NESHAP Rules and Regulations
Understanding NESHAP Rules and Regulations in the North Coast Air Quality Management District (NCAQMD)
The NCAQMD contains the following counties: Trinity, Humboldt and Del Norte
Understanding Asbestos NESHAP Regulations
The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are essential regulations designed to protect public health by minimizing exposure to hazardous chemicals. The District, in partnership with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is responsible for enforcing these regulations within the tri-county area. This includes overseeing all NESHAP provisions, particularly those related to the demolition and renovation of buildings that may contain Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM).
What is the Asbestos NESHAP?
Asbestos NESHAP regulations apply to all public and commercial buildings, as well as residential properties with five or more units under one roof or multiple structures on a single property. Many of these buildings, no matter when they were built, may have used asbestos-containing materials (ACM) during construction.
Common examples of ACM include linoleum backing, spray-on acoustic ceilings, and duct insulation on pipes and boilers. When disturbed during demolition or renovation, these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing serious health risks.
To comply with Asbestos NESHAP (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M), and the District's regulations, it's important to determine whether ACM is present before beginning any renovation or demolition. This evaluation, often referred to as a "survey," must be conducted by a California State Certified Asbestos Consultant (CAC).
If asbestos is identified, you must notify the District in writing at least 10 business days before starting work. To ensure safety, specific work practices are required to minimize the release of asbestos fibers, and all personnel involved must wear appropriate protective equipment. While our Asbestos Compliance Advisory and Requirement Flow Chart offer general guidance, they are not a substitute for professional advice. For further information, please reach out to our District staff.
How to Comply with Asbestos NESHAP
Survey the Area: Before any work begins, inspect the area for asbestos-containing material. This survey must be conducted by a California State Certified Asbestos Consultant (CAC) or their designated representative. The results should be documented in a detailed report signed by the CAC.
Notify the District: If your project involves disturbing more than 260 linear feet, 160 square feet, or 35 cubic feet of Regulated Asbestos-Containing Material (RACM), or if your work methods might make Category I or II materials friable, you must notify the District. The current fee for a single demolition or renovation project is $370.00, or $740.00 if asbestos abatement is also involved (valid until June 30, 2025). Refer to District Rule 401(A) for more details.
Include Required Details: Asbestos surveys must include a project drawing marking the area being renovated or demolished, the location of each asbestos sample, the CAC's OSHA Certification Number, and the expiration date of their current certification.
Submit Timely Notifications: Even if no RACM is found, notify the District at least 10 working days before any demolition begins. This is for dust and debris.
Follow Proper Work Practices: Adhere to the asbestos NESHAP work practices to ensure safety and compliance.
Ensure Worker Safety: Comply with all worker safety requirements as outlined by Cal OSHA.
Check out the flow chart provided by the NCAQMD:
Page 1
Page 2
North Coast Air Quality Management District asbestos NESHAP Regulations
Page 3
