Asbestos Removal
Asbestos containing floor tile abatement and regulated waste removal for structure demolition, rehabilitation or relocation.
Structure assessment
The assessment process identifies and documents any asbestos containing materials and other regulated materials present in structures or on the property before any work on the structure begins. The assessment is also used to determine what regulated materials must be removed from the structure prior to demolition, rehabilitation or relocation of the structure.
Use of contractors
MnDOT policy requires that a MnDOT approved independent contractor oversee the actions of the contractor performing the asbestos abatement and/or removal of other regulated materials. Contractors that perform asbestos abatement, removal of other regulated materials and oversight activities must be selected from the list of MnDOT Certified Contractors (Prequalified Contractors, 19.1-19.5) (PDF). The MnDOT approved contractors possess required licenses and are aware of MnDOT policies regarding management of asbestos and other regulated materials.
Asbestos abatement and other regulated material removal
MnDOT policy requires contractors to follow specific guidance contained in the MnDOT project scope of work or special provisions when removing ACM and other regulated materials in addition to complying with federal and state regulations. These additional requirements are necessary to further ensure full regulatory compliance and to lessen the department’s liability associated with management of regulated materials.
MnDOT policy requires that any ACM with greater than 1 percent asbestos content and vermiculite with any asbestos content be abated as ACM, regardless of whether the material is friable or non-friable.
Building demolition and relocation
Procedures for asbestos abatement and regulated material removal can vary depending on:
- The type of structure
- Whether the structure is being demolished or relocated
- Whether the regulated materials are being disposed of or reused
Building demolition
All asbestos must be abated and regulated waste/materials removed from the building and the entire property under the direction of the MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship personnel prior to demolition of the building.
Building relocation
Federal and state regulated material management regulations are applicable for structure relocations. Preparing a structure for relocation in accordance with regulations and additional precautionary measures to lessen MnDOT's liability can vary depending on the nature of the materials in the structure. The Office of Environmental Stewardship must be contacted for assistance in managing asbestos and regulated materials for relocation of any structure. This only applies to structures owned or acquired by MnDOT and then sold by MnDOT Right-of-Way personnel.
All friable asbestos and spray-on ceilings with ACM must be removed before a structure is relocated. Some non-friable Category II ACM (examples include Transite shingles and siding) may be left in place if the material is in good condition and will not be disturbed during relocation of the structure. If both of these conditions cannot be met; the ACM must be removed before relocation of the structure. The Office of Environmental Stewardship must be contacted for assistance in determining what Category II asbestos containing materials should be removed for relocation projects. Similarly, Category I (examples include flexible floor coverings and asbestos tile) are not required to be removed if the material is in good condition and if the material is not expected to become friable during the move.
The prospective buyer must be notified if the structure contains asbestos materials or lead-based paint prior to acquisition. The contract used in selling the structure can serve as the notification document, informing the buyer of the presence of any asbestos containing materials or other regulated materials present in the structure.
Bridge demolition and rehabilitation
All asbestos must be abated and regulated waste/materials removed just prior to demolition or rehabilitation of the bridge to the extent practicable. Any asbestos or regulated materials that cannot be removed prior to bridge demolition or rehabilitation can be removed during the demolition or rehabilitation. For asbestos abatement over 160 square feet, or 160 linear feet or 35 cubic feet or if PCB containing caulk or bit felt is present in the bridge materials, MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship personnel will hire an oversight contractor to oversee the abatement process. The demolition contractor will hire a MnDOT certified asbestos abatement contractor to perform the abatement. The asbestos abatement contractor will provide all paperwork to the oversight contractor for the final report. Processes used for removal of other regulated materials or waste will be determined by the MnDOT Project Engineer, Office of Environmental Stewardship and the demolition contractor.