About Asbestos Risk in Biloxi
Approximately 55% of housing in Mississippi predates 1980, the year most asbestos-containing building materials were phased out of residential construction. Homes and commercial buildings built before 1980 in Biloxi may contain asbestos in floor tile adhesive, acoustic ceiling texture (popcorn ceilings), pipe insulation, HVAC duct wrap, roofing materials, and joint compound.
- Biloxi is a city in Harrison County, Mississippi, a Gulf Coast city and regional tourism hub with significant mid-20th-century residential and commercial development; approximately 50% of housing predates 1980, with many pre-Katrina structures rebuilt or renovated.
- Mississippi MDEQ 10-day notification to MDEQ Air Division Headquarters (Jackson) required before qualifying renovation or demolition projects (11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 2.12); no separate Mississippi state contractor license required — federal AHERA accreditation required for supervisors and workers.
- Biloxi's mid-century ranch homes, post-war bungalows, and commercial buildings along US 90 (Beach Boulevard) and Popps Ferry Road commonly contain asbestos in floor tile adhesive, acoustic ceiling texture, pipe insulation, and roofing materials; Biloxi's casino and tourism sector also generates commercial and institutional abatement work; the Gulf Coast contractor market may require extra scheduling lead time compared to Jackson.
Asbestos Removal Cost in Biloxi, MS
Cost ranges are estimates based on national survey data (HomeAdvisor). Mississippi near or slightly below national avg; Biloxi/Harrison County Gulf Coast market — allow extra contractor scheduling lead time. Always obtain multiple written quotes from licensed contractors before authorizing work.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Type and location of material: Pipe insulation and floor tile are typically less expensive to abate than ceiling or wall materials requiring full enclosure.
- Project scope: Whole-home surveys or large commercial projects involve higher mobilization, air monitoring, and disposal costs.
- Disposal fees: Asbestos waste must be double-bagged, labeled, and transported to a licensed disposal facility. Disposal fees vary by county and landfill.
- Clearance air testing: Post-abatement air monitoring is required for most projects and adds to total cost.
- Contractor availability: Limited local contractor supply can increase pricing; allow extra lead time in smaller markets.
Licensing Requirements in Mississippi
License required: No — AHERA accreditation required
License type: Mississippi does not require a separate state asbestos contractor license; federal AHERA accreditation required for supervisors and workers; state-specific licensing requirements apply
Regulation: 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 2.12 (Mississippi Air Emission Regulations); Mississippi Code §49-17-1 et seq.
Source: https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/air/
Always verify a contractor's license status directly with Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Air Division before signing a contract. Federal regulations (29 CFR 1926.1101) require all asbestos abatement supervisors and workers to be trained and accredited under AHERA regardless of state requirements.
Notification Requirements for Biloxi
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Federal rule | 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M (NESHAP) |
| Notify | Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Air Division Headquarters (Jackson); Biloxi/Harrison County projects notify MDEQ; Gulf Coast projects may also involve coordination with local emergency planning committees |
| Notice period | 10 working days before project start |
| State rule | 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 2.12 (Mississippi Air Emission Regulations); Mississippi Code §49-17-1 et seq. |
No additional local rules beyond state (11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 2.12 (Mississippi Air Emission Regulations); Mississippi Code §49-17-1 et seq.) and federal (40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M) NESHAP requirements are known for Biloxi. Verify locally before beginning work.
How to Hire a Contractor in Biloxi
- Confirm licensing. Verify the contractor holds a current Mississippi asbestos abatement license and appropriate AHERA accreditations for supervisors and workers.
- Obtain an inspection first. A certified asbestos inspector (separate from the abatement contractor) should sample and test suspect materials before abatement begins.
- Get written quotes. Request itemized quotes from at least three licensed contractors covering labor, air monitoring, disposal fees, and clearance testing.
- Verify notification filing. Confirm the contractor will file the required notice with Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Air Division Headquarters (Jackson); Biloxi/Harrison County projects notify MDEQ; Gulf Coast projects may also involve coordination with local emergency planning committees at least 10 working days before work begins.
- Request clearance documentation. Upon project completion, obtain air monitoring results and a written clearance report confirming fiber levels are below applicable action levels.
Frequently Asked Questions — Biloxi Asbestos Removal
How much does asbestos removal cost in Biloxi?
Typical asbestos abatement in Biloxi, Mississippi costs $1,200–$8,000 depending on the type and quantity of material, project scope, disposal requirements, and contractor availability. Mississippi near or slightly below national avg; Biloxi/Harrison County Gulf Coast market — allow extra contractor scheduling lead time. Get written quotes from multiple licensed contractors before proceeding.
Do I need a licensed contractor for asbestos removal in Biloxi?
Yes. Mississippi does not require a separate state asbestos contractor license; federal AHERA accreditation required for supervisors and workers; state-specific licensing requirements apply. Using an unlicensed contractor for asbestos abatement is illegal and may result in civil penalties. Verify license status with Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Air Division before signing any contract.
Who needs to be notified before asbestos removal in Biloxi?
For qualifying renovation or demolition projects, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Air Division Headquarters (Jackson); Biloxi/Harrison County projects notify MDEQ; Gulf Coast projects may also involve coordination with local emergency planning committees must be notified at least 10 working days before work begins under 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M and 11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 2.12 (Mississippi Air Emission Regulations); Mississippi Code §49-17-1 et seq.. Your licensed contractor should handle notification filing.
Can I remove asbestos myself in Biloxi?
In most cases, no. Mississippi requires licensed and accredited contractors for regulated asbestos abatement projects. Even for small quantities, improper removal creates health and legal risk. Consult a licensed asbestos inspector before disturbing any suspect material.
What materials in Biloxi homes commonly contain asbestos?
In Biloxi-area homes built before 1980, asbestos was commonly used in: floor tile and adhesive (9"×9" and 12"×12" vinyl tiles), acoustic ceiling texture (popcorn ceilings), pipe and boiler insulation, HVAC duct insulation and wrap, roofing shingles and felt, joint compound (drywall mud), and textured wall coatings. Have suspect materials tested by a certified inspector before renovation.