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Message from the Director
GREETINGS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE!
As with most professions, regulations serve as the cornerstone of our work in the asbestos detection and control industry.
With this in mind, TEI held its 8th Annual Asbestos Regulatory Seminar/Asbestos Supervisor Refresher on September 26th. This year's seminar was our most successful yet, with nearly 70 attendees listening to
presentations from three state and one federal regulatory agency.
The seminar began with William Spain and Mark Gwin providing a regulatory and enforcement update from the Georgia Environmental
Protection Division.
North Carolina was next, with Don Chaney summarizing his state's extensive asbestos regulatory requirements. Following Don, Robin Mack provided an overview of asbestos regulatory requirements under the state of South Carolina's Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC), including significant proposed rule changes. South Carolina's proposed rule changes are substantial, and include a requirement for TEM final clearance air sampling on ALL abatement projects larger than 160ft2, 260 linear feet or 35 ft3. For more information, visit DHEC's asbestos web page at www.scdhec.net/environment/baq/asbestos.aspx.
The seminar concluded with John Hund with USEPA's Region IV office in Atlanta providing an overview of the agency's asbestos
enforcement trends. USEPA is continuing to focus on training/accreditation fraud and AHERA compliance in schools.
Although Tennessee was not represented at this year's seminar, it is important to note that the Tennessee Department of Environment
& Conservation (TDEC) is currently proposing significant new asbestos rules. If enacted, Tennessee's asbestos rule will require, among other things, licensing of all of the asbestos disciplines, including
project monitor. For more information, go to http://www.state.tn.us/environment/swm/ppo/asbestoshearing.pdf.
Finally, Senator Patty Murray's Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007 (SB 742) unanimously passed the Senate on October 4th.
This is the farthest this Bill, which has been introduced by Senator Murray numerous times over the last six years, has gone. Look for activity on the House version of the Bill (HR 3285) that may lead to a
full congressional Act being sent to President Bush for signature before the end of the year.
I look forward to seeing you in the near future!
Dave Hogue
October 2007
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