COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO …

                               COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

                      AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT


           Wildfire-Damaged Structure Demolition/Renovation Activities
           Reducing Potential Exposures to Asbestos Containing Materials

           GUIDELINES FOR CONTRACTORS AND HOMEOWNERS


Contractors (and homeowners) who are planning to demolish wildfire-damaged
structures and/or to clean up and remove ash and debris need to be aware of certain
precautions and air pollution control requirements that apply. Private homes, apartments,
condominiums, retail and commercial buildings may have been constructed with
materials that contain asbestos (although most structures built since 1980 should have
little if any asbestos materials present). There may also be other hazardous substances in
the wildfire ash and debris. These can be released into the air in the form of fine particles
during demolition and when handling the ash and debris.

Air Pollution Control District rules regulate the demolition, renovation, and removal of
asbestos containing materials and require special procedures to be followed during such
operations. Although most of these requirements do not apply to single-family
residences and structures containing four or fewer dwelling units, homeowners and
contractors should take common sense precautions to reduce exposure to dust and
possible asbestos-containing materials.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can pose a serious health threat. Many years after exposure,
diseases to the respiratory system and other organs can develop. Asbestos exposures
should be avoided.

In addition to the precautions listed below, to protect themselves from possible asbestos
exposures, owners of homes or structures built before 1980 that are intact but have
suffered wildfire smoke damage and are having acoustical ceilings scraped or heating
ducts, pipe wrap, insulation or other materials that may contain asbestos removed should
first collect samples of the materials in a sealable bag (e.g. plastic storage bag) and have
the samples tested for asbestos. Asbestos testing services are listed in the phone directory
yellow pages under "Asbestos"categories and the cost should be minimal. If asbestos is
present, the materials should be removed by a certified asbestos removal contractor.
Testing is not necessary if the home or structure has been fully or partially destroyed by
the wildfires and is to be demolished.

Given the unprecedented situation in San Diego County caused by the wildfires, the Air
Pollution Control District has decided to waive notification and other administrative
requirements and fees for all wildfire-related demolitions and debris removal activities at
multi-unit residential structures (e.g. apartment buildings, condominiums) and at
commercial and industrial structures. This exception only applies to wildfire damaged
structures, not to routine demolition and renovation activities subject to federal
regulations.

All persons conducting demolition and/or removal operations and handling and disposing
of ash and debris should take the following minimum precautions to reduce exposure to
hazardous air contaminants and to reduce the generation of dust that could affect
themselves or neighbors.

   ·   Avoid breathing dust at the site. It may contain asbestos or other hazardous
       substances.

   ·   Use a tight-fitting particulate mask designed to protect your respiratory system
       from very fine particles.

   ·   Wear protective glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.

   ·   Wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants or coveralls to protect your skin.
       Clothing and coveralls should be bagged after use and laundered before re-use.

   ·   Keep debris and ash dampened to reduce dust until it has been placed in sealed or
       closed containers. Wet down structures being demolished.

   ·   Place wetted debris in closed containers. Line bulk containers with heavy duty
       plastic (e.g. polysheeting) that can be used to "burrito-wrap" debris and ash.

   ·   DO NOT USE LEAF BLOWERS TO CLEAN UP RESIDUAL ASH, DIRT
       AND DEBRIS. This can generate significant dust emissions.

   · Check with your waste-disposal company, with the County Department of
       Environmental Health or your city on where wildfire ash and debris are being
       accepted for disposal. The Ramona, Otay, Sycamore and Miramar landfills have
       been authorized to accept this waste.

   · Older structure materials that may contain asbestos include roofing and siding
       shingles, sprayed-on acoustical ceilings, vinyl floor tiles and mastic, backing on
       vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives, insulation blankets or tape used on steam
       pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts, boiler door covers and gaskets, and older
       household products such as stove-top pads.