Whether it’s a response to weather-related damage or just a long-planned project, home renovation projects may require notifications through ORCAA’s Asbestos and Demolition programs before starting work.
Asbestos is a federally regulated air contaminant, and ORCAA, under the state and federal Clean Air Acts, has the responsibility to manage asbestos emissions in our six-county jurisdiction.
Asbestos exists in many forms in a wide variety of building materials and can be found in even the most modern homes. Before any work is started, residents and contractors must submit a demolition notification to the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency.
As part of the notification process, an asbestos survey – a process of sampling and testing possible asbestos-containing materials – must be completed.
Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when disturbed. These fibers get into the air and may be inhaled into the lungs, where they could cause significant health problems. Asbestos poses a threat only when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, so most homeowners don’t need to worry about asbestos-containing materials until they start renovations or demolitions.
ORCAA also urges residents to be aware that burning is not an option for the disposal of storm-damaged household goods and materials. Trash burning is always illegal throughout the state of Washington due to substantial health risks caused by burning manufactured goods.
