Asbestos in South Dakota

While not a major asbestos producer, South Dakota's historical use of asbestos in construction, industrial settings, and even some naturally occurring deposits presents potential health risks to residents, particularly those involved in renovation or demolition work.

South Dakota faces unique challenges with asbestos. Although it wasn't a significant source of asbestos mining, the mineral was widely used in older buildings and infrastructure across the state. Additionally, naturally occurring asbestos deposits exist in western South Dakota near Mount Rushmore. This page provides information on documented asbestos job sites in South Dakota, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to protect yourself.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in South Dakota

Explore 135 known asbestos sites and job-sites across South Dakota.

Job Site	City	State
Aberdeen Mill	Aberdeen	SD
Ah Bennett	Rapid City	SD
Akron Milling Mining & Manufacturing	Custer	SD
Alonzo Ward Hotel	Aberdeen	SD
Amdak	Rapid City	SD
American Legion	Sioux Falls	SD
Angus C. Anson Power Plant	Sioux Falls	SD
Arcade Bar	Mobridge	SD
Argus Leader Building	Sioux Falls	SD
Assemblies Of God	Watertown	SD
Bank Of Union City	Elk Point	SD
Battle Mountain Sanitarium	Hot Springs	SD
Bechtold Jewelry	Sioux Falls	SD
Black Hills Power & Light	Rapid City	SD
Black Hills Power & Light	Deadwood	SD

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in South Dakota

Construction Workers: Asbestos was a common component of insulation, roofing, flooring, and fireproofing materials in buildings constructed before the 1980s. Renovation and demolition work pose significant risks (Example: Historic buildings in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen).
Industrial Workers: South Dakota's industrial facilities, including power plants and manufacturing plants, often utilized asbestos for insulation and fireproofing (Example: Homestake Gold Mine in Lead).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was extensively used in power plants across the state for insulation and to prevent fire damage (Example: Big Stone Power Plant near Milbank).

South Dakota Asbestos Regulations and Laws

South Dakota has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR)

The DANR oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

Licensing of asbestos abatement contractors
Issuing permits for asbestos removal projects
Ensuring proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials
Providing guidance on managing asbestos in public buildings and schools

Key Laws and Regulations

South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 34-44: This chapter outlines the regulations for asbestos abatement, including licensing requirements for contractors and procedures for handling asbestos-containing materials.
Administrative Rules of South Dakota 74:36:08: These rules adopt federal emission standards for asbestos during renovation and demolition projects.

Sources

South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) - Asbestos: https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/WasteManagement/Asbestos/default.aspx
South Dakota Legislature - Codified Law 34-44: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/34-44
South Dakota Department of Health - Asbestos Information: https://doh.sd.gov/

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in South Dakota?

If you or a loved one is sick or passed away due to asbestos, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. South Dakota law protects victims of asbestos exposure. We can assist you in understanding your legal options.