Debris removal and abatement work at Hearthstone Castle in Danbury is complete. The work started at the end of July.  The material was removed, stockpiled and loaded out by Manafort Brothers.  The company wet down the material prior to removal so no dust was released into the atmosphere.  The last of the debris was loaded out in mid-August. All air testing and sampling in three locations, including a downwind location, were done daily. 

Public Works Officials say they had zero dust readings and the test samples all came back clean. The Phase One Abatement was completed on schedule and within budget.

The work now taking place is at the Cities request, securing the building for safety.  It's also being prepared for removal of a 1,200-gallon oil tank discovered on the property, something unforeseen before crews got on site.  Public Works crews and the contractor are securing approximately 60 window openings from the basement up to what was the second floor. 

Mayor Mark Boughton says kids are still getting in and vandalizing the structure.  A 10 foot chain link fence and a 20 foot gate have been installed surrounding Hearthstone Castle. 

Boughton wants to see if an observation tower can be built in the center of the castle's walls so that people will be able to climb to the top and see out above the walls and all around.