Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

Dear Patron:

Asbestos is an issue we have been dealing with for many years. The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (referred to as AHERA), was enacted by Congress in 1986. AHERA was enacted to determine the extent of and develop solutions for any problems schools may have with asbestos.

To give you some background, asbestos has been used as a building material for many years. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined primarily in Canada, South Africa, and the Soviet Union. Asbestos’ properties made it an ideal building material for insulating, sound absorption, decorative plasters, fireproofing, and a variety of miscellaneous uses. There have been over 3,000 different products made using asbestos materials. EPA began action to limit the use of asbestos products in 1973 and most uses of asbestos products as building materials were banned in 1978.

We have had our facilities inspected by a certified asbestos inspector, as required by AHERA. The inspector located, sampled, and rated the condition and hazard potential of all material in our facilities suspected of containing asbestos. The inspection and laboratory analysis records were turned over to our Asbestos Program Manager, certified to develop asbestos management plans.

An asbestos management plan has been developed for our facilities which include: this notification letter, education and training of our employees, set of procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of the asbestos containing materials, and plans for regular surveillance of the asbestos-containing materials.

A copy of the asbestos management plan is available for your inspection in our central offices during regular office hours. Jason Oehlert, Finance Director is our asbestos program manager and all inquiries regarding the plan should be directed to her.

We have implemented the asbestos management plan. We are intent on not only complying with, but exceeding federal, state, and local regulations in this area. We plan on taking whatever steps are necessary to insure your children and our employees have a healthy, safe environment in which to learn and work.

Sincerely,