EGLE involvement: 

In addition to holding an informational session, EGLE staff have conducted several complaint investigations and inspections. Publicly available information has been posted in MiEnviro Portal.

As the project moves forward, EGLE will follow normal inspection and complaint response procedures including additional sampling, if necessary. We are committed to overseeing any future abatement and demolition to ensure it complies with all applicable laws and statutes to protect public health and the environment. 

About the asbestos NESHAP program

The NESHAP is a federal regulation that details how asbestos must be identified and abated during demolitions and renovations.  The rule requires identifying asbestos containing materials and safely removing RACM to prevent asbestos fibers from being released into the air.  Following these protocols limits exposure to asbestos and protects the public. 

Under the rule, the owner/operator is responsible for surveying the building for asbestos prior to demolition or renovation.   A notification of Intent to Renovate or Demolish must be submitted 10 working days prior to an asbestos abatement where the amount of RACM meets or exceeds the thresholds. A separate notification is required to be submitted 10 days prior to demolition. This early notification provides EGLE with the opportunity to inspect the site. 

Work practice standards that control asbestos emissions include removing and adequately wetting all RACM and sealing it in labeled, leak-tight containers.  Waste material is required to be manifested and disposed of at a landfill licensed to accept asbestos waste.  The rule requires that if RACM is removed, at least one trained on-site representative, such as a foreman or manager, is present. This person must know the provisions of the regulation and have a means of complying with them.

EGLE AQD staff review submitted notifications and conduct inspections to determine compliance with the NESHAP.  As part of a compliance inspection, asbestos inspectors review submitted notifications, inspect job sites, and may collect physical evidence to document compliance. 

Fact sheet: Understanding the asbestos NESHAP

MIOSHA asbestos program: 

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Asbestos Program was initiated in September of 1986.  MIOSHA’s program differs from that of EGLE in that its primary function is to ensure that the people working with asbestos are properly trained and the individuals performing asbestos removal comply with rules governing the work activity. The program is designed to protect not only the individual employee performing asbestos abatement work, but also the general public in the area or building in which the work occurs. 

The Asbestos Program is responsible for enforcement of the Asbestos Abatement Contractors Licensing Act, the Asbestos Workers Accreditation Act, and for meeting the state of Michigan's mandated responsibilities under the EPA's Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. The program also enforces asbestos issues related to MIOSHA. 

MIOSHA resources

• MIOSHA asbestos program overview
• MIOSHA asbestos program contacts
• MIOSHA search and verify credentials