Asbestos

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For further assistance or questions regarding the Asbestos Program, please contact us at AQMDAsbestos@nnph.org or (775) 784-7200.

What You Need to Know About the Asbestos Program in Washoe County

The Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) enforces the National Emissions Standard for Asbestos (NESHAP) under 40 CFR 61 Subpart M and the District Board of Health Regulations Governing Air Quality Management Part 030.107 – Hazardous Air Pollutants.

These regulations apply to renovation and demolition activities at Regulated Facilities where there may be disturbance of suspect asbestos containing materials.  Additionally, notice to the AQMD is required for any building demolition, including single family residences.

Regulated facility is defined in the Asbestos NESHAP as,

“Any institutional, commercial, public, industrial, or residential structure, installation, or building (including any structure, installation, or building containing condominiums or individual dwelling units operated as a residential cooperative but excluding residential buildings having four or fewer dwelling units); any ship; and any active or inactive waste disposal site. For purposes of this definition, any building, structure, or installation that contains a loft used as a dwelling is not considered a residential structure, installation, or building. Any structure, installation or building that was previously subject to this subpart is not excluded, regardless of its current use or function.”

When making the determination of whether or not a facility is regulated, the intended use of the property is considered. For example, if a single-family residence will be demolished to support a commercial project, it is subject to the requirements in the Asbestos NESHAP regulation. 

An overview of the Asbestos NESHAP can be found at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website: https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/overview-asbestos-national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-neshap

It is also recommended that you contact the State of Nevada OSHA regarding their requirements for the disturbance of asbestos containing materials: http://dir.nv.gov/OSHA/Home/.

What Are the Requirements?

Acknowledgement of Asbestos Assessment (AAA)

An Acknowledgement of Asbestos Assessment (AAA) is a document certifying that an asbestos survey has been performed to the satisfaction of the AQMD. This document was previously called a pink slip or may be referred to as an asbestos letter by the building department.

If your project includes disturbance of suspect asbestos containing materials at a “Regulated Facility”, an AAA is required. Additionally, an AAA is required for any building demolition, including demolition of single-family residences.

Prior to applying for an AAA, a survey must be performed by an AHERA certified building inspector to determine if asbestos is present.

The AQMD does not perform asbestos surveys or sampling. A list of local AHERA certified building inspectors can be found (here). Please note this list may not include all operators.

How to Apply for an AAA

A complete application shall include the following:

- An asbestos survey consisting of a written report, a map identifying where samples were taken, lab results, and a chain of custody. 
- For renovations only – plans that clearly identify the scope of work taking place. 
- Any other information pertinent to the scope of work i.e., photos.

A complete application may be submitted via the following methods: 

- Online – You may apply for an AAA online through Accela One Regional Licensing & Permits (ACA). Detailed instructions for how to apply online can be found (here). 
- Email – You may submit your application to AQMDAsbestos@nnph.org. You must also include an Application for Acknowledgement of Asbestos Assessment.
- Hand Delivery – You may hand deliver to the AQMD drop box located (here). You must also include an Application for Acknowledgement of Asbestos Assessment.

Asbestos NESHAP Notification of Renovation

Notification to the AQMD is required for removal of Regulated Asbestos Containing Material (RACM) meeting the threshold quantities in the Asbestos NESHAP. Threshold quantities are 260 linear feet on pipes, 160 square feet on other components, or 35 cubic feet where length and area can’t be accurately measured. An Asbestos NESHAP Notification of Renovation must be submitted to the AQMD at least 10-working days (2 full weeks) prior to the start of asbestos removal.

A list of local licensed asbestos removal contractors can be found (here). Please note this list may not include all operators.

Notification of Demolition

Notification to the AQMD is required for any building demolition, including single family residences. A Demolition Notification must be submitted to the AQMD at least 10-working days (2 full weeks) prior to the start of demolition.

Forms and Applications

Application for Acknowledgement of Asbestos Assessment (AAA)

Asbestos NESHAP Notification of Renovation

Notification of Demolition

Notification Revision Summary Form

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You may find answers to the most frequently asked questions (here). If you cannot find an answer to your question(s) in the FAQ, please contact the AQMD at AQMDAsbestos@nnph.org or 775-784-7200.

Last modified on 04/24/2024