Guidelines for Enhanced Management of 

Asbestos in Water at Ordered Demolitions

EPA-453/B-16-002a

July 2016

Guidelines for Enhanced Management of Asbestos in Water at Ordered Demolitions

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards

Sector Policies and Programs Division

Research Triangle Park, NC

GUIDELINES FOR 

ENHANCED MANAGEMENT OF 

ASBESTOS IN WATER

AT ORDERED DEMOLITIONS

US EPA

Office of Air Quality Planning and 

Standards

Sector Policies and Programs Division
Acknowledgments

Susan Fairchild, Office of Air and Radiation / Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards 

John Pavitt, USEPA Region 10

Ann Strickland, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance / Office of Criminal 

Enforcement, Forensics, & Training

Everett Bishop, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance/ Office of Compliance

Pamela McIlvaine, USEPA Region 4

Steve Anderson, Office of General Counsel / Air and Radiation Law Office

Andrea Kirk, Office of Land and Emergency Management/ Office of Superfund Remediation & 

Technology Innovation

Brian Schlieger, Office of Land and Emergency Management / Office of Emergency 

Management

Terry Smith, Office of Land and Emergency Management / Office of Emergency Management

Gilberto Irizarry, Office of Land and Emergency Management / Office of Emergency 

Management

Cover Photo: Water is used to control asbestos at ordered demolitions where asbestos remains 

in place during demolition activity. Water can act as a slurry, carrying asbestos-bearing 

sediments and other pollutants offsite to be deposited elsewhere if not contained and 

managed onsite. In this photo, the sidewalk acts as a berm to contain demolition water and 

prevent contamination of other areas. Photo courtesy of John Pavitt, USEPA Region 10.
Contents

Figures.......................................................................................................................................................... iii

Executive Summary..............................................................................................................................1

How to Use this Document..................................................................................................................3

Overview of Identified Enhanced Management Practices .................................................................6

Preparatory EMPs.................................................................................................................................6

4.1 Personnel Assignments................................................................................................................7

4.2 Training.........................................................................................................................................7

4.3 Inspections....................................................................................................................................7

4.4 Reporting and Recordkeeping .....................................................................................................8

4.5 Work Plan Development..............................................................................................................9

4.6 Estimate Resources Needed for Project Completion................................................................11

4.6.1 Evaluate Each Site’s Characteristics on a Case-by-Case Basis ..........................................11

4.6.2 Plan for precipitation events..............................................................................................11

4.6.3 Site Assessment..................................................................................................................11

4.6.4 Contingency Plans ..............................................................................................................17

4.6.5 Example Calculation...........................................................................................................18

4.7 Use the Variance and Demolition Permit Processes to Evaluate and Enforce Requirements of 

the Work Plan.............................................................................................................................18

Field EMPs...........................................................................................................................................19

5.1 EMPs to Contain and Manage Demolition Water.....................................................................20

5.1.1 Primary EMPs .....................................................................................................................20

5.1.2 Secondary EMPs .................................................................................................................26

5.2 Tanks...........................................................................................................................................27

5.3 Field Examples............................................................................................................................27

5.3.1 EMP: Berms and Absorbents on a Sloped Site...................................................................27

5.4 EMP: Diversion Slurry Pumping System and Slurry Capture Mats...........................................27

5.5 EMP: Vacuum Trucks..................................................................................................................28

5.5.1 EMP: Low-volume misting nozzle to adequately wet ACM ..............................................28

5.6 EMP: Use a Wetting Agent for most effective Fiber Adhesion and Control: ...........................30

5.7 Dedicated Wetting for Pipe Wrap .............................................................................................31

5.8 Decontamination of Waste-Hauling Vehicles ...........................................................................31

Post-Demolition Clean Up and Site Preparation...............................................................................31

6.1 EMP: Segregate Asbestos-Containing Waste Materials............................................................31
6.2 Post-Demolition Clean Up Activities..........................................................................................32

6.2.1 EMP: Filter Post-Demolition Wastewater..........................................................................32

6.2.2 EMP: Post-demolition Wastewater Testing ......................................................................32

6.3 EMP: Remediate Soils at the Demolition Site and Surrounding Areas.....................................33

6.4 Cross Reference to Selected Relevant Federal Regulations .....................................................35

Appendices...........................................................................................................................................1
Figures

Figure 1. The fibrous mineral anthophyllite asbestos as seen using TEM....................................................1

Figure 2. This photo illustrates the practical need for adequate wetting of asbestos contaminated 

materials. Dust containing asbestos is released when ACM are not removed prior to demolition. (EPA 

Photo courtesy of John Pavitt, Region 10)....................................................................................................4

Figure 3. Training is needed to safely inspect buildings and to identify asbestos containing materials. US 

EPA photo. ....................................................................................................................................................8

Figure 4. Ordered demolition of a structure on sandy soil in a coastal area. Water drains readily through 

this soil, and asbestos carried by the demolition water becomes embedded in the sandy soil. Photo 

courtesy of Pam McIlvaine, US EPA and Robin Mack, SCDEQ. ...................................................................13

Figure 5. The surrounding sidewalk functions as a berm at this demolition, (EPA photo courtesy of John 

Pavitt, Region 10)........................................................................................................................................21

Figure 6. A filter array that is designed to hold filters of sequentially decreasing pore size......................22

Figure 7. Examples of filters used for asbestos removal in the array in Figure 6. Photo courtesy of John 

Pavitt, USEPA Region 10. No endorsement implied. Information included for instructional purposes only.

....................................................................................................................................................................22

Figure 8. Water from a building demolition drained into the basement and was pumped to this tank 

(circled in picture) for settling before filtration to remove asbestos and other pollutants. Photo courtesy 

of John Pavitt, US EPA Region 10................................................................................................................23

Figure 9. A carbon-filter within this 60-gallon drum is used to remove hydrocarbons and asbestos from 

water collected in settling tank. Photo courtesy of John Pavitt, US EPA Region 10. No endorsement is 

implied. Information is included for instructional purposes only. .............................................................23

Figure 10. After filtration and testing of demolition water showed the water met effluent standards, it 

was released into the stormwater drain adjacent to the demolition project. Photo courtesy of John 

Pavitt, USEPA Region 10..............................................................................................................................24

Figure 11. Sawdust-stuffed burlap tubes are weighed down with sandbags in 'U' and 'J' shapes (EPA 

photo courtesy John Pavitt, Region 10)......................................................................................................26

Figure 12. This is an example of one type of low pressure misting nozzle, which is used to suppress and 

control dust. No endorsement is implied. Information provided for instructional purposes only. ...........28

Figure 13. A machine delivering an atomized mist keeps materials adequately wet. This work is being 

conducted at a lead-remediation site with compliance requirements similar to the Asbestos NESHAP. 

(Photo used with permission from DustBoss, 2015). No endorsement is implied. Illustration provided for 

informational purposes only.......................................................................................................................30

Figure 14. Pipe wrap is frequently hidden and may be difficult to find. Special wetting agents may be 

needed for pipe wrap. ................................................................................................................................31

Figure 15. Micro-vac sampling is one method that may be used to indicate that non-porous surfaces, 

such as this asphalt parking lot, have not been contaminated by asbestos after the ordered demolition 

of the hotel featured in Figure 4. Photo courtesy of Pamela McIlvaine, US EPA Region 4. Error! Bookmark 

not defined.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page

1

Executive Summary

Asbestos is a type of mineral that has been mined and used in commercial products for many 

years. While there are currently no operating mines or milling operations in the US, asbestos is 

still used in commercial products both manufactured in, and imported into the US. Asbestos 

may be found in building materials such as pipe wrap, wall board, flooring materials, ceiling tile, 

insulation, siding, and roofing materials. Asbestos has not been banned in the US, so many 

buildings, even recently constructed structures, may have asbestos-containing materials in 

them. 

The primary route of exposure to asbestos is through inhalation of the mineral fibers (see 

Figure 1). Several pulmonary disorders may be caused by exposure to asbestos, including lung 

cancer; mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest 

and the abdomen and heart; and asbestosis, a serious progressive, long-term, non-cancer 

disease of the lungs. There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos.

The EPA has identified enhanced 

management practices (EMPs) from existing 

regulations, guidance, and State and local 

government rules and policies and has

collected them here to provide guidelines to 

owners/operators, demolition contractors, 

and State and local agencies to use to 

prevent the release of asbestos to the 

environment when asbestos-containing 

materials remain inside the building during 

demolition. EPA identified and requested 

participation from experienced subject 

matter experts throughout the Agency to 

contribute information on examples of the 

most enhanced management practices used

for asbestos control and abatement. The EPA 

also consolidated relevant excerpts and 

portions of existing regulations, guidance 

documents, and other relevant materials 

into this document. We consulted with asbestos program professionals as well as EPA’s 

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction Stormwater program to 

learn about program practices that prevent the migration of contaminated water from the 

Figure 1. The fibrous mineral anthophyllite asbestos as seen using 

TEM.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page

2

demolition site and reduce the potential for asbestos exposure due to evaporation and 

redistribution of asbestos fibers.

This document may be distributed by various means, including to EPA Asbestos Coordinators 

and state asbestos programs, at technical conferences and symposia, and through EPA’s 

Asbestos website. 

These voluntary guidelines do not change or substitute for any statutory or regulatory 

provisions. The statutory provisions and EPA regulations contain legally binding requirements, 

and to the extent any statute or regulatory provision is cited in this document, it is that 

provision, not this document, which is legally binding and enforceable. Thus, these guidelines

do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal 

obligations on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions. 

