Asbestos Information and Research Guide from the Mass DEP: Common Inquiries: Questions about Notification

Read the asbestos information and research guide from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP). The guide includes common inquiries about the notification process before beginning an asbestos removal and remediation project. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

8. Does anyone have to be notified of asbestos removal? Are there any notification fees?
There is a single notification form to file for DEP and DOS. DEP requires notification for any asbestos handling project including demolition and disposal at least ten (10) working days prior to conducting any asbestos removal work. DOS requires notification for any asbestos handling project including demolition and disposal at least ten (10) calendar days prior to conducting any asbestos removal work. In order to properly notify of an asbestos removal job, contact either DEP or DOS to receive a copy of the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asbestos Notification Guide" and form (ANF-001 also called BWP AQ-04) which may be used for notifying both agencies. The Notification Guide and forms are also available on DEP’s website at www.state.ma.us/dep/ by going to “Permit Applications”.

The notification fee required by DEP regulations 310 CMR 4.00 (Timely Action Schedule and Fee Provisions) for asbestos removal is $85 per notification. However, work on owner-occupied residential properties with four or fewer units, and work on behalf of cities, towns, counties, districts of the Commonwealth, municipal housing authorities, the MBTA and state agencies do not pay the fee. Public authorities and public entities not specifically listed as exempt by statute pay the fee. Owners of residential property being converted to non-residential use pay the fee. Commercial, industrial, institutional, and charitable entity owners pay the fee.

Asbestos removal notifications require a decal to be attached before filing. Notification decals may be purchased from the Commonwealth ($85), or received upon request for fee exempt work, and affixed to the Asbestos Notification Form ANF-001. Decals may be purchased by filling out and mailing the "Purchase Request" form attached to the "Asbestos Notification Guide."

Additionally, under DEP regulations, most construction/demolition projects require a ten (10) working day notification prior to beginning the job regardless of whether the job involves asbestos. Notification must be made using DEP’s form BWP AQ-06. A notification fee ($85) or exempt decal must be affixed to the AQ-06 form. Residential buildings containing 1 to 20 units are not required to file a notification for construction/demolition work when no asbestos is involved. Residential buildings of any size must notify when asbestos is involved.

Both asbestos removal and general construction notification forms are available on DEP’s website at www.state.ma.us/dep/ by going to “Permit Applications”.

Check with the local Board of Health, Fire Department, and Building Inspector for requirements for local notice prior to beginning the work.

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