SB 409 - This act revises Missouri law on asbestos abatement projects. The act removes the rulemaking authority of the Missouri Air Conservation Commission for regulation of asbestos abatement projects.

The definition of an asbestos abatement project is amended to exclude from regulation any project affecting less than twenty-five linear feet of asbestos materials. Current law includes projects over ten square feet or sixteen linear feet.

The act excludes from regulation those projects affecting single family homes or vacant apartments of four or fewer units being demolished pursuant to a government condemnation order, so long as there is evidence that public health and environment are not endangered. The state asbestos certification exams shall not include tests of knowledge of state rules. An application for an exemption from regulation must meet requirements of statutes, but not state rules.

The Department of Natural Resources or the local enforcement agency shall conduct asbestos abatement inspections using persons who have state certification as an asbestos supervisor and as an asbestos inspector. No inspection fee shall be charged unless the inspection is conducted by a person having such certification.

Civil penalties for violations of asbestos abatement law shall be placed in the County School Fund, rather than the Natural Resources Protection Fund. Only violations of statute, not rules, shall be subject to civil penalties.

OTTO FAJEN