On April 5, 2022 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) proposed a new regulation that would prohibit the use, manufacturing, import, processing, distribution in commerce, and commercial use of chrysotile, one of the six forms of asbestos, that is also known as white asbestos. This would be a major step toward complete elimination of asbestos use in the United States, as chrysotile is the only raw form of asbestos that is currently permitted to be imported, processed, or distributed within the country. The proposed restrictions would become effective on a rolling schedule, based on the way the asbestos is used commercially. The restrictions on commercial use of asbestos diaphragms and sheet gaskets would take effect 2 years after the implementation of the new rule and prohibition of vehicle friction products and other gaskets would take place 180 days after the implementation of this new rule.
According to a U. S. Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries report, approximately 300 metric tons of chrysotile were imported into the U.S. in 2020, almost exclusively for use in the production of chlorine-based products used to treat water, along with roofing materials, textiles and cement, as well as gaskets, clutches and brake pads. Other Companies that use chrysotile to manufacture chlorine-based products have always maintained that using chrysotile is safe due to stringent industry safety standards that have been in place for many years. However, an evaluation completed by the USEPA in 2020 concluded that there are still unreasonable risks to human health associated with asbestos products, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Further details regarding the proposed chrysotile ban can be found by following this link: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-ban-ongoing-uses-asbestos-taking-historic-step-protect-people-cancer-risk.
Athenica has successfully been providing asbestos consulting services to numerous government and private-industry clients for the past 35 years, and we can help you address any asbestos-related issues or concerns at your property. Please contact our Senior Project Manger Albert Sikorski in our Industrial Hygiene division for more information.
Remediation and redevelopment activities in the Dutch Kill Rezoning district of Long Island City is about to begin! Plans call for a 7-story mixed-use building, with commercial space on the ground floor, residential units above, and a full basement that will include on-site parking. In anticipation of the onset of construction for this notable addition to the Long Island City neighborhood, a groundbreaking ceremony was recently held at the site.
Athenica completed a comprehensive investigation at the property, and has developed a scope for remediation activities that will be conducted under the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP), with coordination from the New York City Mayors Office of Environmental Remediation (due to the E-Designation previously assigned to the property). BCP tangible tax credits for the site were initially denied, but this determination was challenged and the credits were fully restored, due to technical arguments prepared by Athenica.
Athenica will continue to provide support to the owner/developer throughout the remediation process, which will be coordinated with construction of the new building and will include underground storage tank management, soil excavation, installation of vapor barrier and composite cover systems, installation and operation of a sub-slab depressurization system, groundwater remediation/monitoring, and reporting.
Need additional information about an E-Designated property or entering your site into the BCP? Please contact Kenneth Wenz, Senior Project Manager in our HazMat division, for more information.
