The U.S. Postal Service temporarily closed a post office in Torrance, relocated mail services and destroyed thousands of pieces of mail and packages after tests revealed the facility had been contaminated with asbestos, officials said.
Natashi Garvins, a USPS spokesperson, said in a written statement that the facility was temporarily shut down on July 26 and mail services were relocated to other facilities, including in Hawthorne and El Segundo.
The closure was made a day after a hazmat team responded to the facility. Video from the scene that day showed dozens of postal service workers standing in the parking lot.
Garvins said tests conducted at the post office at 2510 Monterey St. and completed on Aug. 15 showed no asbestos-containing materials were located within the air duct systems. Garvins said there have also been no reports of asbestos exposure to people. But because other parts of the building tested positive for asbestos contamination, Garvins said, the building was temporarily shut down and services were relocated.
The United States Postal Inspection Service is overseeing the collection and disposal of more than 4,000 mail pieces that were contaminated.
“While we understand the importance of these items to our customers, these steps are being taken in accordance with federal, state and local” regulations, Garvins said.
It’s unknown how long the post office will remain closed.
Last month, a former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier in Torrance pleaded guilty to stealing credit cards and checks from the mail and using them to live a lavish lifestyle she flaunted on Instagram.