This document presents current technical information and recommendations of the Office of 

Air and Radiation (OAR)’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS), based on 

OAQPS’s current understanding of a range of issues and circumstances involved in asbestos 

handling during demolition operations. The document contains information and 

recommendations designed to be useful and helpful to the regulated community, states, tribes, 

local governments, and the public. The word “should” as used in this document is intended 

solely to recommend or suggest and does not connote a requirement. Similarly, examples are 

presented as recommendations or demonstrations, not as requirements. To the extent any 

product, trade name or company appears in the document, their mention does not constitute 

or imply endorsement or recommendation for use by either the United States government or 

EPA. Interested parties are free to raise questions and objections about the appropriateness of 

the application of the examples presented in this document to a particular situation. In short, 

use of the guidelines provided in this document is voluntary.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page

3

How to Use this Document

The purpose of this document 

is to disseminate information 

on enhanced management 

practices (EMPs) for planning 

demolition work and for 

controlling, containing and 

managing asbestoscontaminated demolition 

water. The EPA identified 

EMPs in two key areas: 1) preparatory: advanced planning and allocation of resources, and 2) 

field: on site operational procedures, demolition activities, and site remediation. These 

management practices are useful when addressing potential releases of asbestos to the 

environment that may occur when demolitions of buildings that are structurally unsound and in 

danger of imminent collapse are conducted in compliance with the requirements of the 

Asbestos NESHAP (see Figure 2). The EMPs described in this document may be used to mitigate 

the potential risk associated with asbestos exposure from such building demolitions.

The intent of these EMPs as applied to structurally unsound building demolitions is to prevent 

demolition wastewater from carrying asbestos off-site. However, EPA recommends that EMPs 

be a primary consideration in all building demolition projects having the potential for asbestos 

exposure, especially those buildings that are declared structurally unsound and in danger of 

imminent collapse. These EMPs are ways to manage water and water-borne pollutants on-site 

that prevent their migration off-site. We therefore recommend that EMPs be a primary 

consideration in all building demolition projects having the potential for asbestos exposure. For 

these guidelines, EMPs are classified as either preparatory (advance planning) or field 

(demolition and clean-up) EMPs. 

These guidelines can be used to inform demolition contractors, local and State environmental 

offices, and EPA Regional offices of effective methods to minimize release of asbestos fibers, 

and to reduce the movement of asbestos fibers in water from wetting debris at an ordered 

demolition site. 

Demolition water can act as a slurry, carrying

asbestos fibers off site where evaporation leaves a 

collection of fibers which then may become reentrained into the ambient air.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page

4

We recommend State and local agencies, demolition contractors, and city planners use this 

document when building demolitions are being planned, scheduled and started with asbestoscontaining building materials to remain in place during demolition. This can occur under 

NESHAP-compliant demolitions in three ways: 1) when asbestos containing materials (ACM) are 

below regulatory 

thresholds;1 2) the ACM is 

not expected to become 

friable;

2 and 3) when an 

ordered demolition under 

the Asbestos NESHAP’s 

imminent danger of 

collapse requirement 

occurs with ACM remaining 

in place3. 

Accessible asbestos should 

be removed prior to 

demolition, even for 

structurally unsound 

buildings. For example, 

consider a scenario in 

which one wall of a building 

is leaning over and ready to 

collapse. The leaning portion is declared by the Order to be in danger of imminent collapse. 

That wall would be pushed over, and abatement should be performed in other parts of the 

otherwise structurally sound building. So, as described in this scenario, during a NESHAPcompliant demolition, under existing guidelines, some asbestos (i.e., that on the leaning wall) 

would not be removed and some (i.e., that on the structurally sound parts of the building) 

would be removed.

When ACM is not removed prior to demolition, it can be made friable during the demolition 

process. As the structure is demolished, dust, including asbestos, is typically controlled by a 

water spray. This dust may be comprised of pulverized construction materials including cement 

dust, gypsum, wood fibers, plastic, and asbestos fibers. Without careful planning and good 

 

1 40 CFR § 61.145(a)(2).

2 40 CFR § 61.145(c)(1) (specifying the circumstances).

3 The appropriate state or local government authority can, through an “Order”, declare a building/facility to be 

structurally unsound and in danger of imminent collapse. If such an Order is given, the Asbestos NESHAP specifies 

a subset of requirements than would otherwise apply. See 40 CFR § 61.145(a)(3). 

Figure 2. This photo illustrates the practical need for adequate wetting of asbestos 

contaminated materials. Dust containing asbestos is released when ACM are not 

removed prior to demolition. (EPA Photo courtesy of John Pavitt, Region 10).
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page

5

controls, the demolition water can seep into soils or act as a slurry, carrying asbestos fibers off 

site where they may contaminate the surrounding environment. These re-entrained fibers, 

when dried, are likely to be released into the ambient air. Reference to regulations for asbestos 

management, control and reporting are included in the appendices to these guidelines. A 

checklist (see Table 1) is included to assist project managers, planners and staff with the various 

considerations that are likely to affect successful demolition projects. 

Table 1. Checklist for water management at ordered demolitions.

YES/NO DATE If no, explain:

Has a certified asbestos inspector provided an inspection report of 

the building(s) to be demolished?

Has a Work Plan been developed for demolition of building(s)?

Does the Work Plan comply with all applicable local ordinances, and 

State and Federal rules?

Does the Work Plan include planning for contingencies, such as 

weather events, interruption in electric service, water, or other 

utilities?

Does the Work Plan incorporate EMPs for the surface and soil types 

present at the demolition? 

Do all personnel assignments reflect the appropriate level of 

expertise for the work expected to be performed, per the work plan?

Are the training requirements for all personnel up to date?

Have regular meetings been scheduled for effective communication?

Have weather forecasts been checked for possible weather events?

Have satellite imagery, geospatial maps and the site terrain been 

reviewed by the project manager to check the expected direction of 

water flow against the locations of placed berms and barriers?

Have the surfaces and surface soils been evaluated at the work 

site?

Have sufficient resources been allocated for the demolition, cleanup, 

and remediation work?

Have all water management tools and equipment been ordered and 

are these expected to be delivered to the work site in time to prepare 

the site for the planned demolition work?

OTHER TO Dos:
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page

6

An Overview of Identified

Enhanced Management 

Practices

Several State and local agencies have 

developed specific guidance and/or 

requirements that address the management, 

control and abatement of asbestos contamination in water (both water to provide adequate 

wetting of the ACM and worker shower water) used at asbestos demolition sites. For example, 

the Spokane (WA) Clean Air regulations require that building owners or operators submit an 

Alternative Work Plan if they believe they need to leave asbestos in place during a demolition. 

The city’s work plan may be required to include a number of administrative and planning

requirements.

In the state of Washington, discharges under the state’s Construction Stormwater General 

Permit must not cause or contribute to a violation of surface water quality standards (Chapter 

173-201A WAC), groundwater quality standards (Chapter 173-200 WAC), sediment 

management standards (Chapter 173-204 WAC), and human health-based criteria in the 

National Toxics Rule (40 CFR Part 131.36). Discharges not in compliance with these standards 

are not authorized under the Washington State Construction Stormwater General Permit. 

Preparatory EMPs are pre-demolition institutional designs, planning strategies, resource 

allocation, and documentation of plans to prevent or reduce the release of pollutants into the 

environment as a result of a demolition operation. Examples include development of a work 

plan, formation of a pollution prevention plan, contingency planning, correct application of 

relevant regulations, worksite design optimization, appropriate employee training, scheduling 

sufficient inspections of worksite before and during demolition, use of aerial and geological 

mapping resources, reporting, and record keeping. 

Field EMPs are practices, operations, and strategic use of engineered supplies and equipment 

to prevent and reduce pollutants from entering the environment during and after the 

demolition operation. Examples include: good housekeeping practices; preventive 

maintenance procedures; the use of barriers, berms, absorbent media, covers, and vacuum 

trucks; collection, treatment and disposal of excess water; spill prevention; and site 

remediation.

Preparatory EMPs

Preparatory source control EMPs in conjunction with field EMPs could be a very cost-effective 

practice to minimize fiber release during an ordered demolition. For the preparatory EMPs, the 

coordinated development and implementation of a work plan is an approach to proper 

management and control of asbestos fiber release during the demolition operation. The work 

plan should consider site terrain, soil type and permeability, topography, available utilities, and 

Each site should be evaluated on a 

case-by-case basis, to include in the 

work plan useful practices for the 

management and control of ACM.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page

7

potential contingency plans. Citations to all Federal rules that may apply (i.e., the Asbestos

NESHAP, TSCA, CERCLA, NPDES construction storm water regulations), as well as to the 

applicable Federal, State and local rules and requirements, help to ensure that personnel are 

knowledgeable in regard to rules governing the work, and that all work complies with the

applicable regulations. A well-defined distinction between regulatory requirements and

recommended work practices provides clarity when adaptations to a plan are needed or 

flexibility is appropriate. 

4.1 Personnel Assignments 

 Consider assigning one or more individuals to be responsible for demolition water pollution 

control.

 Establishing clear lines of responsibility for inspections, operation, maintenance, and 

emergencies is effective for organizing field responsibilities and preventing overlap or 

omissions of field activity protocols.

4.2 Training

Certain training requirements are already in place under regulations governing the removal 

work for asbestos-containing materials under OSHA and EPA. Beyond these requirements, we 

recommend additional training for management of asbestos-contaminated demolition water. 

These include training in: 

 Effective control measures for asbestos–contaminated waste water

 Response to releases of asbestos–contaminated waste water

 Environmentally acceptable handling practices for asbestos–contaminated waste water

4.3 Inspections

Certain inspection requirements apply under the Asbestos NESHAP (see appendices). Beyond 

these requirements, we recommend additional inspection measures. We recommend 

establishing and maintaining an on-site record of each inspection that: 

 Identifies the ACM as provided by the inspector4

 Verifies that the field EMPs are functioning as intended

 Describes the current site conditions, meteorology, geography, etc.

