Removing Graffiti from Historic Masonry (Part E)
Environmental Considerations
To protect against environmental contamination, including the formationof unwanted ozone at ground level and damage to the ozone layer in theearth's outer atmosphere, legislation has been enacted in some states makingit illegal to use even moderate quantities of some solvents-
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in paint removers.In response to this legislation, many new products are being developedthat do not contain VOCs.
After completing graffiti removal, the disposal of chemical productsand rinsing effluent must be taken into account. Arrangement for disposalof the cleaning waste should be made prior to beginning graffitiremoval, especially if it is a project of considerable size. In many placesit is illegal to discharge solvents and/or paint residues into sewers orstorm drains. The owner or manager of a historic property, or in some casesthe individual or firm doing the cleaning or graffiti removal, is responsiblefor being informed of, and complying with, relevant laws and regulations.Under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, asamended, approval may be required from a state or federal preservationagency before any work can be undertaken on buildings or structures listedin or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places,if such a project involves federal funding or licensing. Many state andlocal historic district commissions and review boards have their own regulationsthat require approval for cleaning or graffiti removal work that is undertakenon landmarks or properties in locally designated historic districts.
