Region 4 ASBESTOS NESHAP Program

The Georgia Asbestos NESHAP Program

On March 1, 2009, EPA Region 4, assumed the responsibility for implementation of provisions of the Clean Air Act Asbestos Program in Georgia. To view the press release for this announcement, please click on the following Clean Air Act Asbestos Program in Georgia Press Release.

Georgia EPD - will continue to license contractors, accept appropriate notifications, and collect associated fees. Here is the link to the public announcement: http://www.gaepd.org/Files_PDF/whats_news/Public_Notice_20090301.pdf.
This site provides information about the state’s continuing responsibilities under the agreement. It also provides some contact information for both EPD and EPA.

EPA - will conduct inspections and enforcement activities in Georgia. Region 4 has developed an enforcement response policy for NESHAP asbestos based on the requirements of Clean Air Act. As of March 2009, each violation of NESHAP could result in a penalty of up to $37,500 for every day that the violation occurs. EPA intends to continue an aggressive inspection regimen throughout the state.

History - Under the Clean Air Act, or CAA, the State of Georgia applied for and received delegated authority from EPA to enforce the state’s Air Quality Act. One of the basic requirements for obtaining delegated authority in federal grant money that partially funded the Georgia program is that the state law must be at least as strict as the requirements of CAA. Georgia’s Air Quality Act contains the same limitations for types and amounts of pollutants as CAA, but also contains provisions for state-specific requirements. Under the state statute, Georgia developed its own regulations and enforcement response policy that differ substantially from those of EPA. EPA did not spell out a penalty requirement for state enforcement, but EPA monitored the state program to ensure adequate enforcement. EPD citing budget issues, requested that EPA assume some of the enforcement duties for the NESHAP Asbestos Program.

Enforcement

Tips? Complaints? Questions? Call EPA's Georgia asbestos hotline at (404) 562-9221.

For information about the contents of this page please contact Andrea Lippitt

Region 4 ASBESTOS NESHAP Program

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