Asbestos

Asbestos is a material used in buildings since the late 1800’s. We now know it poses a serious health risk and is considered to be a hazardous air pollutant. This site will guild you through important safety information regarding the proper removal and disposal of materials containing asbestos.

Asbestos Brochure - learn more about asbestos in your home and at work. Demolition and Renovation

Asbestos Notification Form - for demolishing structures and/or renovating a structure with asbestos

Asbestos is a general name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals found throughout the world. The asbestos mineral is composed of bundles of fibers that are very durable, heat resistant and noise absorbing. In 1971, after years of studying the health effects of workers who made or installed asbestos products, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) declared asbestos unsafe and listed it as a hazardous air pollutant.

Asbestos products have proven to be superior over other materials as long as it remained intact. However, if asbestos becomes air-borne and an individual inhales it, severe health problems can result. Since the 1970’s, there have been strict US EPA rules regulating the removal and disposal of asbestos materials. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations in effect to protect employees working with or around asbestos. In 1995, OSHA issued revised regulations for asbestos with stricter requirements.

Asbestos NESHAP Notification and Permit Requirements

The Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection is responsible for enforcing the NESHAP (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) regulations (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M) within Forsyth County as stated in Rule 3D.1110 and Rule 3Q .0101 of the Forsyth County Air Quality Technical Code (FCAQTC).

This website is provided to assist asbestos contractors in meeting their obligation to comply with the asbestos NESHAP regulations. Failure to comply with these federal regulations can result in substantial penalties - up to $25,000 per day per violation.

Demolition

At least ten (10) working days prior to the demolition start date, an Application/Notification Form must be submitted to the Environmental Affairs Department. This form is required if the structure contains NO ASBESTOS MATERIAL or any amount of asbestos materials. A copy of the Asbestos Survey performed by an Inspector accredited by the State of N.C. is to be included with the Application/ Notification Form. After review of the application and inspection of the facility, a permit to demolish the structure will be issued. The permit must be obtained BEFORE beginning any demolition activities.

Renovation

At least ten (10) working days prior to commencing any renovation operations, an Application/Notification Form must be submitted to the Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection. After review of the application and a determination that the operation will comply with all applicable regulations, a permit will be issued. The permit must be obtained BEFORE beginning any renovation activities.

If greater than 160 square feet, 260 linear feet, or 35 cubic feet of friable asbestos material is being removed, stripped, or disturbed, the operation is subject to these regulations. If a facility has several small-scale, unexpected or emergency renovation operations, the amount of RACM (regulated asbestos containing material) removed is combined for each calendar year. Once the 160/260/35 totals are achieved for the calendar year, any further renovation operations in that year are subject to these regulations. The 160/260/35 determination is based on the total amount of asbestos involved in the project. If there are multiple structures being renovated or demolished as one project or at one facility, then all of the asbestos in all of the structures must be totaled.

The owner of the structure, contractors, and sub-contractors involved in any demolition / renovation operation are subject to these regulations regardless of their involvement in the operation. If you are contracted to demolish a structure or remove asbestos and are told that all notifications and permits have been taken care of, call this department for verification. This information does not relate in any way to other regulations governing asbestos activities such as OSHA, AHERA (Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act), or permits issued by the City of Winston-Salem Inspections Division. Giving notice or obtaining permits from the State of N.C. does not meet the requirements of these regulations which are enforced solely by the Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection within Forsyth County and all incorporated areas. The regulations covering asbestos are very stringent and often mis-interpreted. If you have any questions concerning asbestos or the asbestos NESHAP regulations, contact Stephen Berry, the Department's Asbestos Coordinator, by telephone (336) 703-2440, by FAX (336) 727-2777, or by email.