Uncontrolled asbestos contamination in buildings can be a significant environmental and public health problem. Both the public and private sectors have been dealing with the asbestos issue for many years. In 1986, Congress enacted the Asbestos Emergency Response Act primarily to require school districts to identify asbestos containing materials (ACM) in their school buildings and take appropriate actions to control the release of asbestos fibers. In 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Act (EPA) finalized a regulatory program which enforces the AHERA. In compliance with the AHERA regulations, Castle Rock School District facilities have been inspected by and EPA accredited building inspector. During the inspection, samples were taken of building materials suspected of containing asbestos. The results of the inspection and laboratory analysis of the samples have confirmed the presence of ACM in portions of the school facilities. It is important to note that these materials are in a form and condition that does not pose an imminent threat to students, faculty or employees. With confirmation of the presence of an ACM, an Asbestos Management Plan was developed for our school by an EPA accredited management planner. The Asbestos Management Plan includes the inspection and physical assessment reports, the training program for our custodial and maintenance personnel, the plans and procedures to be followed to minimize disturbance of the ACM' s and a program for regular surveillance of the ACM. Every three (3) years, a reinspection by an accredited inspector must be conducted on all friable or non-friable known or assumed asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) to determine whether the condition of the ACBM has changed and to make recommendations on managing or removing the ACBM. Since 1994, we have conducted periodic surveillance inspections every six (6) months to check the condition of the remaining asbestos and to determine if any action is needed. Since that time, no asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) has been removed, encapsulated or encased in our buildings. For further details on the locations of the remaining ACBM or the asbestos-related activities, you are welcome to review a copy of the Asbestos Management Plan in our administrative offices during regular business hours. Bryan Keatley, Director of Operations, is our designated Asbestos Program Coordinator and all inquiries regarding the plan should be directed to him at (360) 501-2209or [email protected].