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SAN LEANDRO SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT DRAFT EIR CITY OF SAN LEANDRO HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Federal and State Hazardous Materials -Specific Programs and Regulations Asbestos -Containing Materials Regulations Asbestos -containing materials (ACM) are materials that contain asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that has been mined for its useful thermal properties and tensile strength. ACM is generally defined as either friable or non -friable. Friable ACM is defined as any material containing more than one percent asbestos. Friable ACM is more likely to produce airborne fibers than non -friable ACM, and can be crumpled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Non -friable ACM is defined as any material containing one percent or less asbestos. Non -friable ACM cannot be crumpled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure. When left intact and undisturbed, ACM does not pose a health risk to building occupants. Potential for human exposure occurs when ACM becomes damaged to the extent that asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled. Inhalation of asbestos airborne fibers can lead to various health problems, the most serious of which includes lung disease. State -level agencies, in conjunction with the USEPA and OSHA, regulate removal, abatement, and transport procedures for ACMs. Releases of asbestos from industrial, demolition, or construction activities are prohibited by these regulations and medical evaluation and monitoring is required for employees performing activities that could expose them to asbestos. Additionally, the regulations include warnings that must be heeded and practices that must be followed to reduce the risk for asbestos emissions and exposure. Finally, federal, State, and local agencies must be notified prior to the onset of demolition or construction activities with the potential to release asbestos Specifically, BAAQMD Regulation 11, Rule 2, requires a written plan or notification of intent to demolish or renovate be provided to the District at least ten working days prior to commencement of demolition or renovation. Lead-based Paint Lead-based paint (LBP), which can result in lead poisoning when consumed or inhaled, was widely used in the past to coat and decorate buildings. Lead poisoning can cause anemia and damage to the brain and nervous system, particularly in children. Like ACM, LBP generally does not pose a health risk to building occupants when left undisturbed; however, deterioration, damage, or disturbance will result in hazardous exposure. In 1978, the use of LBP was federally banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Therefore, only buildings built before 1978 are presumed to contain LBP, as well as buildings built shortly thereafter, as the phase-out of LBP was gradual. Polychlorinated Biphenyls The USEPA prohibited the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the majority of new electrical equipment starting in 1979, and initiated a phase-out for much of the existing PCB -containing equipment. The inclusion of PCBs in electrical equipment and the handling of those PCBs are regulated by the provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), 15 United States Code Section 2601 et seq. Relevant regulations include labeling and periodic inspection requirements for certain types of PCB -containing equipment and outline highly specific safety procedures for their disposal. The State of California likewise regulates PCB -laden electrical equipment and materials contaminated above a certain threshold as hazardous waste; these regulations require that such materials be treated, transported, and disposed accordingly. At lower concentrations for non -liquids, regional water quality control boards may exercise discretion over the classification of such wastes. PLACEWORKS 4.7-5