Dealing with Debris and Damaged Buildings

As per the EPA - EPA's guidance has been requested on the demolition of structurally unsound buildings damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Various federal regulations apply to building demolition activities. Areas of primary federal concern include asbestos demolition requirements, the proper disposal of electrical equipment containing PCBs (i.e., distribution transformers and capacitors) and storage tanks. EPA recognizes the difficult circumstances faced in demolishing structurally unsound buildings damaged by Hurricane Katrina may make full compliance difficult. However, in any event, you should take the actions set forth below to the extent feasible.

Efforts to restore the damaged areas to their pre-disaster condition often involve removing or repairing damaged structures. There may be a natural tendency at this stage to overlook certain hazards, such as asbestos, that are not immediately life threatening. However, such hazards are serious and may manifest themselves many years from the time of exposure and should be taken into consideration. Given the health hazards associated with asbestos, PCBs, lead, and other harmful substances, it is reasonable that adequate measures be taken during emergency situations to minimize exposure to such materials from the demolition of buildings.

The following guidelines are provided to help minimize the health, safety and environmental risks associated with the demolition of structurally unsound buildings (structures that remain standing but are in danger of imminent collapse). In the case of such buildings it would be unsafe to enter or inspect a structure to determine the amount, types, and location of building materials containing asbestos, PCBs, lead, or other harmful substances. This guidance does not apply to the demolition of hurricane damaged but structurally sound buildings.
This guidance remains in effect through December 31, 2005, and applies only to areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

To the extent feasible, efforts should be made to perform the following steps:

Go to to http://www.epa.gov/katrina/debris.html for remainder of article

Guidance Document for the Management of Asbestos

Guidance Document for the Management of Asbestos-containing Material (ACM) (Updated 09/10/2008) as published on the NJDEP (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection)

As per the NJDEP's website" The information outlined herein is intended to serve only as guidance to persons interested in understanding the regulation of asbestos disposal in New Jersey. This guidance must be consulted in conjunction with the solid waste regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:26 et seq. and other relevant regulations to understand the complete requirements for disposal of asbestos containing materials. For the reader's convenience, an unofficial version of N.J.A.C. 7:26 et seq. can be found using the "NJ Regulations" selection on the Department's Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste web page at http://www.state.nj.us./dep/dshw or directly by using the Web link http://www.state.nj.us./dep/dshw/resource/rules.htm "

Source Page http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/rrtp/asbestos.htm