Broward County Asbestos Code Revisions Frequently Asked Questions
Broward County Asbestos Fee Workshop
November 10, 2009 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Broward County Government Center West
On August 25, 2009, the Board of County Commissioners approved revisions to Broward County’s air quality code Chapter 27, Section 27-180 and a fee resolution for asbestos demolition and renovation projects.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What has changed?
Previously, for projects involving the removal of regulated asbestos containing material in Broward County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mailed invoices to the responsible party after submittal the 10-day Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation. Beginning November 1, 2009, demolition and asbestos renovation notifications will require a fee payable to Broward County at the time of notification submittal. Both asbestos removal projects and demolition projects will be subject to the fee. The Florida DEP will no longer mail invoices for asbestos fees on those projects for which a notification is submitted after October 31, 2009.
Why is Broward County now collecting asbestos fees?
Broward County’s decision to take responsibility for the asbestos notification fee program is based on the following anticipated benefits:
• Improved overall compliance with the asbestos regulations providing for better public health protection;
• Funding for enhanced inspection coverage of notified projects;
• Funding for enhanced surveillance and inspections for non-notified (non-compliant) projects;
• Fees will be paid at the time of notification, resolving the current problem of delinquent payments;
• Better control of the program delegated from Florida DEP; and
• Improved customer service.
When will this new fee program take effect?
Fees will be payable to Broward County for demolition and asbestos renovation notifications submitted on and after November 1, 2009. The Florida DEP will no longer mail invoices for asbestos fees on those projects for which a notification is submitted to the Broward County Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Division (PPRAQD) after October 31, 2009.
What projects are affected?
Any asbestos removal project or demolition project for which a Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation is required will be subject to payment of the fee. Consistent with Sec. 62-257 F.A.C., projects involving public schools, colleges or universities will be exempt from payment of the fee.
Must I still submit the Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos?
Yes. In accordance with Broward County Code, Chapter 27, Section 27-180, the following items must be submitted at least 10 working days before commencing work:
• Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos
• Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation (10-day)
• Thorough asbestos survey of the project
• Fee
Will I need to pay a fee for submitting the Statement of Responsibilities Regarding Asbestos (SRRA)?
No. There will be no fee if you are submitting only the SRRA.
Where can I find the fee schedule?
The fee schedule may be found at www.broward.org/air
How will the PPRAQD determine how much I owe?
At the time you submit your notification, a PPRAQD Customer Service Representative will review the Notice of Demolition or Asbestos Renovation. Depending on the nature of the project (e.g. demolition or renovation), the quantity of regulated Asbestos Containing Material (RACM) to be removed, the size of the building structure, and the fee schedule, PPRAQD will determine the fee amount that is due. The customer can also make this assessment based on the information on the notification form.
What forms of payment will be accepted?
Payment may be made by check (payable to Broward County Board of Commissioners), major credit card or cash.
Where do I submit the 10-day notification form?
Continue to submit the 10-day notification form to the Broward County PPRAQD.
Can I submit my notification by mail, express delivery (e.g. FedEx or UPS) or fax?
Yes. You will need to determine the fee amount and include the fee payment with your notification forms. If you are submitting notification by fax, you will need to make payment by credit card and you will need to include a completed and signed Credit Card Authorization form. It is important to note, however, that PPRAQD requires an original notification with signature, and that fax notifications must be followed with an original document. Notifications should be sent to the following address:
Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Division – Air Quality
One North University Drive, Suite 203
Plantation, Florida 33324
Fax submittals may be sent to 954-519-1495.
What happens if a fee is due and it is not submitted at the time of notification?
The notification will not be considered complete. If work proceeds without submittal of the fee, the activity may be subject to enforcement action.
What if I submit the wrong payment amount?
If you under-pay the fee at the time of notification submittal, your notification will be considered incomplete until the proper total amount has been submitted.
If the PPRAQD conducts an inspection and finds that you underestimated the fee, you will be required to pay the balance due. Failure to pay the balance will subject the owner or operator to enforcement action.
If I am conducting a demolition that has been ordered by the city, am I exempt from payment of the fee?
No. Unless the project is exempt from the NESHAP for asbestos, or the project is for a school, college or university, it is subject to payment of the fee.
Where can I find additional information?
• A description of the asbestos NESHAP along with the fee schedule may be found at Broward County Air Quality Program Website.
• Additional Frequently Asked Questions concerning asbestos regulations may be found at the Asebstos Regulations FAQ webpage.
• If you have specific questions you may call (954) 519-1260 or email us at airquestions@broward.org.