Services

• Required Procedure for Asbestos Abatement
• Asbestos Removal Procedure

Required Procedure for Asbestos Abatement

1. An Asbestos survey is required for all the properties to be renovated or demolished.
2. Renovation and Demolition projects must undergo an asbestos survey by an EPA certified Building inspector and a copy of the survey must be submitted to the Air Quality Division for review prior to the start of the project.
3. If regulated amount of asbestos is present it must be removed before renovation or demolition activities. For asbestos removal the procedure is as follows:

1. Contractors must comply with the requirements of the Asbestos Licensing and Control Act of 1990 and must have valid DC asbestos license for conducting asbestos removal.
2. Submit the NESHAP notification form * ten (10) working days prior to start of work. The ten working days are counted based on the postmark date. A copy is enclosed for your immediate reference.
3. Notification form must have an original signature and be accompanied by the correct permit fee. Incomplete notifications will be returned and the 10-day period starts over. Note: faxed notification form is not acceptable.
4. Must obtain valid asbestos abatement permit from D.C. Air Quality Division.
5. Projects that change by 20 percent of the original quantities and any other modification require re-notification.
6. Copies of the licenses and permit must be on site at all times.
7. Must follow D.C. Asbestos regulations -Title 20 DCMR, Section 800 "Control of Asbestos" and federal regulations.

Asbestos Regulatory Overview:

1. National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): The NESHAP regulation (adopted by reference in 20 DCNIR 800) covers all asbestos removals of 160 square feet or 260 linear feet or greater of asbestos containing materials. All jobs of this size or greater require a licensed asbestos abatement contractor, licensed workers and supervisor, a 10 work day notification, the payment of a permit fee and the issuance of a permit before work can begin. Permit fees are $400.00 for projects up to 1600 square feet and 2600 linear feet. Projects greater than 1600 square feet and 2600 linear feet are $ 700.00. Final air samples are aggressive TEM.

2. Floor tile & mastic removal: Removal of 18 square feet or greater requires a 10 day notification. If the material is broken during the removal process, the project must be stopped and re-notified as friable and the appropriate fees paid and a permit issued. Clearance for floor tile projects over 160 square feet are aggressive TEM. The same as NESHAP size projects. No permit fee is required for the removal of floor tile, provided the material is removed in accordance to manufactures recommendations. The persons removing floor tile are required to follow DC and federal regulations relating to the removal, handling and disposal of asbestos containing materials.
3. Roofing Material Removal: Non-friable roofing can be removed and disposed of as construction debris. The persons removing roofing are required to follow DC and federal regulations relating to the removal, handling and disposal of asbestos containing materials. The landfill receiving the material must be notified the material is asbestos containing and be licensed to accept asbestos containing material. There are no facilities in the District of Columbia licensed to accept asbestos containing materials. If the materials are going to be removed using mechanical means such as chipping or shredding then all asbestos regulations apply. If a circular saw will be used to cut the roof into smaller chunks, the EPA's 5580 rule must be applied. The rule states "in using a standard saw blade a total of 5580 feet of linear cuts equals 160 square feet making the project subject the NESHAP" and 20 DCMR regulations.
4. Projects less than NESHAP: There is no ten-day notification for projects less than 160 square feet and 260 linear feet. No permit is needed. All OSHA worker protection rules still apply. All EPA disposal regulations still apply. Final air samples can be collected using the PCM method.
5. Visual Inspections: This office does not conduct visual inspection for the purpose of collecting bulk sample for the private homes. Private homes include but are not limited to single family houses, condos, and apartments. Individuals in need of bulk sampling and lab services have to contract with a private consulting firm.

This is an overview of the asbestos regulation and not intended to cover all the requirements of the regulations covering asbestos removal in the District of Columbia.