmental Services, Hassan Ktaech, will describe the methodology in assessing the stockpiles gathered at a waste storage site near the blast, and will outline recommended management solutions for dealing with this waste stream.