Updated 4-13-26
Good afternoon,
I am reaching out to provide a weekly update on the 43-45 Liberty Street project.
- Levaggi Environmental has applied, with the VT DOH, for a variance for the live loading of the building debris. The plan is for work to start the week of May 11th.
- State of Vermont Department of Fire Safety, Marshall Jeffery Bryant drove past the house on Thursday afternoon. He called me to discuss the project and the methods that would be used for taking the building down. He was pleased that the site was secured and signage is in place. It was explained to him that water sprinklers are in place to keep the debris wet.
- Complete Demolition Service LLC, filed a construction permit with the Vermont Department of Fire Safety. The permit was hand delivered to 380 Hurricane Lane in Williston and is currently awaiting approval by Jeffry Bryant.
- Complete Demolition Service LLC, mailed the mandatory letter, a condition of VT DOH, to all abutters' to 43-45 Liberty Street, a copy of that letter has been provided to all members of this email chain.
- We are on schedule for removal of the structure the week of May 11th.
- I received a text from a neighbor on 4/12/26, asking if the sprinklers are on a timer or if they are turned on manually. Sprinklers are being turned on manually by the property owner on a daily basis unless rain is in the forecast for that day.
- A question was asked by Suzie, if the sprinklers should run 24 hours per day. This seems like a great idea, but it can create other issues. Materials from the jobsite could then flow away from the property in excess water.
I would like nothing more than to start this project yesterday, that is not possible given the need for filing permits with the VT dept of fire safety and the VTDOH. There is also a finite number of abatement contractors in VT who can oversee the project. I appreciate the support of all who are involved, know we are all doing our best to get this done as quickly as possible.
As always, reach out to me if you have further questions.
Thanks again,
David Shea, Owner
Complete Demolition Service LLC
408 Sam Webb Rd
Fairfax, VT 05454
802-782-2409
www.completedemolitionservice.com
Complete Demolition Service LLC | Facebook
March 26, 2026
In Re: Public Health Hazard at 43-45 Liberty Street, Swanton, VT
EMERGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER
I, Suzie Kelleher, Health Officer, Swanton, Vermont, do hereby find that:
1. On January 19, 2026, the property of 43-45 Liberty Street was consumed in a fire. The property belonging to Rene & Patricia Fortin.
2. On March 26, 2026, I was notified of the presence of Vermiculite insulation by David Shea, contractor hired by Mr. & Mrs. Fortin.
3. Mr. Shea informed me that vermiculite insulation contains asbestos, having been manufactured by the Libby Corporation of Libby, Montana from the 1920s to 1990. Vermiculite has known health hazards. Inhaling disturbed vermiculite can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
ORDERED, that Neighbors within 100 feet of 43-45 Liberty are instructed to keep their windows closed.
Ordered, that the sidewalk on Liberty Street will be closed to through traffic as soon as possible. Pedestrians are encouraged to seek alternative routes leading up to the closure.
THIS HEALTH ORDER SHALL REAMIN IN FORCE AND EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF ITS ISSUANCE AND THROUGHOUT THE REMEDIATION UNTIL TERMINATED BY THE SWANTON BOARD OF HEALTH.
Suzie Kelleher
Swanton Health Officer