CALIFORNIA'S ASBESTOS AIRBORNE TOXIC CONTROL MEASURES

In California, naturally-occurring asbestos is most commonly associated with ultramafic rocks. Disturbance of rock and soil that contains naturally-occurring asbestos can result in the release of fibers to the air and consequent exposure to the public. Common sources of asbestos emissions include: unpaved roads or driveways, construction and grading activities, or rock quarrying activities. To address some of the health concerns associated with exposure to asbestos from these activities, the California Air Resources Board has adopted two Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCMs). The Asbestos ATCM for Surfacing Applications restricts the asbestos content of materials used in surfacing applications such as unpaved roads, parking lots, driveways, and walkways. The Asbestos ATCM for Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and Surface Mining Operations requires the implementation of mitigation measures to minimize emissions of asbestos-laden dust. While working with the ATCMs, some parties may call upon the services of a geologist for assistance in determining the presence of asbestos-bearing materials, developing asbestos dust mitigation plans, sampling and analytical work, and other related activities.