The Newtonville Star Market at 33 Austin Street reopened on Friday, October 31 at 10AM days after an emergency shutdown following a report from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection that demolition work in a stockroom, an area not accessible to the public, released asbestos creating a potential “imminent health hazard.”
The Newton Health and Human Services Department was notified by the MassDEP about the possible asbestos release on Tuesday, October 28, prompting the store to close at 4:30PM that day.
The HHS commissioner Shin-Yi Lao wrote in a statement that the MassDEP informed the HHS department that the stockroom had been completely sealed off and contained this morning. In addition, air samples taken at multiple locations were well below clearance levels for asbestos. The MassDEP also said surface samples taken at multiple locations in the store are non-detect for asbestos.
Lao wrote that the MassDEP is continuing to work with Star Market to undertake the proper abatement measures in the stockroom. The work will take place in a contained area so there is no risk to the public.
The HHS department had allowed Star Market to reopen as of 10 AM.
“We want to extend a thank you to our partners at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and to acknowledge the quick action and thorough response of Star Market,” Lao wrote.
Questions: Customers and employees with concerns can contact Newton Health and Human Services at 617-796-1420 or email [email protected] (per the HHS department).
Ed. Note: We updated this article after the store was reopened.
