In 1987, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publicized the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) under Title 40 Part 763, Subpart E of the Code of Federal Regulations. This rule requires local education agencies (LEAs) to identify friable and non-friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) in public and private elementary and secondary schools by visually inspecting school buildings for such materials, sampling such materials if they are not assumed to be ACM, and having samples analyzed by appropriate techniques referred to in this rule.

In keeping with this legislation, the West Chester Area School District was inspected by EPA accredited inspectors and a comprehensive management plan was developed for handling asbestos containing building materials in a safe and responsible manner. This plan was originally developed and submitted to the Commonwealth in 1989.

The West Chester Area School District conducts a comprehensive inspection every three years and follow-up inspections every six months. When changes occur to ACMs, the Asbestos Management Plan is updated accordingly. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available for review at each of our District’s buildings.

Questions related to the plan should be directed to:

Mr. Wayne Birster, Director of Facilities and Operations
West Chester Area School District
1181 McDermott Drive
West Chester, PA 19380

wbirster@wcasd.net