December 22, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality recently initiated an outreach effort designed to help property owners in Wayne County comply with asbestos regulations. A "Checklist for Renovation/Demolition Operations" was delivered to all Buildings and Safety Engineering Offices in Wayne County with the purpose of alerting property owners and contractors about National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants federal asbestos regulations and the requirement to notify the DEQ about regulated projects.

After receiving favorable feedback from the municipalities and local contractors, the DEQ is now asking local municipal offices to provide a copy of the checklist to anyone requesting renovation and/or demolition permits in order to minimize disturbing asbestos-containing materials during renovation and demolition operations.

Results of the checklist initiative are expected to favorably impact the community by helping to ensure a safe environment through a clear understanding of federal asbestos regulations.

Follow-up outreach and further education will be performed by the DEQ staff to ensure that all renovation and demolition work performed in Wayne County meets asbestos regulations.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised December 22, 2005 by Pat Watson