Asbestos Surveys and NESHAP Notification for Omaha Demolition

Asbestos was widely used in building products for much of the twentieth century, and Omaha has plenty of buildings from that era. Before an older building is demolished or heavily renovated, regulators generally expect it to be inspected for asbestos-containing materials. This article summarizes how the process usually works. It is general information, not legal advice, so confirm the requirements for your project with the agencies involved.

The framework in plain terms

• Federal rule: The Asbestos NESHAP, found in 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M, sets work-practice requirements for demolition and renovation, including a thorough inspection beforehand.
• State administration: In Nebraska the NESHAP program is administered through the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), which receives notifications for covered projects.
• Licensing: Asbestos inspectors and abatement workers are licensed through Nebraska DHHS. Use licensed professionals for surveys and removal.
• Local coordination: The Douglas County Health Department takes part in local air-quality coordination, so check whether it has any role in your project.

What a survey involves

A licensed inspector reviews the building, takes samples of suspect materials and sends them to a laboratory. Typical suspects in older Omaha buildings include vinyl floor tile and the mastic beneath it, plaster and joint compound, pipe and boiler insulation, roofing, siding, and some textured ceiling products. The inspector produces a report listing what was found, where, and in what quantities.

Notification and waiting period

For projects covered by NESHAP, a notification is generally filed before demolition begins, and a waiting period of ten working days is commonly cited. Whether a given project is covered depends on factors such as the type of building and the amount of regulated material. Residential buildings with a small number of units are treated differently under the federal rule, so ask NDEE how it applies to your property.

If asbestos is found

Regulated asbestos-containing material is generally removed by a licensed abatement contractor before demolition or before the affected work begins, and the waste is handled and disposed of under specific rules. The demolition quote is typically provided separately from abatement, so make sure the two scopes and schedules line up.

Lead paint and other hazards

Asbestos is not the only concern in older buildings. Lead-based paint, PCB-containing light ballasts, mercury switches and refrigerants can all appear in older stock and may need special handling. Ask your demolition contractor how these items will be identified and managed.

Plan the survey first

The survey is often the first task on the schedule because its results affect the budget, the sequence and the notification clock. Omaha Demolition Co can coordinate our work with your inspector and abatement contractor so the demolition starts as soon as the building is cleared.