| Oct. 23, 2008
Asbestos Notification Procedures Streamlined
Following last week’s wildfires in the San Fernando Valley, AQMD has
issued an executive order to help speed recovery efforts by temporarily
waiving the fees and waiting period required for all asbestos-related
cleanups.
Provisions of AQMD’s Rule 301, the asbestos notification fee and sections
of Rule 1403 that require a 10-day notice for demolition or renovation
activities, have been suspended for 10 days starting on October 21, 2008.
The suspension will allow for the critical actions needed to protect
public health and safety, clean-up and the repair work necessary to
remediate the effects of the emergency.
Anyone subject to Rule 301 and 1403 will be required to provide notice to
AQMD by telephone, as soon as possible but prior to any demolition or
renovation activity. This action shall be followed up with written
notification to AQMD postmarked or delivered within 48 hours of the
telephone notification or the following business day.
The suspension will conclude at 5:00 p.m. on October 31, 2008 or upon the
termination of the Governor-declared State of Emergency, whichever is
earlier. AQMD’s executive officer also may extend the order for periods of
up to 10 days during the state of emergency.
After a major fire, many buildings require debris removal or demolition.
Buildings constructed prior to 1984, and even some built after that time,
may have asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Materials containing asbestos
include roofs, floor tiles, acoustic ceilings, insulation, sound proofing,
cement pipes, heating ducts and pipe coverings.
Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become
airborne when asbestos- containing materials are damaged or disturbed. When
these fibers get into the air they may be inhaled into the lungs, where they
can cause significant health problems.
For more information on asbestos removal, please contact AQMD, (909)
396-2336.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
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