Division of Environmental Quality Director: Art Goodin
All schools are considered to be regulated facilities subject to the EPA’s National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). Asbestos contained in building materials is considered to be a hazardous air pollutant. As such, the asbestos NESHAP applies to the disturbance and handling of asbestos-containing materials located in schools and school-owned facilities. These are considered to be regulated facilities.
The state of Missouri is delegated by the EPA to administer the asbestos NESHAP. Failure to comply with the requirements contained in the asbestos NESHAP is a violation of state and federal laws and regulations and can lead to the issuance of state or federal notices of violations and the imposition of monetary penalties. EPA is responsible for implementing the requirements of AHERA.
State NESHAP Requirements
Inspection Requirements
Prior to demolition or renovation activities, regulated facilities or those areas that will be impacted by demolition or renovation activities must be thoroughly inspected by a Missouri certified asbestos inspector to determine if any asbestos-containing materials are present. The inspector should identify all potential asbestos-containing (suspect) materials that may be disturbed by the demolition or renovation activity. Samples of the suspect materials must be collected and submitted for laboratory analysis to determine if they contain asbestos. The inspector should generate a report of findings from the inspection. The report should identify all suspect materials present, and indicate the amount, location, category and condition of the suspect materials. The report should also include a copy of the analytical results and chain of custody for all samples collected.
A list of Missouri certified asbestos inspectors is available on the department’s website.
Asbestos Mitigation
If the asbestos inspection determines that 160 square feet, 260 linear feet, 35 cubic feet (threshold quantities), or more of regulated asbestos containing material will be impacted by demolition or renovation activities, all of the regulated asbestos containing material must be removed by a Missouri registered asbestos abatement contractor.
Abatement contractors are trained in the proper procedures for safely removing and disposing of asbestos-containing material and may only employ workers trained and subsequently, certified by the department to participate on a regulated project. Prior to regulated removal of regulated asbestos containing material, Missouri regulations require that an Asbestos Project Notification be submitted to the department’s Air Pollution Control Program a minimum of 10 working days (typically two calendar weeks) prior to initiating the project. A copy of the asbestos inspection report and laboratory analytical results must accompany this notification.
A list of Missouri registered asbestos abatement contractors and the project notification form is available on the department’s Asbestos website.
Demolition
Under the asbestos NESHAP, demolition is defined as “the wrecking or taking out of any load-supporting structural member of a facility together with any related handling operations …..”
Demolition notifications must be provided to the department at least 10 working days prior to the demolition of any regulated structure or portion thereof. A demolition notice is required even if there is no asbestos identified in the structure being demolished. A copy of the asbestos inspection report and laboratory analytical results must accompany this notification.
The demolition notification form is available on the department’s website.
Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act Requirements
Public and nonprofit private schools have distinct regulatory requirements to protect school children and school employees from asbestos exposure. Non-profit schools include charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and regulations require schools to:
- Inspect buildings for asbestos-containing building material.
- Prepare asbestos management plans and take action to prevent or reduce asbestos exposure.
The AHERA is a distinct body of regulation separate from the asbestos NESHAP. However, the provisions of each apply and must be complied with by schools in Missouri. The state of Missouri does not administer AHERA requirements. Any questions regarding AHERA requirements in Missouri should be addressed to the EPA’s region 7.
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
11201 Renner Blvd.
Lenexa, KS 66219
913-551-7122 or 800-223-0425
It is important to be aware that AHERA asbestos inspections seldom meet the NESHAP requirement to conduct a thorough asbestos inspection prior to renovation or demolition activity.
Contact Information
For more information on the department’s asbestos requirements, you may contact the department’s Air Pollution Control Program or one of the department’s Regional Offices.
Local Agencies
In Missouri, there are three local agencies that have an agreement with the department to enforce Missouri’s asbestos requirements as well as local ordinances. These local agencies are:
| Jurisdiction | Agency | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | Kansas City Health Department, Air Quality Program | 816-513-6314 |
| St. Louis County | St. Louis County Health Department | 314-615-8924 |
| St. Louis (city) | St. Louis Division of Air Pollution Control, Air Quality Program | 314-613-7300 |
One other local agency does not process asbestos notifications, but they perform compliance inspections of regulated abatement projects and demolitions, and may have additional local ordinances concerning asbestos that they enforce:
| Jurisdiction | Agency | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield | City of Springfield, Department of Environmental Service | 417-864-2031 |
Before performing a project in one of these jurisdictions, you should contact the appropriate agency to determine if any additional requirements apply.
Additional Guidance
For more specific information about the department’s requirements in regard to asbestos, reference the additional guidance documents listed below or contact the department or appropriate local agency at the contact information found in this fact sheet.
- Asbestos: What is it and why is it a concern? - PUB2077
- How to Handle Asbestos-Containing Debris - PUB2121
- Management of Nonfriable Asbestos Containing Materials - PUB2156
- Requirements for Fire Training Exercises Involving Structures - PUB2029
- The National Emission Standard for Asbestos - 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M (61.140 - 61.157)
- Missouri Air Conservation Law Sections 643.225 - 643.250 of the Revised Statues of Missouri:
643.225643.228; 643.230643.232; 643.235643.237; 643.240643.242; 643.245643.250 - Missouri State Regulations 10 CSR 10-6.241 Asbestos Projects-Registration, Notification and Performance Requirements, and 10 CSR 10-6.250 Asbestos Abatement Projects - Certification, Accreditation and Business Exemption Requirements
Nothing in this document may be used to implement any enforcement action or levy any penalty unless promulgated by rule under chapter 536 or authorized by statute.
For more information
Air Pollution Control Program
Division of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
United States