Pennsylvania Agency Reminds Contractors About Asbestos Notification

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Northeast Regional Air Quality Manager Tom DiLazaro and his staff are reminding demolition contractors and municipal officials of the need for asbestos notification to DEP before any buildings are demolished.

“We have had some problems with contractors or officials not being aware of the prior notification requirements, and it usually ends up costing them more money to make a determination if asbestos was in the building after it is demolished,” said DiLazaro. “All they have to do is call us first and we can help them through the process.”

Federal and state air quality regulations require that buildings be inspected for asbestos by a licensed asbestos inspector prior to demolition. In addition, DEP must be notified 10 working days prior to demolition.

DEP is distributing posters to municipal government offices to remind contractors of these requirements. DEP staff is also discussing how the department can assist municipal officials before the situation becomes a problem. If a building is demolished and contains asbestos material, it can become air borne and pose a health threat to nearby residents.

The agency is asking that any contractor with questions about the notification rules to contact the regional Air Quality Program at (570) 826-2435 or 610-861-2070.