In a message dated 97-11-20 09:41:54 EST, you write:

At the request of fellow BP preservatineer Hilary Lambert-Hopper, your input
on the follwoing would be appreciated --

John Cole, a cave conservationist (who does not have email capability right
now), is chair of the National Speleologic Society (NSS) Ohio Valley Region,
a member of the Sloan's Valley Task Force, and a member of the Boone Karst
Conservation Task Force (which looks after caves on KY's US Forest Service.)

John has some questions of the Bullamanka preservationeers:

>>(1) What do you recommend to remove graffiti from sandstone and limestone?

Most of the karst cave systems are limestone. Current cleaning of graffiti is
being done with muriatic acid and propane torches (sort of a flame finish).
The cavers do not have access to the historic preservation library - and are
not exposed to current cleaning technology for limestone structures. Site
logistics are a problem... you have to get into the cave. You need light. You
need to carry everything in, and out. A graffiti removal system has to take
the environment into consideration. Though there are a variety of chemical
paint strippers available, they have impacts on the environment, and pose
health risks in use, particularly in confinded spaces. I'm not sure, possibly
Mr. B can correct me on this, but inhalation of muriatic acid may do nerve
damage (along with internal chemical burns.) Personal protective equipment is
a serious consideration. Dust masks are not adequate, you should consider
organic solvent filters? Methyl chloride based paint strippers may be
carcinogenic. The NPS has a preservation brief on graffiti removal (the
worker with the white-out on the backside of his raincoat - look closely for
the ridges - is Anthony from Apple, they removed the logo in the NPS brief,
but it still showed up in the NY Post... a quick print job two days before
the photo op).

Rusty Lardoz should step in here and tell us all about dolomite cleaning of
limestone.

Would a sample graffiti cleaning project in southern KY have potential as a
promotional PR event for Rusty Lardoz? Can we get Rusty into the Mammoth Cave
system? How long a hose can he use?

Bill McCuddy has been gluing back together speleothems (stalactites,
stalagmites, flowstone) in a well-decorated but vandalized portion of Sloan's
Cave System, in southern KY.

>>(2) For speleothem repair, what substances and technology do you recommend,
to hold a seal, against weathering, and on permanently damp surfaces?

I would suggest a water-based epoxy, or a polyester resin. The water-based
epoxy being a choice as the environment of application will be wet. I'll look
into products and reply again on this. Current technology is to install a
dowel, either type 306 stainless steel or nylon. They are available in bulk.
Stainless steel pins (like 1/8" dia. typ.) are a mainstay of the building
stone industry. If you need a source let me know. I have a a technical brief
on this somewhere, but I find it schematic and too brief. See if there is a
SIKA representative in Lexington, they should be interested enough to help.
If anyone has a better idea speak out. Products need to be available to KY
market.

][<en Follett