NYC DEP Asbestos Control Program Phone
Navigating the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) Asbestos Control Program is essential for any property owner, licensed investigator, or general contractor planning alteration or demolition work across the five boroughs.
Under Title 15, Chapter 1 of the Rules of the City of New York (RCNY), the DEP Asbestos Control Program (ACP) regulates the inspection, handling, and abatement of asbestos materials to protect the dense urban population of New York City. Whether submitting mandatory ACP-5 or ACP-7 project filings, scheduling abatement inspections, or reporting illegal non-containment demolitions, having direct access to DEP phone numbers and administrative channels ensures prompt regulatory compliance.
The DEP operates a specialized Asbestos Technical Review Unit (ATRU) and field enforcement offices based primarily at DEP headquarters in Flushing, Queens. Due to New York City's complex dual-agency requirements between the DEP and the Department of Buildings (DOB), building alteration permits cannot be issued by DOB until the DEP Asbestos Control Program has verified and approved the project's asbestos filings.
NYC DEP Asbestos Control Program Contact Directory
The following directory provides official telephone numbers, departmental divisions, and operational responsibilities across the NYC DEP Asbestos Control Program and related regulatory agencies.
| Department / Unit | Official Phone Number | Operational Scope & Responsibilities | Physical Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC DEP Asbestos Control Program Main | (718) 595-3682 | General asbestos program inquiries, ACP system assistance | 59-17 Junction Blvd, 8th Floor, Flushing, NY 11373 |
| Asbestos Technical Review Unit (ATRU) | (718) 595-3694 | Variance applications (A-TRU), regulatory technical interpretations | Flushing Headquarters, 8th Floor |
| DEP Asbestos Enforcement & Field Inspection | (718) 595-3693 | Field inspector dispatch, job site audits, stop-work disputes | Flushing Headquarters |
| NYC Government Information & Complaints | 311 (or 212-639-9675 outside NYC) | Filing emergency reports of uncontained asbestos dust | Available 24/7 Citywide |
| DEP Asbestos Licensing & Certification | (718) 595-3686 | NYC DEP investigator and handler certificate status | Flushing Headquarters |
| NYS Department of Labor Asbestos (NYC Office) | (212) 775-3532 | State Code Rule 56 enforcement across NYC | 75 Varick St, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10013 |
When calling the NYC DEP Asbestos Control Program regarding project filings, always have your ARTS E-File tracking number, Department of Buildings Job Number, and property address (Borough, Block, and Lot) available. The DEP staff uses the online Asbestos Reporting and Tracking System (ARTS) to review pending notifications in real time.
For urgent complaints regarding dust emissions, uncontained demolition, or illegal nighttime asbestos scraping, calling 311 is the fastest protocol. Emergency 311 dispatches are routed directly to the DEP Asbestos Emergency Response Unit, which has authority to dispatch field inspectors around the clock and issue immediate summonses and Stop-Work orders.
Understanding Mandatory NYC DEP Asbestos Filing Forms
Filing through the online ARTS portal requires understanding which ACP form applies to your specific construction scope. The table below outlines the core filing documents, required certifiers, and project criteria.
| DEP Form Designation | Form Title & Purpose | Authorized Signer | Key Project Trigger Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form ACP-5 | Asbestos Assessment Report (Not an Asbestos Project) | NYC Certified Asbestos Investigator (CAI) | Demolition/renovation disturbing < 10 sq ft or < 25 lin ft of ACM |
| Form ACP-7 | Asbestos Project Notification | Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor | Removal of ≥ 10 sq ft or ≥ 25 lin ft of regulated ACM |
| Form ACP-8 | Asbestos Project Amendment | Licensed Contractor / Project Designer | Modifying start dates, supervisor staff, or waste volume on ACP-7 |
| Form ACP-9 | Asbestos Variance Application (ATRU) | Registered Architect or Professional Engineer | Requesting relief from strict RCNY Title 15 containment rules |
| Form ACP-21 | Asbestos Project Completion Form | Independent Air Monitoring Firm | Confirms final aggressive air clearance passed after abatement |
The ACP-5 form is the most ubiquitous filing in NYC real estate. Before the NYC Department of Buildings will approve an alteration permit for painting, kitchen demolition, or wall relocation, a certified NYC Asbestos Investigator must conduct a physical site survey. If no asbestos is present, or if the material to be disturbed is below minor project thresholds, the investigator signs and submits the ACP-5 electronically.
If regulated asbestos must be removed, the licensed abatement contractor files an ACP-7 notification at least seven calendar days prior to beginning work. The fee schedule for ACP-7 filings is indexed to the quantity of asbestos removed, ranging from several hundred dollars to over $4,000 for large-scale multi-story abatement projects.
How to File and Track an Asbestos Project with the NYC DEP
Step-by-step procedure for completing online DEP asbestos filings through the ARTS portal.
Retain a NYC Certified Asbestos Investigator (CAI)
Engage an independent investigator holding active NYC DEP certification to perform an on-site survey and bulk sampling of suspect materials.
Determine Filing Classification (ACP-5 vs ACP-7)
If materials are non-asbestos or under minor project thresholds, the CAI submits an ACP-5. If regulated abatement is required, an ACP-7 is prepared.
Register and Log In to the ARTS Portal
Access the NYC DEP Asbestos Reporting and Tracking System (ARTS E-File) online using verified company or individual credentials.
Submit Project Documentation and Fees
Upload required drawings, laboratory PLM/TEM test reports, and pay the mandatory municipal notification fees via credit card or e-check.
Link DEP Approval to NYC DOB Building Permit
Obtain the approved electronic ACP-5 or ACP-7 certificate number and enter it into the NYC DOB NOW portal to release pending construction permits.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: What is the official phone number for the NYC DEP Asbestos Control Program?
The main telephone number for the NYC DEP Asbestos Control Program is (718) 595-3682. For technical variance questions, call the ATRU at (718) 595-3694.
Q2: How do I report illegal asbestos removal in New York City?
Call NYC 311 immediately (or 212-639-9675 from outside the city). 311 dispatches emergency reports directly to the DEP Asbestos Emergency Response Unit for on-site inspection.
Q3: What is an ACP-5 in New York City?
An ACP-5 is an Asbestos Assessment Report signed by a NYC Certified Asbestos Investigator certifying that a proposed construction project does not disturb regulated quantities of asbestos.
Q4: What is the advance notice requirement for an ACP-7 filing?
An ACP-7 notification must be submitted to the NYC DEP through the ARTS E-File system at least seven calendar days prior to the start of active abatement work.
Q5: Where is the NYC DEP Asbestos Control Program located?
The headquarters is located at 59-17 Junction Boulevard, 8th Floor, Flushing, Queens, NY 11373.
Q6: Can any licensed NYS asbestos inspector sign an ACP-5 form?
No. The inspector must hold a dedicated New York City Certified Asbestos Investigator (CAI) certificate issued by the NYC DEP, in addition to New York State DOL licensing.
Q7: What happens if I start renovation in NYC without an ACP-5?
The NYC Department of Buildings will reject building permit applications, and if work proceeds, DEP inspectors will issue immediate Stop-Work orders and environmental summonses carrying fines exceeding $10,000.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Direct communication with the NYC DEP Asbestos Control Program is essential for avoiding costly construction delays, Stop-Work orders, and severe environmental violations. By keeping official telephone contacts handy, utilizing the online ARTS E-File platform, and working exclusively with NYC-certified investigators and licensed contractors, developers and property owners can maintain complete compliance with New York City's strict environmental safety standards.