Asbestos Removal

Maine regulates asbestos removal through Chapter 425 of the MDEP regulations. "This Chapter establishes the rules of the Board and the Department for the licensing of business and public entities and the certification of individuals engaged in asbestos abatement activities." These rules also set forth notification and work practice requirements for asbestos abatement activities. Storage of asbestos waste is also regulated by this Chapter. This Chapter supersedes former Chapter 136, Asbestos Abatement Regulations and the storage requirements only of Chapter 405, Section 4. These laws are too extensive to list completely here on the website, so we'll list most of the important concepts and rules. It should give you an idea of what to look for in a contractor and what questions to ask.

1. All Maine asbestos removal contractors must be Maine licensed.
2. All Maine asbestos removal workers must be trained and licensed.
3. All asbestos removal in excess of three linear feet or three square feet must be notified to the MDEP and follow all MDEP work practices.
4. Air sampling must be conducted at the conclusion of the job and there must be documentation to ensure a safe return to the abated area.
5. All asbestos must be deposited in an EPA approved landfill. Some siding and other non-friable asbestos can be put in local landfills depending on the circumstances. Check with the MDEP.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates the removal of asbestos through Chapter 425 of the Maine Asbestos Management Regulations and actively monitors the compliance of the regulations. Those regulations, though cumbersome, are designed to protect Maine residents against asbestos contamination of homes and businesses. They also protect those who work in the field of asbestos removal. The purpose of this section is to inform the public about who is authorized by the State of Maine to safely remove asbestos.

Maine has a licensing and registration procedure for all asbestos removal contractors. These regulations require that all asbestos removal workers receive state approved training on removal techniques and worker protection. The regulations also require that all jobs consisting of more than 3 linear feet or square feet of asbestos be notified with the Maine DEP using State of Maine DEP Forms.

DEP Notification Form Sample

If someone tells you that they can remove more than 3 feet of asbestos pipe covering, furnace material, siding, or flooring material without both a DEP notification or a DEP non-hazardous waste transporter decal, then you should contact the Maine DEP. You should suspect that the removal maybe illegal and you should be aware that the liability extends to you as the home or property owner.