What are the requirements for building renovation and demolition projects?

The greatest potential for exposure to asbestos fibers now occurs when asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) are disturbed during either building renovations or demolition. RSA 141-E and Chapter Env-A 1800 Asbestos Management and Control Rules were promulgated to address this potential hazard. These rules require that building owners and contractors take certain steps to identify and address asbestos hazards in structures prior to beginning any work that might disturb asbestos containing materials.

Inspections. Env-A 1804.01 requires that a thorough inspection be conducted for the presence of asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) prior to any demolition or renovation in the affected portions of the facility. The inspection must be conducted by a person accredited in the identification of ACBMs.
List of Certified Asbestos Consultants [pdf]

If asbestos is found and will be disturbed during any renovation or repair work, it must be removed properly and disposed of at an approved facility. Likewise, all asbestos must be removed prior to any building demolition project. In most cases, asbestos abatement activities must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor in accordance with the requirements in Env-A 1800.
List of Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractors [pdf]

Notifications. Each facility owner must provide written notification to DES and the local health officer at least ten (10) working days before any building demolition activity occurs. This notification is required by Env-A 1803.03 for all building demolition projects regardless of the amount of asbestos present (even when no asbestos is present).

For renovation projects, written notification is required at least ten (10) working days prior to any asbestos abatement activity conducted as part of the renovation only if the abatement involves greater than 10 linear feet, or 25 square feet of ACBM. No notification is required for renovations if the amount of ACBM is less than this, or if there is no ACBM present that will be disturbed during the renovation.

A fee may be required depending on the amount of asbestos being removed.

The Demo/Reno Notification Form is available for download in Adobe Portable Document format or by contacting the Air Resources Division (ARD) Asbestos Program at 603-271-1373 or 603-271-1370.