April 01, 2026
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has staff dedicated to ensuring asbestos is properly managed during demolition and renovation projects. EGLE Asbestos Program staff enforce the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant regulations, also called the Asbestos NESHAP. Staff work to allow time and resources for community outreach and education, as well as additional site inspections. During Asbestos Awareness Week, EGLE is highlighting some asbestos demolition projects that have occurred in the last year:
Residents living near the school were concerned about potential asbestos contamination from the school’s proposed demolition. EGLE’s Asbestos Unit staff were able to dedicate time and energy investigating these concerns, including doing several onsite investigations and some additional sampling. The unit worked with other EGLE staff and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Asbestos Program staff to host an informational session for the community. A webpage with frequently asked questions was created and is being updated as warranted throughout the project. Staff also communicated via email on a weekly or more frequent basis with the community regarding progress on the abatement activities and connecting them to answers to their questions.
4545 Beniteau Street was a privately owned apartment building located in the neighborhood near the Mack Avenue Stellantis plant in Detroit, which is of known public interest. The building was scheduled to be demolished as part of the City of Detroit’s continued effort to address blight. Due to structural issues, full abatement of the structure was not possible. Asbestos Unit staff worked closely with the building owner and contractors to ensure they understood their obligations under the asbestos NESHAP before demolition began. Staff visited the site several times to observe demolition activities, including a Saturday inspection, to confirm building materials were kept adequately wet and debris was transported to the landfill as promptly as possible. Staff also responded to inquiries from the City of Detroit and kept the Beniteau Street residents informed during the demolition.
Development of the Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee County includes the ongoing demolition of approximately 200 buildings in Mundy Township. Asbestos Unit staff, who have extensive experience regulating large demolition projects, spent time conducting inspections of abatement and demolition projects in the area. Staff also investigated several complaints in the project area regarding asbestos, as well as dust concerns during demolition. Staff met with the owner of the buildings and contractors to discuss the requirements of the asbestos NESHAP.
These projects highlight EGLE’s ongoing commitment to protecting Michigan communities by ensuring asbestos is safely and responsibly managed during demolition activities. Through inspections, transparent communication, and strong collaboration with local partners, EGLE’s Asbestos Program staff help address public concerns, support informed decision making, and maintain compliance with federal regulations. As Asbestos Awareness Week reminds us, this work is essential to safeguarding public health and the environment while supporting responsible redevelopment across the state.
Find out more by visiting EGLE’s Asbestos NESHAP Program webpage and reading the 2025 Annual Asbestos Program report.
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