In 1973, asbestos was included in the "National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants" (NESHAP). In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) enforces the control of asbestos emissions through chapter NR447 Wisconsin Adm. Code (see Demolition or renovation/asbestos removal project, WDNR/USEPA NESHAP regulations -- renovation and demolition, and Control of asbestos emissions). WDNR is one of the agencies in Wisconsin that regulates and requires notification for asbestos abatement activities. The WDNR also regulates and requires notification for demolition activities. Fire Department training burns are also regulated and require notification (see Fire training burns and Wisconsin DNR asbestos regulations). The WDNR Bureau of Waste Management regulates the transportation and disposal of asbestos and issues licenses to landfills in the state (see Fact sheet on asbestos disposal and Construction and demolition waste recovery).

Asbestos fibers are a known human carcinogen. Lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of the chest cavity lining) and asbestosis (a fibrotic scarring of lung tissue) have been proven to result from asbestos exposure. The Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to develop and enforce regulations to protect the general public from exposure to airborne contaminants that are know to be human health hazards. The USEPA has since delegated the authority to implement and enforce the Federal Asbestos NESHAP to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The Department's Asbestos Program was implemented to reduce the public's possible asbestos exposure. These regulations require facility owners and/or operators involved in demolition and renovation activities to pre-inspect the affected facility, file proper notification and handle and dispose of asbestos properly. The asbestos program offers education and assistance with asbestos issues so that owners and/or operators can comply with rule requirements. For a copy of Asbestos Certification laws please click on the following link below.

Wisconsin Asbestos Law (.pdf)

State of Wisconsin Laws
Governing Hazardous Waste

Wisconsin Statue, Chapter 291, governs the mismanagement of Hazardous Waste and the penalties for violations. A person or business found in violations of the Hazardous Waste Management Laws are subject to Civil and/or Criminal penalties. Each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate offense with fines not less than $100 and not more than $25,000 per day. A subsequent offense is considered a felony with fines doubled. For a copy of Hazardous Waste Laws please click on the following link below.

Hazardous Waste Law (.pdf)