Kennedy's Environmental Program

Asbestos

Asbestos is classified as a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) under Federal Clean Air Act regulations because of the adverse health effects on the lungs. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a national emission standard for asbestos found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40 Part 61 Subpart M. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulations for asbestos emissions are located in Chapter 62-257 of the Florida Administrative Code (FAC). When performing projects involving asbestos containing materials, Kennedy Space Center organizations and contractors shall comply with these Federal and State regulations.

There are three instances where Kennedy is required to report asbestos abatement and/or demolition activities to the FDEP.

1. Individual Asbestos Abatement Projects
Contractors performing individual asbestos abatement projects are required to submit a notification to the FDEP at least 10 days prior to the start of the project if the amount of Regulated Asbestos Containing Materials (RACM) to be disturbed or removed is over any of the following threshold quantities:

  • 260 linear feet
  • 160 square feet
  • 35 cubic feet

The notification must be submitted using the Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation Form, FDEP Form Number 62-257.900(1). A copy of the submitted notification form shall be sent to the NASA Environmental Assurance Branch (EAB) prior to commencing the project

2. Facility Demolition Projects
Any project involving the demolition of any load-supporting structural member must be reported to the FDEP at least 10 days prior to the start of the project. This notification requirement is mandatory whether the project involves RACM or not. The notification must be submitted using the Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation Form, FDEP Form Number 62-257.900(1). A copy of the submitted notification form shall be sent to the NASA EAB prior to commencing demolition activities.

3. Anticipated Annual Asbestos Abatement Projects
The NASA EAB sends out an annual data call to Kennedy organizations and contractors regarding individual asbestos abatement projects for the upcoming calendar year. Kennedy organizations and contractors shall report all planned abatement projects and asbestos quantities even if the project falls below the individual asbestos abatement project thresholds listed above. The NASA EAB compiles the data submitted from Kennedy organizations and contractors and submits a total estimate to the FDEP.