Department of Environmental Protection "Random" Inspection?

We are renovating a brownstone in Bedford-Stuyvesant. We received a surprise inspection from the Department of Environmental Protection. The inspector stated that this was a “routine audit” for asbestos but had a order to inspect our specific work site. There are several other renovations going on both on our block but they only inspected our house. We had commissioned an asbestos inspection (which came back clean) and submitted an Asbestos Assessment Report (ACP-5) as part of our DOB Permit Application. However, after collecting samples, the inspector issued a stop work order! The order states that we have to submit an amended Asbestos Assessment Report (ACP-5). Has anyone dealt with this before? Any advice/help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

skylightseeker

in Brownstoner Renovation 12 years ago

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skylightseeker | 12 years ago

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Thanks everyone for the responses. We recognize that there are reasons for the codes/rules we have which is why we made sure to run all of our work through the NYC DOB. I think we felt more than a little blindsided when the DEP showed up. In fact when I called the DOB to ask about the stop-order they were incredulous that anyone other than the DOB could issue a stop-work order.

skylightseeker | 12 years ago

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Great thought, mozeeatupu. Our contractor had the same suspicion, particularly in regards to vinyl tiles, so we had an asbestos abatement company remove the flooring to be on the safe side before we had the place inspected for the ACP-5\.

greenmountain | 12 years ago

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And how should the city be organized to protect consumers from this kind of surprise attack? I take your word for it that you have behaved responsibly and yet your work was stopped for no apparent reason. Recently, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce asked for a small business ombudsman office be created inside the department of consumer affairs. As a consumer, would you like to have an ombudsman from consumer affairs inside the DOB? Some new agencies and positions are being discussed, and maybe created. How would you like the city to handle this in the future? I ask because while you followed the rules, the city is having trouble inspecting most other properties, some of which (not Dave from BS of course) are not as responsible as you.

mozeeatupu | 12 years ago

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What about the floor? A lot of old flooring contained asbestos. Was that on the ACP and was it touched?

skylightseeker | 12 years ago

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The ACP reflects samples taken from the ceilings and walls on each floor of the home. We are Wondering what might have triggered this inspection. We have the proper permits from the DOB for the work being done on the home. We appreciate any insight and feedback on this.

jockdeboeraia | 12 years ago

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Maybe you are doing more work then what is reflected on the ACP.

jockdeboeraia | 12 years ago

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I have never seen that one before.

skylightseeker | 12 years ago

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Thanks, mozeeatupu. We have started that process. Were wondering if this is common? Have others hit this roadblock? A bigger question is, how long might this waylay our reno? Any info very very much appreciated.

mozeeatupu | 12 years ago

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You should talk to the certified asbestos investigator that submitted your ACP5 and have them amend.