 Includes written observations of the presence of suspect ACM in debris that is being 

wetted

 

4 This can be very limited as the inspector may not be able to collect samples due to the building being structurally 

unsound and in danger of imminent collapse.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page

8

We recommend that the building 

construction date and any renovation dates

be noted in the inspection report and the 

permit. These dates cannot be used to rule 

out the presence of asbestos because 

asbestos-containing building materials are

still found in commercial products. 

However, construction dates and 

renovation dates can be used to indicate 

the likelihood of the presence of asbestos. For instance, a building constructed in 1990 may

have asbestos-containing materials such as vinyl asbestos floor tile, roofing materials, 

vermiculite insulation, and other such asbestos-containing materials. A building constructed 

prior to 19785 very likely has such materials, to the extent that many types of building materials

from that era (paint, sheetrock, carpet, mastic, floor tiles, pipe wrap, ceiling texture, spray-on

fireproofing, etc.) widely contained asbestos.

The information available in the inspection report should be used to develop the work plan. 

The inspection report identifies asbestos-containing materials in those parts of the building 

which are accessible for sampling. It identifies the types of building materials which can be 

segregated and where in the debris demolition water should be collected and sampled for 

movement of asbestos fibers. 

4.4 Reporting and Recordkeeping

We recommend a minimum 3-year retention period for inspection reports, reportable quantity 

reports, and other records. The inspection reports should include:

 Time and date of the inspection

 Locations inspected

 Statement on status of compliance with regulations and the permit

 Summary report of any remediation activities required; and the

 Name, title, and signature and training of the person conducting the inspection

We recommend that both the owner and operator maintain records of all related pollutant 

control and pollutant generating activities such as training, materials purchased, material use 

and disposal, water analysis, water collection and disposal, maintenance performed, etc. All 

inspections and maintenance conducted during demolition, removal and support activities 

should be recorded in writing and retained with the work plan. 

 

5 The Asbestos NESHAP was first promulgated on April 6, 1973, and included regulations for manufacturing, 

fabricating new products, demolition work practices, and limited spray-on insulation to 1% asbestos content. EPA 

successfully banned all sprayed-on application of asbestos, such as fireproofing, in 1978. However, EPA did not 

propose a ban on asbestos in manufactured products until 1989, and, on October 18, 1991, the U.S. Court of 

Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated and remanded most of that rule. Consequently, numerous building materials 

are still manufactured or imported using asbestos, including asbestos cement (AC) corrugated sheet, AC flat sheet, 

asbestos clothing, pipeline wrap, roofing felts, vinyl asbestos floor tile, AC shingles, millboard, AC pipe, roof 

coatings, and automotive parts and products.

Figure 3. Training is needed to safely inspect buildings and to 

identify asbestos containing materials. US EPA photo. 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page

9

Documentation may include aerial or GIS photographs with markings indicating the site 

boundary, work area, points of entry, clean water tanks, wastewater tanks, waste piles, fences, 

ditches, berms, absorbents, conduits and other similar marking overlaid onto photos of the 

work site. Planning the locations of these added elements on a work site can help to prevent 

incorrect assumptions of best locations, inadvertently locating too many elements in one place, 

or locating them in such a way that access to critical areas is impeded or blocked. Planning the 

locations of these elements on top of the topographical maps also allows planners to check that 

berms and absorbents are located on the correct downward facing slopes, conduits are located 

below to receive runoff, wastewater tanks are located further below to contain all runoff, and 

ditches are dug in the areas that allow best drainage of off-site storm water. All photographs of 

work, test results, project plan, inspector’s checklists and reports, etc. may be retained and 

made available if the property is under contract for resale. Retention of these materials 

indicates how the demolition work was conducted and whether problems arose during 

demolition or asbestos waste handling. Complete documentation of a well-managed demolition 

operation promotes prompt resolution of site status and may also be needed for later real 

estate transactions.

4.5 Work Plan Development

The objective of the work plan is to lay out the procedures for ensuring the control of asbestoscontaminated water and to prevent asbestos and other pollutants from leaving the site during 

the demolition operation. A site-specific work plan can be developed and implemented for each 

demolition that is to be conducted with asbestos-containing materials left inside the building. 

You may also consider incorporating the work plan into the stormwater plan that is submitted 

to the State, if one is required at the site. 

For these guidelines, we reviewed several work plans provided by demolition contractors to 

State and Federal authorities engaged in demolition activities. Many of these work plans are 

publicly available. Appendix 3 provides example work plans that identify EMPs, many of which

appear in these guidelines. For additional EMPs that may be useful in controlling water runoff, 

please see http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/stormwater/Stormwater-Discharges-FromConstruction-Activities.cfm

The following list identifies options for EMPs that may be considered for inclusion in a work 

plan.

1. The work plan should account for removal and/or management of all suspect ACM 

identified in the inspection report. 

2. Experienced licensed and accredited asbestos abatement professionals should review 

and approve the work plan prior to beginning the demolition operation.

3. The work plan should include a schedule of inspections. Unsound portions of a building 

should be inspected to the extent possible to identify ACM. 

a. The work plan should include the submitted 10-day Notification Form. If a 

building cannot be entered because it has been declared structurally unsound 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page10

and in danger of imminent collapse, the work plan should identify all suspect 

ACM/RACM. In lieu of this, all materials in the demolition debris pile should be 

suspected to contain or be contaminated by asbestos. A copy of the Demolition 

Order should be included in the work plan. 

4. The inspection reports should be attached to the work plan along with the results of any 

sampling/analysis conducted on the post-filtration wastewater before disposal.

a. Schedule with asbestos inspectors to attend the demolition and to conduct 

regular site visits. 

b. Routinely inspect the demolition site during the active demolition, removal and 

support activities and within 24 hours after any significant weather event, such 

as additional water burden due to a rainfall event, high winds, hail, or other 

severe weather events. These events can impact the demolition site by 

overburdening runoff diversion systems, moving or dislodging berms, conduits 

and barriers, and shorting out electrical services.

c. Critical operations in locations that that have the potential to generate a 

significant amount of sediment or fugitive dust should be inspected at the end of 

the work day to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of structural EMPs at the 

work site. 

d. The work plan may require inspector reports, but a standard reporting form can 

be used to streamline the reporting process

5. The work plan should identify all the EMPs that are to be used for the management of 

abatement and shower water, contingency plans, stop work provisions for any 

departure from the work plan, and site remediation. The work plan should specify the 

type of demolition equipment to be used, including but not limited to misting nozzles, 

water amending chemicals (i.e., detergent), demolition vehicles, and personal protective 

equipment (PPE).

6. Inspections that incorporated the placement of signage can help prevent releases to soil 

and stormwater inlets. For instance, the posting of signs on wastewater tanks 

(“Asbestos-contaminated water, Do not release”) and on worksite perimeter washing 

stations (“Wash all equipment prior to exit”). Additionally, signs should be considered 

for the worksite perimeter. Signage on the exterior of the perimeter can warn 

trespassers from entering the site at any point and seek the proper entrance; and 

signage can remind workers to doff their PPE and use the sanitation station before 

exiting. 

7. Include in the work plan specific areas to note fulfillment of the work plan provisions 

(like checked boxes), replacements to planned EMP, other departures from the plan, 

and all instances in which stop-work orders were given. The prevailing wind direction 

and rainfall during the days of demolition should also be noted. By including these items 

in the work plan, it can be used as a record of adherence to EMPs. 

8. Scheduling and conducting regular meetings to review the overall operation of the EMPs 

can help identify weaknesses and problems in advance of field demolitions. 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page11

4.6 Estimate Resources Needed for Project Completion

Aspects of careful demolition project planning include 

the assessment of available resources and an estimate 

of the resources needed for completion of the project. 

Each project presents site-specific challenges, and 

should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The 

following sub-sections present some aspects of project 

planning that can be used in evaluating the site and 

allocating appropriate resources to a demolition 

project.

4.6.1 Evaluate Each Site’s Characteristics on a Case-by-Case Basis 

Suspect ACM that might be visible to a trained inspector include materials such as vinyl 

asbestos floor tile, carpeting, mastic, and ‘popcorn’ ceiling spray texture. Other sources might 

not be visible if the building cannot be inspected. These include materials behind walls (e.g., , 

electrical insulators, thermal insulation spray or batts), beneath floors (e.g., pipe wrap, vinyl 

asbestos floor tiles, mastic, carpet backing, impact deadening compound) and above ceilings 

and in stairwells (e.g., vermiculite attic insulation, asbestos insulation, spray-on fire proofing, 

pipe wrap, roofing sealants). These are examples of common sources of asbestos materials that 

can contaminate demolition water. The EPA published in the Federal Register the responses to 

the Asbestos Information Act, a one-time listing of products known to contain asbestos based 

on industry responses, which can be found in Appendix 2 to this document. For more 

information on asbestos containing materials, you may also refer to EPA’s website at: 

http://www2.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos#find

4.6.2 Plan for precipitation events

Rainfall can adversely affect containment at an asbestos demolition worksite, especially if high 

amounts of precipitation fall in a short period of time. We recommend during resource 

planning, the purchase of water diversion structures such as berms, straw, hydromulch, and 

slash mulch. We advise reserving a slurry pumping system, tanks, and/or slurry capture mats to 

absorb excess storm and demolition waters.

4.6.3 Site Assessment

The steepness of the terrain, the permeability of the soil, the direction of slope, potentially 

impacted areas (that could receive wastewater in the event of an unexpected release), 

presence and locations of ditches and catch basins, stormwater and sanitary sewer locations, 

and proximity to locations of concern (such as daycare centers, schools, playgrounds, parks, and 

high density population centers) are some of the factors to consider when assessing the EMPs 

needed for a site. 

