What Is Asbestos & Why It Matters
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals once widely used in building materials—insulation, floor tiles, roofing, ceilings, fireproofing, and more. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) deteriorate or are disturbed, microscopic fibers can become airborne. Inhaled fibers can lead to serious illnesses including:
Mesothelioma
Lung cancer
Asbestosis
Because of these risks—typically emerging 10 to 40 years after exposure—safe handling and removal of asbestos is critically important.
When Is Abatement Necessary?
You may need asbestos abatement (removal, encapsulation, or enclosure) in the following situations:
Disturbed or damaged ACM during renovation or maintenance
Aging friable materials (e.g. popcorn ceilings, pipe insulation)
Real estate transactions or building code compliance
Pre-demolition in homes or commercial properties
If materials are in good condition and unlikely to release fibers, containment or encapsulation may be a safer and cost‑effective option.
Asbestos Abatement Process: Step by Step
1. Inspection & Survey
Licensed asbestos inspectors survey your property, collect suspect materials, and send samples to a lab to confirm the presence of asbestos. The survey report identifies the type, location, condition, and friability of all ACM
2. Planning & Quoting
Based on survey findings, we prepare a detailed abatement plan outlining:
Scope (removal vs. encapsulation/enclosure)
Access and containment strategies
Protective measures
Disposal logistics
Timeline and cost estimate
3. Notification & Permitting
Before any abatement begins in NJ:
We notify federal EPA Region 2 under NESHAP and state agencies—including NJDEP and the Department of Labor & Workforce Development—at least 10 business days in advance.
Our licensed abatement team holds state-issued asbestos performance permits (required for contractors and supervisors) as per NJ law.
4. Site Containment & Safety Setup
To prevent exposure to areas beyond the work zone:
We erect sealed barriers using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting and duct tape
Decontamination units (clean room, shower, equipment room) allow controlled entry/exit with layered airlocks.
Negative‑air machines with HEPA filtration maintain airflow to prevent contamination of surrounding spaces.
Workers wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—respirators, coveralls, gloves, eye, foo,t and head protection.
5. Abatement Execution
Depending on the material:
Removal: Wetting asbestos first to suppress dust, carefully applying wet-wiping
Encapsulation or Enclosure: Option when asbestos is intact. Encapsulation uses EPA‑approved coatings to seal the asbestos; enclosure involves building rigid barriers around it.
All materials (wet or encapsulated) are double-bagged or wrapped in 6‑mil polyethylene, properly labeled, and transported to licensed asbestos disposal facilities following NJ’s solid waste regulations under N.J.A.C. 7:26‑1 et seq.
6. Clean‑Up & Air Clearance
After removal:
We mist-spray and wet-wipe the entire work area with amended water or encapsulant.
Dispose of cleaning cloths and debris as contaminated waste.
Request final visual inspection and pre‑sealant approval from the asbestos safety technician.
Perform clearance air monitoring to confirm below threshold fiber concentration.
Remove barriers only after passing clearance, then repair any surfaces disturbed during abatement.
On completion, your property receives an asbestos‑free certification, providing documentation of safety and regulatory compliance.
Why Choose Olympus Enterprises LLC for NJ Abatement
Fully licensed and certified: Our team is accredited per NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development and NJDEP regulations (N.J.A.C. 5:23‑8 series).
Strict safety protocols: We adhere to rigorous containment, filtration, PPE, and disposal procedures.
Comprehensive project management: From inspection, permitting, execution to clearance testing and documentation.
Encapsulation expertise: When removal isn’t ideal, we offer proven encapsulation solutions—less disruptive, cost-effective, and compliant.
NJ-focused: Familiar with all New Jersey codes and local authorities, we streamline notification and permitting for you.
New Jersey Asbestos Regulations – What You Should Know
Contractors & Workers: Must be licensed by NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development; permits required for supervisors and technicians.
Containment & PPE: As per N.J.A.C. 5:23‑8.15, requires sealed work zones, decon chambers, HEPA negative‑air, and full PPE for all authorized personnel.
Wet removal: All friable asbestos must be wetted before removal and sealed in labeled containers; disposal only at approved facilities.
Notifications: Federal (EPA Region 2 – 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M NESHAP) and state agencies must be informed at least 10 business days prior.
Failure to comply can result in fines, project shutdowns, and potential legal liability.
If asbestos is intact and undisturbed, encapsulation (coating) or enclosure (barrier) may safely contain it with less cost and disruption—especially common in ceilings, pipes, and floor tiles.
Typically 1 to 7 days, depending on the scope. Small residential jobs (single room) may be completed in a day; larger commercial or full‑house removal requires more coordination.
The work area is sealed off. In many cases, other parts of the building remain usable. Encapsulation often allows uninterrupted use.
Yes—final clearance air monitoring is conducted per NJ standards. You receive documentation confirming safe re‑occupancy.
Yes. Our licensed contractors carry asbestos-specific public and employer liability insurance, which is a NJ requirement
Grant & Financing Opportunities for NJ Asbestos Abatement
While no large statewide grant specifically funds residential asbestos removal, the following programs may help:
• USDA Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504)
Available for rural homeowners (outside major metro areas), this program offers up to $10,000 in grant funds—or $40,000 in loans at 1% interest—to address health and safety hazards, including asbestos removal. Grants may increase to $15,000 if the property is in a presidentially declared disaster area.
• NJEDA Brownfields Impact Fund
Offers loans and grants (up to $350,000) to for‑profit and non‑profit entities to remediate brownfield sites, including asbestos contamination, though grant portion is sometimes paused. Useful for larger commercial or redevelopment projects.
• Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF)
Provides funding for investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites statewide. May apply to asbestos remediation on commercial or public properties.
• EPA Region 2 Targeted Brownfield Assessments (TBAs)
Offers no‑cost environmental site assessments (up to ~$100K average; up to $300K for community‑wide) to governments and nonprofits, and helps plan cleanup including asbestos remediation.
• Proposed NJ tax deduction bill (A1841)
Though not yet law, this proposed legislation would allow homeowners to deduct up to $25,000 from gross income tax for professional asbestos removal costs—worth monitoring for future benefit.
How to Get Started with Olympus
Contact us for a free preliminary consultation.
We’ll schedule an inspection/survey at your New Jersey property.
Receive a detailed quote and project plan—we’ll guide you on eligibility for grants or loans.
After approval and scheduling, we handle notification, permitting, abatement, and clearance certification.
Conclusion
If you’re in New Jersey and have asbestos-containing materials in your home, school, or commercial property, Olympus Construction is your trusted, fully licensed partner. We adhere to all NJ and federal regulations, ensure rigorous safety, and complete projects with minimal disruption. We’ll also help you explore financing or grant opportunities when available.
Protect your occupants. Stay compliant. Breathe easy.
