![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090509020617im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Alternative Asbestos Control Method:
Information for Asbestos Contractors and Trainers
Our Team
- Adele Cardenas Malott
Project Manager, Dallas - Roger Wilmoth
Project Manager, Cincinnati
National Resources
EPA’s Office of Research and Development and Region 6 are engaged in a research project to evaluate whether an Alternative Asbestos Control Method can reliably meet the current National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants emission standard of “no visible emissions” for asbestos.
Your input is important – please look at the information on testing of the Alternative Asbestos Control Method and give us your thoughts during the public comment period. For information on public involvement and how to submit your comments see the peer review/public involvement web page.
How Is the Alternate Method Different from the Current Method?
The Alternative Asbestos Control Method would allow certain asbestos-containing materials to remain in place during demolition as follows. As with the current asbestos demolition standard, the Alternative Asbestos Control Method requires that friable (easily airborne) asbestos-containing products such as insulation and pipe wrapping be removed before demolition. However, unlike the current demolition method, the Alternative Asbestos Control Method allows non-friable asbestos-containing products, such as wallboard or joint compound, to remain inside a structure during demolition as long as additional precautions are taken. These precautions include: application of amended water to control airborne releases of asbestos during demolition, earthen berms to contain used amended water, treatment of used amended water, removal of soil, and disposal of all construction debris at a certified asbestos landfill.
What Is Amended Water?
Amended water contains a compound similar to dishwashing detergent which reduces the surface tension of the water. This increases the water’s ability to penetrate asbestos-containing materials and further minimizes the potential release of asbestos fibers into the air.
How Is the Alternative Asbestos Control Method Being Tested?
EPA has carried out three pilot asbestos cleanup projects to test whether the Alternative Asbestos Control Method can reliably meet the existing “no visible emissions during demolition” standard.
The first two pilot projects were conducted in a secure location at Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, near Fort Smith, Arkansas and were completed in April 2006 and July 2007. The third pilot project was conducted in Fort Worth, Texas in December 2007.
The pilot research projects compare Alternative Asbestos Control Method with the current asbestos removal procedures. All the pilot projects will be reviewed by an independent panel of experts and an opportunity for public comment will be provided as part of this independent peer review process. For more information on the peer review process and public involvement and to offer comments please go to Peer Review and Public Involvement.
Can the Alternate Method be Used Now?
No, it cannot. The Alternative Asbestos Control Method is only being used in a series of three carefully planned and controlled research projects to test whether it can reliably meet the “no visible emissions” standard. These research projects involve extensive environmental monitoring, and active oversight by EPA and, often, state environmental agencies. A no action assurance was needed for the research projects, to express the intention not to pursue enforcement even though the projects use an Alternative Asbestos Control Method rather than the currently applicable method.