...it is easier and less costly to 

prevent contamination of a site

than to abate it through the 

remediation process...
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page12

4.6.3.1 Utilize Available Aerial Photography, Geospatial Maps, and Other Tools

As illustrated by several available work plans, it may be useful to include aerial photography or 

satellite imagery in the work plan. Site boundaries; locations of rivers, streams, and other 

bodies of water; storm water access points; residential areas; and EMPs protecting these areas 

may be indicated in the aerial photographs for reference and planning. Aerial images may be 

superimposed over topographical (geospatial) maps to check water flow paths. 

4.6.3.2 Evaluate the Terrain

The terrain at the demolition site and surrounding area can influence the types of supplies that 

are planned to be used at the site for control and management of demolition water. Multiple 

methods of control and direction may be warranted depending on the terrain. For instance, a 

primary control and a secondary backup control may be useful to control runoff on steep 

inclines with low permeability such as paved surfaces. 

Absorbents are “first line” containment and should be followed by berms/directional apparatus 

or other secondary controls. An EMP for directional flow construction is the use of plasticcoated, non-porous barriers or berms. These are used to divert runoff to waiting drainage 

tank(s) and may be cleaned and re-used afterward. Earthen berm barriers can be constructed 

surrounding the demolition sites, but cannot be cleaned and must be disposed of with the 

other waste materials that contain or have been contaminated with asbestos, in compliance 

with the waste disposal requirements of the Asbestos NESHAP.

6

When the primary control is undergoing replacement, repair, maintenance, or cleaning, a 

backup control can be in place to direct any demolition water into waiting conduits to a 

collection tank. Consider a tertiary control for the unexpected situation where a backup control 

fails. 

All materials contaminated with asbestos resulting from the demolition, including segregated 

RACM, absorbents, earthen berms, contaminated soils, and filter cakes, must be disposed of as 

asbestos-containing waste material. 

4.6.3.3 Evaluate the Soil and Surfaces

Water always runs downhill seeking the lowest place. Water will drain directly through soils 

that are highly permeable, such as gravelly, sandy or loamy soils (Figure 4). When the 

surrounding surface is non-permeable, such as with asphalt, concrete, or similarly impenetrable 

materials, demolition water can be expected to run downhill if the site is not level, and to pool 

in low spots. Consider protecting surrounding soils using plastic sheeting embedded below the 

runoff level. Consider studying the area on topographic maps (available from the State 

Geological Survey office) to anticipate the likeliest direction, depth, and path of water flow. 

Place drainage conduits and other collection apparatus to direct wastewater to leak-proof tanks 

for containment and later filtration. 

 

6

see 40 C.F.R. section 61.150.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page13

Figure 4. Ordered demolition of a structure on sandy soil in a coastal area. Water drains readily through this soil, and asbestos 

carried by the demolition water becomes embedded in the sandy soil. Photo courtesy of Pam McIlvaine, US EPA and Robin Mack, 

SCDEQ.

4.6.3.4 Include Factors Related to Soil Permeability in the Work Plan

Soil permeability is defined as the capacity of the soil or rock to allow fluids to pass through it.

This is important because the permeability of the soil determines the extent to which asbestos 

in water runs off soils at the surface, or penetrates through soils at the surface. Asbestos-laden 

water that is released into highly permeable soils, such as sandy loose soil, can deposit asbestos 

at depths of a foot or more of soil7. Soils that are impermeable, such as highly plastic clays, are 

more likely to be contaminated by asbestos nearer to the surface, but problems associated with 

runoff, capture and containment should be anticipated when permeability is extremely low. 

When the permeability of the soil is evaluated, the appropriate EMPs can be planned, and 

measures can be taken to prevent absorption of demolition water and/or water runoff that 

may impact neighboring areas or streams. Table 1 shows the permeability of common soils, as 

evaluated by Geotech in 2013.

 

7

Improper demolition methods at Bainbridge Naval Training Center in 1996 resulted in contamination of the soils 

at the site at depths of about 8 inches. In that cleanup, the asbestos-contaminated soil at the site was removed 

until sampling and analysis showed the remaining soil was below background levels of asbestos. 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page14

Permeability may be represented by the permeability coefficient (k) through Darcy’s equation8:

V=ki

Where:

V is the apparent fluid velocity through the medium 

i is the hydraulic gradient, and

k is the coefficient of permeability (hydraulic conductivity) often expressed in m/s

The permeability coefficient (K) depends on the relative permeability of the medium for fluid 

constituent (often water) and the dynamic viscosity of the fluid as follows:

K= (ᴦw)*K/ (μ)

Where:

ᴦw is the unit weight of water 

μ is the dynamic viscosity of water, and

K is an absolute coefficient depending on the characteristics of the soil.

Hazen’s equation9 may be used to estimate the coefficient of permeability for sands:

where is the effective grain size, in millimeters.

4.6.3.5 Evaluate and Estimate Building Size and Materials

The debris pile will not have a greater volume than the intact building, so an estimate of the 

maximum volume of the debris pile is length X width X height of the building. Alternatively, the 

architectural plans of the building may be available from the building department of the 

municipality. Unless the building can be safely entered to determine the volume of its contents, 

 

8 The law of flow of water through soil was first studied by Darcy (1856), who demonstrated experimentally that 

for laminer flow conditions in a saturated soil, the rate of flow or the discharge per unit time is proportional to the 

hydraulic gradient.

9 Hazen’s equation is the most accepted method to predict the saturated hydraulic conductivity, k, of clean sand 

and gravel.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page15

it is safest to estimate the maximum debris pile size and be able to scale down from there to 

the size of the actual debris pile.

It may be possible to remove and recycle some building materials prior to demolition. However, 

once the building is down, if the ACM have not been removed first, asbestos contaminates the 

entire waste pile and it is considered asbestos containing waste material. The entire waste pile 

must be disposed of properly.

Pipe wrap: estimate the length and diameter of pipe wrap, and apply the EMPs for pipe wrap. 

Assume the pipe wrap is amosite asbestos if sampling and analysis cannot be conducted due to 

the structural integrity of the building. Amosite repels water, even when it is amended with 

surfactants that are effective on other types of asbestos. Special considerations are appropriate 

for situations in which pipe wrap is present10. 

Vermiculite: when vermiculite is present (typically as attic insulation and in the interstitial 

spaces of cinder block buildings), special care is recommended for demolition. The EPA, the 

Agency for Toxics Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and the Center for Disease Control 

(CDC) released a joint guidance document on vermiculite, which can be accessed through the 

EPA’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-asbestos-contaminatedvermiculite-insulation

 

10 See section 5.7 of this document, “Dedicated Wetting for Pipe Wrap”
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page16

Table 2. Permeability of Common Soils11 LEAST PERMEABLE >>>>>>

Description min (m/s) max (m/s)

Inorganic silts of high plasticity 1.00E-10 5.00E-08

Compacted clay - 1.00E-09

Inorganic clays of high plasticity 1.00E-10 1.00E-07

Inorganic clays, silty clays, sandy clays of low plasticity 5.00E-10 5.00E-08

Organic clays of high plasticity 5.00E-10 1.00E-07

Compacted silt 7.00E-10 7.00E-08

Organic silts and organic silty clays of low plasticity 5.00E-09 1.00E-07

Inorganic silts, silty or clayey fine sands, with slight 

plasticity

5.00E-09 1.00E-06

Clayey gravels, clayey sandy gravels 5.00E-09 5.00E-06

Clayey sands 5.50E-09 5.50E-06

Well graded sands, gravelly sands, with little or no fines 1.00E-08 1.00E-06

Silty sands 1.00E-08 5.00E-06

Silty gravels, silty sandy gravels 5.00E-08 5.00E-06

Clean sands (good aquifers) 1.00E-05 1.00E-02

Poorly graded sands, gravelly sands, with little or no 

fines

2.55E-05 5.35E-04

Well graded sand and gravel without fines 4.00E-05 4.00E-03

<<<<<< MOST 

PERMEABLE

Very fine sand, very well sorted 8.40E-05

Alluvial sand and gravel 4.00E-04 4.00E-03

Well graded gravel, sandy gravel, with little or no fines 5.00E-04 5.00E-02

Poorly graded gravel, sandy gravel, with little or no 

fines

5.00E-04 5.00E-02

Uniform sand and gravel 4.00E-03 4.00E-01

Peat and other highly organic soils - -

Medium sand, very well sorted 2.23E-03

Coarse sand, very well sorted 3.69E-01

REFERENCES 

1. Swiss Standard SN 670 010b, Characteristic Coefficients of soils, Association of Swiss Road and 

Traffic Engineers

2. Carter, M. and Bentley, S. (1991). Correlations of soil properties. Penetech Press Publishers, London.

3. Leonards G. A. Ed. 1962, Foundation Engineering. McGraw Hill Book Company

4. Dysli M. and Steiner W., 2011, Correlations in soil mechanics, PPUR

5. West, T.R., 1995. Geology applied to engineering. Prentice Hall, 560 pp.

4.6.3.6 Estimate the amount of water needed to maintain adequate wetting

You can use the site assessment, workplan, number of days needed for demolition, number of 

hoses, water nozzle rating (volume of water sprayed per minute) to estimate the amount of 

water needed for the demolition and worker hygiene stations (showers). We recommend 

adding a 10-20% variance for unforeseen circumstances. Consider bringing spare water tanks 

 

11 Source: Geotechdata.info. Soil void ratio. http://www.geotechdata.info/parameter/permeability.htm 

l(http://www.geotechdata.info/parameter/permeability.html (as of October 7, 2013).
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page17

onsite as a backup in case of municipal water utility disruption in order to maintain adequate 

wetting. 

