STATE OVERSIGHT OF NATURALLY OCCURRING ASBESTOS AT PUBLIC SCHOOL SITES

In California the Department of Toxic Substances Control oversees environmental assessments and response actions in regard to prospective and expanding public school sites. Given concerns regarding potential exposure to naturally occurring asbestos (NOA), DTSC has developed a guidance document to aid school districts and their consultants when assessing NOA at potential or expanding school sites. Many public school sites in Northern California are actively addressing NOA. The general approach used to assess NOA includes identification, investigation, sampling and analytical strategies, action criteria, mitigation approaches and, operations and maintenance activities. A brief summary of mitigation actions taken at some NOA impacted schools is presented.