AHERA Notification
AHERA Notification
Uncontrolled asbestos contamination in buildings can be a significant environmental and public health problem. Both the public and private sectors have been dealing with the asbestos issue for many years. In 1986, Congress enacted the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) primarily to require school districts to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in their school buildings and take appropriate actions to control the release of asbestos fibers. In 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a regulatory program which enforces the AHERA.
In compliance with the AHERA regulations, we had our school facilities inspected by an EPA accredited building inspector. During the inspection, samples were taken of building materials suspected of containing asbestos. The results of the inspection and laboratory analysis of the samples have confirmed the presence of ACM in portions of the school facilities. It is important to note that these materials are in a form and condition that does not pose an imminent health threat to students, faculty or employees.
With the confirmation of the presence of ACM, an Asbestos Management Plan was developed for our schools by an EPA accredited management planner. The Management Plan includes the inspection and physical assessment reports, the training program for our custodial and maintenance personnel, the plans and procedures to be followed to minimize disturbance of the asbestos-containing materials, and a program for regular surveillance of the ACM.
Every three years, a reinspection by an accredited inspector must be conducted on all friable and non-friable known or assumed asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) to determine whether the condition of the ACBM has changed and to make recommendations on managing or removing the ACBM. This reinspection occurred most recently on July 25, 2012. The next reinspection will occur in three years.
For further details on the location of the remaining ACBM or on the asbestos activities, you are welcome to review a copy of the Asbestos Management Plan in our Buildings and Grounds Department during regular office hours. Jim Barr is our designated asbestos program coordinator, and all inquiries regarding the plan should be directed to him at (360) 709-7725.