Wg = [1.7 × R × Dn]

Where

Wg is the total amount of water needed for a demolition, in thousand gallons

R is the volume rating for water nozzles, in gallons per minute

Dn is the duration of the demolition, in days (refer to the workplan).

The nozzle rating (R) is determined by summing the volume rating, expressed in gallons per 

minute, for each nozzle to be used:

R = R1 + R2 + R3 ... Rn

Convert to thousands of gallons per day to be used. Here, a 15% variance is included for 

unforeseen circumstances: 

(60

m

h

× 24

h

d

) ÷ 1000 = 1.44 × 1.15 = 1.7

If you choose to estimate water usage in this way, adjust from a 24-hour day to the actual 

period of time that the misting should continue. Many demolitions are completed over an 8-

hour work day. In such cases, estimate water needed for an 8-hour day instead of a 24- hour 

day. Other larger scale demolitions may occur over several days. Since the regulated asbestoscontaining materials must remain adequately wet until collected and contained or treated in 

preparation for disposal in accordance with the regulations, we recommend evaluating the 

total period that the demolition is expected to be conducted to estimate water resources 

needed for the demolition activity. 

To prevent contamination of bodies of water by asbestos, contain and treat demolition water 

prior to release to a stormwater sewer, sanitary sewer, or body of water. Consider bringing 

spare wastewater tanks to the demolition site.

4.6.4 Contingency Plans

In general, contingency plans serve to compensate for equipment failures, unforeseen weather 

events, and other unanticipated challenges at the work site. Spare nozzles, water amending 

chemicals, extra PPE, spare duct tape and 4 mil plastic sheeting, fresh water trucks, spare 

wastewater tanks, and electricity generators are examples of field EMPs to include in the 

contingency plans. Consider trucking in water to use for demolition activity in the event that 

the planned water source is unavailable or is interrupted. Consider including extra leakproof 

wastewater tanks in the event a tank is compromised. 

Real-time weather forecasts should be updated during the work day so that the on-scene 

coordinator can remain apprised of weather conditions and can make decisions for the work 

site, as needed. Excessive rain can impact the work site if flooding results, potentially 

contaminating nearby rivers, streams and lakes, and contributing to a potential violation of the 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page18

NPDES permit. You may want to consider the total amount of rainfall that is expected during 

the demolition and site remediation period, and be prepared to handle stormwater runoff from 

the demolition site. 

4.6.5 Example Calculation

Example Scenario:

The work plan calls for demolition of a burned out office building (circa 1952) that is structurally 

unsound and in danger of imminent collapse and is situated on a third-acre site. In the 

emergency response, a debris pile was created which tested positive for asbestos. High 

asbestos content of demolition water is expected. The building is situated upon highly plastic 

clays having a very low permeability rating. High runoff potential is therefore expected. After 

evaluating the site and planning the location of berms, absorbents, a vacuum truck at the 

lowest point of the site and water filtration, a resource allocation is made for three low-volume 

misting nozzles to be used to maintain an adequately wet site. One nozzle, which has a broad 

sweep and rating of 0.6 g/m, is to be used on the debris pile. Two nozzles, each with a wide 

diameter spray, and a rating of 0.8 g/m, are to be used on the building (one at the contact 

between demolition equipment and the building and the other on interior spaces). The 

demolition is scheduled to occur over a 3-day period. Precipitation in the form of rain is a 

possibility during the afternoon of one day of the demolition period, and the expected rainfall is 

estimated to be no more than 0.25 inches. 

Determine How much water will be needed to demolish the building properly.

Using the above equation to estimate the combined nozzle rating: 

R = R1 + R2 + R3 ... Rn

R = 0.6 + 2(0.8) = 2.2g/m

Dn = 3

Wg = [1.7 × R × Dn]

Wg = 1.7 × 2.2 × 3 = 11.22

Rounding up, we can estimate about 12,000 gallons of water will be needed for the demolition 

alone.

Cross-contamination of homes and businesses has occurred in the past from poorly managed 

asbestos work sites. Because asbestos should remain in the waste at the worksite to be 

properly managed and not taken home with workers, worker hygiene showers should be 

planned for the end of each workers shift. 

4.7 Use the Variance and Demolition Permit Processes to Evaluate 

and Enforce Requirements of the Work Plan

When an Order is issued for the demolition of a structurally unsound and in danger of imminent 

collapse facility, states and/or local environmental agencies may require owners/operators to 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page19

file a permit request for exemption from the inspection and asbestos removal requirements of 

40 C.F.R. Section 61.145. This is also referred to as a ‘variance request’. In those situations, the 

agency would review the variance request to determine if EMPs are included in the demolition 

planning. The variance requests can be used as the vehicle to review work plans, inspector 

accreditation records, testing results, and other information indicating what measures will be 

taken to contain asbestos under the ordered demolition. 

Each site should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to include in the work plan those 

practices that are useful and will be enforced in a variance request or similar enforcement 

vehicle. 

Under the Clean Water Act (CWA), point sources require CWA permits, but stormwater point 

sources are only required to obtain permits if they have been designated to do so. For instance, 

if an active construction stormwater point source is below the size threshold designated for 

regulation in the NPDES program, a permit is not required under Federal law, but may still be 

required by State law. 

Field EMPs 

The preparatory EMPs developed at the desk become field EMPs as they are transferred to the 

field at the demolition site. Field EMPs are physical, structural, or mechanical devices or 

facilities intended to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater, penetrating soils, and 

impacting neighboring sites. 

Measurements and locations of all materials should be verified and noted in the work plan. 

When workers are setting up equipment such as tanks, berms, conduits, absorbents, etc. at the 

worksite, care should be taken to place them in their appropriate locations as shown in the 

work plan, and any departure from the work plan should be noted and explained. For instance, 

the work plan may account for berms of different lengths or sizes, a certain number of feet 

from the structure, to allow for movement of equipment and personnel onsite. A long 20-foot 

berm may be planned 40 feet downhill from the demolition. Similarly, the wastewater tanks are 

usually located at one of the lowest points for proper drainage, and the supervisor should check 

to ensure it was placed properly so that when demolition work begins, and demolition water is 

generated onsite, it drains through the conduits and into the wastewater tanks. In general, the 

site supervisor should ensure that the correct sizes of equipment are placed in the correct 

locations and in such a way that they are able to function properly.

The function and performance of all equipment should be verified by inspection daily, and any 

deficiencies should be corrected by repair or replacement. A working copy of the work plan 

should be kept onsite for verification and guidance. Any departure from the EMPs in the work 

plan should be noted, along with the prevailing wind direction, any stop work orders, 

unexpected rainfall, contingency plan execution, or accidental releases. 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page20

5.1 EMPs to Contain and Manage Demolition Water 

The purpose of these EMPs is to prevent the discharge of unpermitted demolition wastewater 

to ground or surface water, or to storm drains that discharge to surface water, or to the 

ground. When asbestos-containing materials remain in the building, water used for demolition 

activities and showers should be contained and managed to prevent contamination of the 

demolition site and nearby areas. 

EMPs to contain and manage demolition water include segregation, enclosures, structural 

source controls, absorbent devices, and vacuum trucks. We categorize containment and 

management EMPs into two groups: primary and secondary. Primary EMPs are those that first 

address the management of demolition water; secondary EMPs are those that follow the 

primary EMPs. 

5.1.1 Primary EMPs

Primary EMPs are the first and most basic practices that can be used to reduce exposure to 

asbestos by controlling or eliminating the impact of outside elements from access to the 

demolition site. These measures can be written into the work plan so that they are not 

overlooked in the demolition process.

5.1.1.1 Control Access: 

Curious spectators, collectors of memorabilia, salvagers, and trespassers can compromise the 

integrity of asbestos controls at the worksite. We suggest training workers to notice nonauthorized personnel onsite, instituting display of identification at all times, and prompt 

corrections to maintain controlled access.

5.1.1.2 Communication: 

Certain requirements for signage and labelling are included in the Asbestos NESHAP. We also 

recommend that workers be reminded of key housekeeping measures and work principles. 

Examples include:

 Stencil warning signs at stormwater catch basins and drains, e.g., “Dump No Waste –

Drains to Waterbody.”

 Label wastewater tanks: e.g., “Asbestos Hazard. Non-Potable Water. Do not dump to 

sewer, land or waterbody.”

 Identify the location of absorbents for accidental spills and overruns.

 Post inspection schedule and reminders such as “Fill tanks to 80% only; Do not Overfill”

 Label holding areas for asbestos-containing waste: e.g., “Place Asbestos-Containing 

Waste Materials Here”

5.1.1.3 Segregation and Isolation: 

When possible, we recommend physically segregating the asbestos-containing materials to 

confine the sources of asbestos that can impact demolition water to as small an area as 

possible. This can help to reduce the total amount of debris that would be contaminated by

asbestos, and would have to be disposed of in a landfill permitted to receive asbestos wastes. 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page21

We recommend enclosing and/or covering the asbestos-containing materials (e.g., within a 

building or other enclosure, a roof over storage and working areas, temporary tarp) to prevent 

cross-contamination of ACM with materials that are non-ACM, and to prevent the movement of 

asbestos fibers offsite. Rainfall can add to the water that may need to be managed at a 

demolition site, and failure to properly manage this additional water burden can lead to 

unintentional stormwater and wastewater impacts as well as a potentially expanded site 

remediation area. Consider using available impervious areas that are compatible with the 

materials handled, such as cement or asphalt paved surfaces. Alternatively, consider temporary 

construction of a cement or asphalt pad for storage and management of ACM. 

Figure 5. The surrounding sidewalk functions as a berm at this demolition, (EPA photo courtesy of John Pavitt, Region 10).
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page22

5.1.1.4 Water Management

Water management during and after the demolition operation is important for several reasons. 

