Guidance for Demolition or Renovation of Structure(s) or Area(s)

There are asbestos requirements that must be followed during the demolition or renovation phase(s) of any project. The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) would like to make the following mitigating comments based on SWCAA 476 (Standards for Asbestos Control) and 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M (Federal Asbestos Requirements). These requirements have been summarized below:

1. Prior to demolition or renovation of a structure, a thorough asbestos inspection must be conducted by an AHERA certified inspector in order to ascertain the presence of asbestos containing material (ACM) in all affected structure(s) or area(s). A copy of the AHERA asbestos inspection report must be posted for viewing at the project site.
2. If the asbestos inspection reveals ACM to be present in the affected structure(s) or area(s):
   ACM must be removed by AHERA certified personnel in full accordance with the Southwest Clean Air Agency's (SWCAA) Regulations SWCAA 476 (Standards for Asbestos Control) and with 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M (National Emission Standards for Asbestos). A Notification of Demolition and Renovation (PDF), a Notice of Intent to Remove or Encapsulate Asbestos (PDF) and a copy of the AHERA asbestos inspection report for each structure are required and must be submitted to SWCAA for approval. There is a 10 business day waiting period from the time the notices are submitted before asbestos removal, structure demolition or structure renovation can begin. All asbestos must be completely removed from the affected structure(s) or area(s) prior to structure demolition or structure renovation taking place.
3. If the asbestos inspection does not reveal ACM to be present in the affected structure(s) or area(s), and the structure is to be demolished:
   A Notice of Intent to Remove or Encapsulate Asbestos would not be required. A Notification of Demolition and Renovation (PDF) and a copy of the AHERA asbestos inspection report are required and must be submitted to SWCAA. There would be a 10 business day waiting period from the time the notification is submitted before the demolition can start.
4. If the asbestos inspection does not reveal ACM to be present in the affected structure(s) or area(s), and the project involves only renovation:
   A Notice of Intent to Remove or Encapsulate Asbestos would not be required. A Notification of Demolition and Renovation would not be required.

You may contact SWCAA at 360-574-3058 for more information on asbestos requirements.