Asbestos-containing materials (ACM), including pipes, require specialized procedures for safe handling and disposal due to the health risks associated with asbestos fibers. Here’s a breakdown of the typical process:
1. Identification and Testing:
* Before any remediation work begins, a qualified professional typically needs to identify and sample the suspect material to confirm the presence of asbestos.
* This often involves a visual inspection and the collection of samples that are sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.
* In Santa Clarita, companies like Titan Environmental Solutions and Insight Environmental offer asbestos testing and inspection services.
2. Remediation (Removal or Abatement):
* If asbestos is present and needs to be addressed (e.g., before demolition or renovation, or if the material is damaged), a certified asbestos abatement contractor is required.
* Abatement can involve complete removal or other methods like encapsulation (sealing the asbestos-containing material to prevent fiber release).
* The work area must be properly contained to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. This includes sealing off the area with plastic sheeting and using negative air pressure with HEPA filtration.
* Asbestos-containing materials are typically wetted down to minimize dust and carefully removed. Workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and disposable suits.
* Companies like ewastedisposal inc in the Santa Clarita area offer asbestos removal services and emphasize safety and compliance with regulations.
3. Transportation:
* Asbestos waste must be properly packaged in sealed, leak-proof containers (often double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic bags) and labeled according to regulations.
* Transportation of asbestos waste must be done by a licensed hazardous waste transporter. These companies have the specialized vehicles and permits required to transport this type of material safely.
* eWaste Disposal, Inc. is mentioned as a licensed hazardous waste transporter in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and can transport asbestos waste.
* You can also find a list of registered hazardous waste transporters on the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) website. Allied Medical Waste, located in Valencia (near Santa Clarita), is listed as a registered transporter. Crystal Clean also has an industrial services facility in Acton (near Santa Clarita) that handles hazardous waste transportation and disposal.
4. Disposal:
* Asbestos waste must be disposed of at a landfill specifically permitted to accept asbestos. Regular landfills cannot accept asbestos waste.
* In the vicinity of Santa Clarita, potential disposal sites mentioned include:
* Azusa Land Reclamation Company in Azusa.
* Toland Road Sanitary Landfill in Santa Paula (for waste originating in the Santa Clara Valley).
* Simi Valley Landfill & Recycling Center in Simi Valley. It is crucial to call the landfill before transporting asbestos to confirm their current acceptance policies and procedures.
* According to the South Coast AQMD Rule 1403, friable asbestos-containing material must be disposed of in a permitted landfill.
Regarding eWaste Disposal Inc.:
Based on the search results, eWaste Disposal Inc. (operating out of Irvine, CA, which is some distance from Santa Clarita but they do list serving a wide area of Southern California) is a company that offers:
* Asbestos removal services.
* Transportation and disposal of asbestos and other hazardous waste.
* They are licensed as an Asbestos Contractor and hazardous waste transporter.
* They mention experience with transite pipe (which often contains asbestos).
To get specific information about their services in Santa Clarita, including costs and their specific procedures for asbestos pipe remediation, transportation, and disposal, you would need to contact eWaste Disposal Inc. directly at the phone number provided in the search results: (949) 466-8857 or through their website.
Important Considerations:
* Regulations: Asbestos handling and disposal are strictly regulated by federal, state (Cal/OSHA, DTSC), and local (e.g., AQMD) agencies. Ensure any contractor you hire is aware of and complies with all applicable regulations.
* Permits and Notifications: Depending on the scope of the work, permits and notifications to regulatory agencies might be required before starting asbestos abatement or disposal.
* Safety First: Never attempt to handle or dispose of asbestos yourself if you are not trained and certified. Improper handling can release dangerous fibers into the air, posing serious health risks.
It is highly recommended to contact multiple certified asbestos abatement contractors in the Santa Clarita area to get quotes and understand their specific processes for your project. Ensure they are properly licensed and insured.