First, water is a valuable natural resource and protecting it is vital to the environmental success 

of the project, and to the natural resource itself. Water can impact the demolition site in at 

least two ways: first, water used 

for the demolition work must be 

managed. This includes water used 

at the hygiene stations, spraying 

operations within the structure, 

and spraying of asbestoscontaining debris that accumulates 

on-site in segregated piles during 

the demolition process. Second, 

precipitation events can 

potentially impact a demolition 

site when storm water, or melting 

ice and snow form a slurry with 

demolition debris, and flow offsite, 

carrying asbestos with it. 

5.1.1.4.1 Management of Demolition Water

Two examples follow for water management that can be used at demolition operations. One 

EMP focuses on filtration and re-use of this non-potable water during the demolition process to 

greatly reduce the total amount of water consumed by the demolition project. The second EMP 

focuses on filtration of the demolition water 

for testing and return to the municipal water 

system through the stormwater sewer 

system.

5.1.1.4.1.1 Filtration of Demolition Water: 

Focus on Water Conservation 

To minimize total water use, we recommend 

filtering and reusing demolition water for the

duration of the demolition work. In the 

example shown by Figures 6 and 7, filters, 

starting with a sand filter (similar to those 

used for pools), followed by micropore filters 

in series, sequentially decreasing in size from 

12 to 1 micron may be used to filter out 

asbestos with other suspended solid 

pollutants as sediment entrained in the 

water. This may be especially useful with 

Figure 6. A filter array that is designed to hold filters of sequentially 

decreasing pore size.

Figure 7. Examples of filters used for asbestos removal 

in the array in Figure 6. Photo courtesy of John Pavitt, 

USEPA Region 10. No endorsement implied. Information 

included for instructional purposes only.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page23

large industrial or commercial demolition projects and in areas that may undergo a curtailment 

of water resources. All filters must be disposed of properly as asbestos waste.

5.1.1.4.1.2 Filtration of Demolition Water: Focus on Return to Treatment System 

For this second EMP, we use as an 

example, the Excavation 

Dewatering Permit through the 

Alaska Department of 

Environmental Conservation 

(ADEC) 12 in 2015. The water used 

to maintain adequate wetting 

during the demolition was

drained into the basement of the 

building where it was collected.

This collected water was then 

pumped from the basement into 

a large (8'x8'x20') baffled tank, as 

shown in the photo in Figure 8, 

where grit and fine particulate 

debris settled out and 

hydrocarbons floated to the 

surface. The presence of 

hydrocarbons was indicated by a 

slight sheen on the water’s surface. Sorbent pads were then 

used to remove the small amount of hydrocarbons.

After settling and sorbent pad application, the water was run 

through a 55-gallon drum holding a granulated activated 

carbon filter, as shown in the photo in Figure 9, where it 

polished off any remaining hydrocarbons. The output water 

was sampled from the filter, and the results indicated that it 

met surface water discharge standards. The initial round of 

testing followed this procedure but discharged the filtered 

demolition water back into the basement until sample results 

confirmed that the effluent met storm water quality 

standards. In this case, a storm drain catch basin right at the 

curb by the building, shown in the photo in Figure 10 was an 

added convenience.

 

12 Demolition of the Gastineau Apartments in Juneau, AK, 2015. 

Figure 8. Water from a building demolition drained into the basement and 

was pumped to this tank (circled in picture) for settling before filtration to 

remove asbestos and other pollutants. Photo courtesy of John Pavitt, US EPA 

Region 10.

Figure 9. A carbon-filter within this 60-

gallon drum is used to remove 

hydrocarbons and asbestos from water 

collected in settling tank. Photo courtesy 

of John Pavitt, US EPA Region 10. No 

endorsement is implied. Information is 

included for instructional purposes only.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page24

Directional devices, such as berms and 

conduits, are useful to divert water into 

collection and containment. We 

recommend their use in areas expected to 

receive most of the asbestoscontaminated demolition water. For 

example, these devices should be utilized 

along slopes and impermeable surfaces to 

aid in the containment strategy of the 

excess demolition water. Devices should 

direct contaminated water to appropriate 

treatment EMPs (to prevent discharge to a

sanitary sewer).

5.1.1.4.1.3 Management of On-Site Storm 

Water 

We recommend that sediment generated 

by the demolition process be retained onsite. Storm sewer inlets can be protected with 

sandbags or rocks as make-shift filters, and sediment controls may be established at the 

perimeter of the site. 

The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of 

pollutants into the waters of the United States and protecting water. When demolitions are 

conducted close to a body of water that could potentially be negatively impacted by the 

demolition, we recommend the collection and filtration for asbestos of all water generated 

onsite. Additional requirements may apply in a particular Clean Water Act permit.

5.1.1.4.1.4 Management of Off-Site Storm Water

We recommend segregating storm water off site from all waters onsite to avoid over burdening 

the tanks and absorbents with water that does not need treatment prior to release. Diverting 

the worksite runoff to containment in a tank or other impermeable structure and diverting offsite storm water around the worksite area are recommended EMPs.

When storm water can potentially impact a demolition site, we recommend ditches and 

trenches as useful EMPs to divert off-site storm water to retention ponds or other sedimentfiltering areas to prevent it from creating an overburden for the EMP devices. Storm water can 

create this situation when the demolition occurs on a hillside with an impervious surface. 

Once directional devices have been placed to effectively divert offsite storm water to storm 

sewers or ditches, and on-site storm water and demolition water into tanks, the onsite 

asbestos-laden demolition water can be managed to remove asbestos. We do not recommend 

sending untreated demolition water to a storm water or sanitary sewer, even if the municipality 

allows it. 

Figure 10. After filtration and testing of demolition water showed the 

water met effluent standards, it was released into the stormwater 

drain adjacent to the demolition project. Photo courtesy of John 

Pavitt, USEPA Region 10.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page25

It is important to note that we do not think these controls are EMPs for asbestos control, and 

we have no information indicating that asbestos is removed from water using silt fences and 

rock barriers. However, these may be useful for removing excess sediment from the total 

amount of water to be collected and subsequently filtered for asbestos removal, and 

potentially extending the life of the asbestos filters. Additionally, we don’t recommend using 

retention ponds or other sediment-filtering areas for on-site diversion of asbestoscontaminated waste water because this could potentially expand the site contamination rather 

than limit it.

Installation of a silt fence as a perimeter control and onsite sediment filters at the lowest site 

elevation are effective controls to remove sediment from water. Additionally, if demolition or 

storm water has impacted the demolition site and flowed into the silt fence, the silt fence and 

all trapped sediments in this case would also be contaminated with asbestos and must be 

disposed of properly as an asbestos-containing waste material or converted into non-asbestos 

material. 

Water spray: It is necessary to meet the Asbestos NESHAP requirement for keeping the 

regulated asbestos-containing material adequately wet at a demolition regulated by the 

Asbestos NESHAP, according to the Asbestos NESHAP.

13 Additionally, State or local dust control 

air quality ordinances may apply at the demolition site. We recommend the use of a lowvolume misting nozzle to maintain dampness without excess water volume. Note: Do not hose 

down pollutants from any area to the ground, storm drains, conveyance ditches, or receiving

water. This process increases the chances that you may release asbestos and other 

environmental hazards into the environment which may trigger a release of reportable 

quantities under CERCLA. For additional information on this EMP, see the field example in 

section 5.6 of this document.

Drains: We recommend that floor drains in potential pollutant source areas should not be 

connected to storm drains, surface water, or to the ground. EMPs are to block all drains within 

the work area using materials that are both impervious and not easily dislodged. 

Correct equipment: We recommend the use of containers, piping, tubing, pumps, fittings, 

and valves that are appropriate for their intended use and for the contained demolition water.

Housekeeping Measures: We recommend that demolition water in impervious uncovered 

containment be cleaned up (vacuumed, absorbed, drained and filtered, etc.). Cleaning, steam 

cleaning, or pressure washing of equipment or containers inside a building or on an impervious 

contained area, such as a concrete pad, can help to prevent the accidental release of asbestosladen water. Additionally, walled liners (i.e., ‘drip pans’) may be installed beneath equipment 

handling and storing demolition water (e.g., filter assembly racks, tanks, etc.) to catch spills and 

 

13 See 40 CFR 61.145(c)(6)
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page26

drips. We recommend drip pans be emptied immediately after a spill or leak is collected, 

especially if it is in an uncovered area that may be exposed to rainfall or stormwater.

Maintenance: Prompt repair or replacement of any leaking connections, pipes, hoses, valves, 

etc., can help to prevent contaminating areas of stormwater runoff. We recommend repair, 

replacement, and resealing any damaged paved areas, especially those at industrial facilities, 

such as damaged paved secondary containment, high-intensity parking, and any other drainage 

areas subjected to pollutant material leaks or spills. 

5.1.2 Secondary EMPs

Contaminated water removal: We recommend the use of vacuum trucks for the removal 

of water that threatens to run offsite or to exceed the structural barriers in place at the 

demolition site. Vacuuming up water at and beyond the berms and barriers can be helpful to 

contain and manage the demolition water in one step. We recommend vacuuming all 

appropriate surfaces with wet vacuum trucks 

daily or more frequently as needed for the 

collection and disposal of asbestoscontaminated demolition water that could 

contaminate surrounding soils. 

Absorption: Absorbent devices such as 

sawdust-filled tubes (a.k.a., “sausages“), sand 

bags, and peat berms may be used to absorb 

demolition water. In order to protect 

neighboring property, we recommend their use 

in areas that are not expected to receive a high 

water loss and on the perimeter of areas that 

are level. They are also useful at the far end 

beyond the berms and barriers and the vacuum 

truck, as a secondary or tertiary contingency 

plan and precautionary measure in case of an 

accidental overflow or miscalculated water path. Since absorbent devices have a maximum 

effectiveness level, at which point they are saturated and can no longer absorb water or 

function effectively, they are not primary containment EMPs. In Figure 11, the view is looking 

downhill after a rainstorm the previous evening. The demolition itself is controlled and these 

absorbent devices have been installed as a secondary backup. Any water from the demolition 

that makes its way off site would run alongside the curbs and be absorbed into the ‘sausages’ 

instead of running into the storm sewers located along the sides of the street, or into the river 

at the bottom of the hill.

