RE-1 School District Waits for Clearance to Continue Demolition of Old High School

The second phase of demolition of the former Montezuma-Cortez High School is on hold pending a ruling from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In a release, the Re-1 School District announced that the health department must determine whether coating on the concrete blocks used in the building contains friable asbestos —fibers that could be released into the air during demolition. A consultant hired by the district believes the fibers are not friable, which would make demolition much cheaper and easier. Demolition cannot resume until the state makes its ruling. Health-department officials are expected to visit the site this week.