Determine if a Release Has Occurred: We recommend testing water collected in ditches and 

runoff basins at the site for the presence of asbestos to determine whether or not a release has 

Figure 11. Sawdust-stuffed burlap tubes are weighed down 

with sandbags in 'U' and 'J' shapes (EPA photo courtesy John 

Pavitt, Region 10).
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page27

occurred. Notification to the National Response Center, as well as remediation of the impacted 

and surrounding soils and catch-basins, may be required.

5.2 Tanks

We recommend collecting and containing the water that may be contaminated by asbestos 

from demolition, worker showers, or stormwater because the asbestos NESHAP requires 

containment of all regulated asbestos-containing material and proper disposal of all asbestoscontaining waste material. The collected asbestos-laden water may be diverted to on-site 

properly labeled tanks for subsequent filtration and disposal. 

We recommend the wastewater tank not be filled to capacity because the potential for spills 

and leaks increases as the maximum capacity is reached. Spare wastewater tanks may be 

brought onsite, and the tanks can be changed out when no more than 80% full. 

When possible, consider sizing the tanks larger than the estimated amount of water needed, 

and include extra double-wall tanks as a precautionary measure. Tanks may be cleaned and reused for similar (non-potable water) projects. Consider dedicating wastewater tanks for 

demolition water under the program. See also the following website for additional information: 

http://www.ertvideo.org/content/asbestos-managing-problems-addressing-concerns

5.3 Field Examples 

5.3.1 EMP: Berms and Absorbents on a Sloped Site

For example, consider a demolition of a building on a hillside. The primary controls used in one 

such case were sandbags at the base of the demolition site. Secondary barriers of sawduststuffed burlap tubes (”sausages”) were placed in ‘J’ and ‘U’ shapes lining the street inside the 

perimeter of the demolition area to prevent runoff from entering the river or the stormwater 

sewer at the base of the hill, as depicted in the photo in Figure 12. 

Downhill from the sausages, concrete or earthen berms may be constructed which direct any 

water into waiting enclosed pipes and conduits where the water is diverted to flow into waiting 

tanks or absorbents. In order to prevent leaking and dribbling, the “sausages” should be 

replaced before they become saturated (to avoid leaking and dribbling). New sausages replace 

the soaked sausages which are double bagged for disposal. 

In the replacement process, any demolition water that may pass over the area is directed by 

berms into the conduits, pipes and collection tank. Pre-existing structures may be present that 

can function as berms at a site. For instance, curbs and sidewalks in an urban or suburban 

setting may function to prevent wastewater from leaving the site.

5.4 EMP: Diversion Slurry Pumping System and Slurry Capture Mats

Consider using a diversion slurry pumping system to a tank vacuum truck and/or slurry capture 

mats especially for large demolitions on sloped surfaces, disturbed soils, and/or in proximity to 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page28

bodies of water that could become contaminated by runoff. This is typical of demolitions near 

rivers or on riverbanks or lake edges. 

5.5 EMP: Vacuum Trucks

Vacuum trucks are useful in addition to ‘sausages’ to prevent contaminated runoff from the 

site. Consider using vacuum trucks to remove a wet slurry of asbestos debris as a clean-up

method and / or a backup control, especially when steep slopes or impervious materials may 

indicate a higher runoff potential. We recommend double-checking for leaks on vacuum trucks

since these vehicles may be fitted with small ducts which should be sealed after emptying to 

function properly, and these are easily overlooked. As water is flushed onto a demolition, the 

water and slurry can be vacuumed up and hauled away for disposal or further filtering. The 

total size of the structure, daily maximum amount of water use, washing of personnel and 

equipment, and heavy rainfall (especially when unexpected as this may not have been taken 

into account in the work plan) can significantly impact the total amount of contaminated water 

that must be managed from the demolition site. 

5.5.1 EMP: Low-volume misting nozzle to adequately wet ACM 

Buildings scheduled for demolition typically have asbestos-containing materials, many of which 

are regulated asbestos-containing materials (RACM). RACM includes materials that are in 

damaged or friable condition 

or that will be rendered 

friable during the

demolition. When these 

asbestos-containing 

materials are not removed 

prior to demolition, the 

resulting dust also contains 

asbestos. Materials such as 

pipe wrap14, transite siding, 

textured (“popcorn”) ceiling 

coatings, sprayed-on 

fireproofing, vermiculite attic 

 

14 Most pipe wrap was manufactured from amosite (or ‘brown’) asbestos, and is considered to be among the most 

toxic forms of asbestos. Additionally, many surfactants do not successfully penetrate amosite. When pipe wrap is 

encountered, special care to identify effective water amendments and then to adequately wet, abate and remove 

it should be taken. 

Figure 12. This is an example of one type of low pressure misting nozzle, which is used 

to suppress and control dust. No endorsement is implied. Information provided for 

instructional purposes only.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page29

insulation, roofing materials, and many other building 

materials can be found in poor or friable condition. 

Using a low-volume nozzle prevents excessive water 

use and avoids damage to RACM which is typically in 

a friable state. Low-volume misting nozzles (Figures

12 and 13) can be particularly effective at adequately 

wetting all ACM before, during and after demolition 

without causing further damage to these materials. 

According to professionals in the field, the size range

of the water droplets is critical to avoid the 

'slipstream' effect that large droplets from sprinklers 

have on airborne dust particles. In most applications, 

fugitive particles are generally around 50 to 100 

microns in size, but water droplets from a sprinkler are much larger, often 2000 to 6000 

microns. The velocity of the large sprinkler droplet affects the airflow. When an airborne 

particle approaches it, the flow often deflects the particle without a collision between dust and 

droplet. In contrast, the atomized mist system creates droplets that are much closer in size to 

the dust particles which facilitates the necessary contact to bring dust particles to the ground. 

The sheer number of these miniscule droplets also increases the surface area available to 

contact airborne particles without over-saturating the debris.15

Prevention of pooling and runoff of toxics-contaminated demolition water was a primary 

objective in the remediation of a former lead-acid battery recycling facility in Throop, PA

located adjacent to the Lacawanna River (Figure 13). For the project, engineers were required 

to meet a “no visible emissions” standard, find a way to control large volumes of lead-laden 

dust, confine surface dust to the immediate area, and prevent airborne particles from migrating 

to nearby residential communities. Although this particular project work plan was designed for 

compliance with the lead abatement program, not asbestos abatement, we believe these are 

EMPs that translate well into the asbestos abatement arena because they address rigorous 

requirements similar to those that must be met during demolitions under the asbestos NESHAP 

(work practice standards, having no visible emissions, compliance monitoring, removal and 

disposal of all contaminated materials, worker training and protection, inspections) and under 

overlapping State and Federal rules and local ordinances. 

 

15 Laura Stiverson, President, Dust Control Technology. Professional Demolition Americas, Issue 1, page 

36. 2015. www.pdamericas.com

Water amendments 

(surfactants) reduce the 

surface tension of the 

water droplets ... and 

improve the water’s 

effectiveness by increasing 

its affinity for adhesion to 

asbestos fibers...
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page30

5.6 EMP: Use a Wetting Agent for most effective Fiber Adhesion and 

Control: 

A very effective management practice is to add a wetting agent to amend the water used to 

wet the asbestos-containing materials in the building to be demolished. This “amended water” 

is used to maximize the adherence of asbestos to the water by lowering the surface tension of 

water. Water amendments (also called surfactants) also increase the misting capability and 

improve the water’s effectiveness as it increases its affinity for adhesion to asbestos fibers, 

increases its penetration and increases its surface coverage. Wetting agents include soaps, 

alcohols and some fatty acids. The EPA’s “Purple Book”, or as it is formally known, Guidance 

for Controlling Asbestos-Containing Materials in Buildings, EPA-560/5-85-024 , recommended 

the use of a wetting agent that is a 50:50 mixture of polyoxyethylene ester and polyoxyethylene 

ether, or the equivalent, in a 0.16 percent solution (1 ounce to 5 gallons) of water.

Surfactants can be added to onsite tanks or through a port at the hose. Water hoses are usually 

attached to a faucet tap, fire hydrant or water tank. Generally, the hose has a nozzle attached 

which spreads the water stream so that a fine mist is created. 

An engineering control often used is a misting unit which can be used to create a high level of 

humidity within a removal area. It is believed that fibers emitted into a saturated environment 

will absorb the wetting agent and fall out of the air faster thus reducing airborne fiber levels. 

The wetting agents used for the demolition may not be safe to use for the showers. We 

recommend using specific wetting agents according to their intended use and consulting the 

product safety data sheets (SDSs) before handling or using any wetting agent to amend the 

shower water. All the SDSs should be kept onsite in a centrally accessible location. 

.

Figure 13. A machine delivering an atomized mist keeps materials adequately wet. This work is being conducted at a leadremediation site with compliance requirements similar to the Asbestos NESHAP. (Photo used with permission from DustBoss, 

2015). No endorsement is implied. Illustration provided for informational purposes only. 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page31

5.7 Dedicated Wetting for Pipe Wrap

Dedicated wetting nozzles for use when pipe wrap is 

encountered are recommended (see Figure 14). Note 

that amosite asbestos was used commercially for pipe 

wrap. Asbestos removal professionals take special 

measures whenever pipe wrap is involved because 

amosite asbestos repels water as well as most 

surfactant-treated or amended water. Special

proprietary amending chemicals have been 

developed for use on pipe wrap that adhere to and 

are not repelled by the amosite asbestos. We 

recommend using these chemicals whenever pipe 

wrap is encountered. 

5.8 Decontamination of Waste-Hauling 

Vehicles

When the vehicles used to transport demolition waste may become contaminated by asbestos 

from the site, we recommend they be cleaned of contamination before leaving the site in order 

to prevent contamination of a wider area. Vehicles, including the tires and undercarriage, can 

be visually inspected for debris removal and rinsed using amended water while the vehicles are 

on an impervious surface (asphalt or concrete pad). The vehicle rinse pad may be designed as a 

slightly inclined surface draining into a collection system and tank. We recommend the 

collection and management of all rinse water along with the shower and demolition water. 

Post-Demolition Clean Up and Site Preparation

6.1 EMP: Segregate Asbestos-Containing Waste Materials

 Where feasible, store containers of asbestos-contaminated debris inside a building or 

under a cover and/or containment.

 Stop, contain, and clean up all spills immediately upon discovery. 

 If asbestos-containing wastes are stored on-site, have spill containment and cleanup kits 

readily accessible. These kits should be appropriate for the materials and the size of a 

potential spill. Locate spill kits at all transfer areas including berms, conduits, vacuum 

trucks, containment tanks, backup tanks, and water filter assemblies.

 If the spill has reached or may reach a sanitary or a storm sewer, ground water, or 

surface water, notify the local jurisdiction and the local sewer authority immediately. 

Notification must comply with federal spill reporting requirements. (See also record 

keeping at the end of this section). 

 Do not flush or otherwise direct absorbent materials or other spill cleanup materials to a 

storm drain. 

 Collect the contaminated absorbent material as a solid and place in appropriate disposal 

containers.

Figure 14. Pipe wrap is frequently hidden and 

may be difficult to find. Special wetting agents 

may be needed for pipe wrap.
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page32

 The kit(s) should include but are not limited to: salvage drums or containers, such as 

high density polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene sheet-lined steel; 

polyethylene or equivalent disposal bags; an emergency response guidebook; safety 

gloves/clothes/equipment; shovels or other soil removal equipment; and water 

absorbent barriers, booms and absorbent pads. All should be stored in an impervious 

container. 

6.2 Post-Demolition Clean Up Activities

Under the Asbestos NESHAP, all asbestos-containing waste materials must be contained, 

labeled, kept adequately wet, and be properly disposed of as soon as practical16. These 

materials are likely to include berms, absorbents, contaminated soils, silt fence(s), filters, filter 

cakes and demolition debris that could not be successfully segregated before beginning the 

demolition process. Some barriers that are not permeable by water, such as plastic-coated 

berms, may be able to be cleaned and reused at other demolition sites.

The following sections provide EMPs for containing asbestos in the demolition wastewater. 

6.2.1 EMP: Filter Post-Demolition Wastewater

It is easier and less costly to protect soil than it is to abate it through the remediation process. 

The management of waste water is key to the demolition process. Wastewater should be 

filtered to remove asbestos fibers before disposal. We recommend the collection, filtration and 

testing of all water used to maintain adequately wet requirements. 

Filtration equipment can be set up according to the sediment profile that needs to be removed 

from the demolition water. For instance, when coarse, medium and fine sediments are present, 

a graduated filtration system may be used to process the collected demolition wastewater. 

Wastewater passes through a coarse filter, followed by a secondary finer filter, and lastly 

through a finest filter. Coarse filters, which are also less expensive, are changed frequently. 

Secondary filters, which are more costly, are changed less frequently. All wastewater filters are 

changed in this EMP before they are full, and any spillage that may occur during filter change 

out is collected in a tray and is also filtered. All filters are doubly bagged with the asbestoscontaminated debris for proper disposal. 

The use of settling tanks can also be used to remove coarser sediments so that a graduated 

system is not needed. 

6.2.2 EMP: Post-demolition Wastewater Testing

Demolition water should be tested after filtration for the presence of asbestos, and the analysis 

results should be retained in the work plan records. Filtered water may be disposed of in 

accordance with the local POTW requirements. 

 

16 For more details, see 40 CFR 61.150(a)-(b).
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page33

We recommend testing the catch basin sediments to indicate whether or not a release of 

asbestos is indicated. If asbestos is present in the catch basin sediments, this may indicate that 

asbestos was released to the environment as a result of the demolition activity and that some 

cleanup may be needed as a result (see soil protection and remediation). Further, when this 

requirement is part of the work plan and is communicated to all parties in advance of the 

demolition work, we believe it is likely that the work will be conducted using EMPs that are 

effective and would more likely prevent asbestos from reaching areas where it could be 

released into the environment.

An EMP is to require testing of all soils receiving abatement water, remaining soils and 

surrounding soils to show asbestos levels at or below background.

6.3 EMP: Remediate Soils at the Demolition Site and Surrounding 

Areas 

If the work plan was well developed, contingency plans were followed, and the waste water 

from the demolition site was properly managed, controlled and contained, there may be no 

remediation of the site needed. However, when violations of the standard or unexpected and 

unforeseen circumstances arise that cause or contribute to asbestos contamination of a site, 

post-demolition remediation of the site may be required. 

We recommend 

maintaining 

documentation to show 

that the site is not 

contaminated. One way 

to document this is to 

sample the soils below 

the removal level (using 

a grid) to verify that the 

asbestos content is at or 

less than background. 

Clearance sampling may 

be conducted to show 

that soils below the 

removal level either did 

not contain asbestos or 

that asbestos was 

present at or below 

background levels. 

After visual inspection 

and clearance, representative sampling and analysis may be conducted to indicate that the 

work performed was successful in avoiding asbestos contamination of nearby areas. Figure 15

Figure 15. Micro-vac sampling is one method that may be used to indicate that non-porous 

surfaces, such as this asphalt parking lot, have not been contaminated by asbestos after the 

ordered demolition of the hotel featured in Figure 4. Photo courtesy of
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page34

shows one micro-vac sample being taken at a site to indicate that a nearby asphalt parking lot 

was not impacted by the ordered demolition of a hotel.

If asbestos has contaminated the demolition site, we recommend the controlled excavation and 

removal of soils:

 beneath debris piles that received water,

 for which sampling and analysis confirms are contaminated by asbestos, and

 which are suspected of being impacted by asbestos in the demolition debris. 

All asbestos-containing materials, including soils, should be kept adequately wet during 

excavation, packaging, loading for transport, and while awaiting disposal (which is required 

under the Asbestos NESHAP to be done as soon as practical). 

In 2008, the EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER), now the Office of 

Land and Emergency Management (OLEM), released the Framework for Investigating AsbestosContaminated Superfund Sites (http://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-asbestos-technicalresources#framework). The framework (which is currently in revision) is part of many recent 

efforts to make sure that new developments regarding asbestos are used to better assess 

exposure and risk (e.g., EPA efforts to update cancer and non-cancer assessments for asbestos). 

The framework provides a process that supplements other EPA guidance concerning exposure 

and risk assessment (e.g., EPA’s 1989 Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund) and is specific 

to assessment of sites contaminated with asbestos. Because there are unique scientific and 

technical issues associated with the investigation of human exposure and risk from asbestos, it 

is important for risk assessors and risk managers to understand these issues when assessing 

asbestos sites. This framework discusses specific strategies based on the best available science 

and recommends common industrial hygiene methods for characterizing exposure and risk 

from asbestos, as well as discusses the various sampling and analysis methods for 

contaminated air, soil and dust. While the entire framework document may not be applicable 

to issues specifically related to NESHAP regulation, many sections, including sections related to 

sampling and analysis, may prove useful for site managers dealing with issues of risk 

assessment and sampling and analysis. It should be noted that the current framework 

document references two laboratory testing methods for determining asbestos concentrations 

in soil in Section 4 (NIOSH 9002 and California Resources Board, or CARB Method 

435.). However, currently OLEM is recommending CARB 435 as the method of choice for the 

direct detection of asbestos in soil media. OLEM is in the process of evaluating an ASTM 

method and an internal EPA method for analysis of asbestos in soils, but a final decision on the 

applicability of these methods has not yet been made. Asbestos fibers in outdoor soil, indoor 

dust or other source materials typically are not inherently hazardous unless the asbestos is 

released from the source material into air where it can be inhaled. 
These guidelines do not impose legally binding requirements, do not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations 

on anyone, or implement any statutory or regulatory provisions.

Page35

6.4 Cross Reference to Selected Relevant Federal Regulations

Requirement Government

Authority

Law CFR Citation

Permitting water discharges Federal NPDES

Stormwater Discharge Federal NPDES NPDES 40 C.F.R. Section 450

Reportable quantity of 

released pollutant

Federal CERCLA CERCLA Section 103(a)

Asbestos NESHAP Federal CAA 40 C.F.R. part 61, subpart M

Asbestos Worker Protection Federal / State OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926.110129 C.F.R. 

section 1926.1101; 29 U.S.C. 

section 654; see also 29 C.F.R. 

sections 1910.1001 and 

1915.1001

Asbestos Worker Protection 

for State & Local 

Government Employers

Federal TSCA 40 C.F.R. part 763, subpart G49 

Asbestos in Schools Federal AHERA 40 C.F.R. part 763, subpart E

Labelling and Transportation 

of Asbestos-Contaminated 

waste

Federal / State DOT C.F.R. part 100 - 185
Appendices

Appendix 1: Applicable Regulations

Appendix 2: Guidance Documents

Appendix 3: Example Workplans
United States

Environmental Protection

Agency

Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards

Sector Policies and Programs Division

Research Triangle Park, NC

Publication No. EPA-453/B-16-002a

July 2016