PCB Monitoring and Maintenance Waneta Blake Library University of Maine at Fort Kent

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) has prepared a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Monitoring and Maintenance Implementation Plan (MMIP) for those areas of the Waneta Blake Library (Blake Library) affected by the 2012 PCB caulk remediation project. This MMIP was prepared in accordance with requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The MMIP describes the monitoring and maintenance activities to be conducted by UMFK to maintain and assess the encapsulated porous building surfaces remaining after the removal of PCB caulk from the windows and door systems associated with Room 1103-Library Procurement Room (Server Room) of the Blake Library.

Original PCB containing caulk

Identified PCB containing caulk around the window and door frames was removed by a trained remediation contractor. The remaining brick and granite surfaces were encapsulated with several coats of acrylic sealants. The surfaces of these encapsulated materials were then tested for the presence of residual PCBs. Upon completion of encapsulation and surface testing, metal molding/trim was installed around the individual units to enclose the encapsulated surfaces to prevent incidental contact with the surfaces and reduce the likelihood the encapsulant would be disturbed during the course of routine maintenance.

The following conditions are associated with the encapsulated surfaces remaining after the completion of the PCB remediation: All encapsulated surfaces are located on the exterior of the building in locations considered to be “low occupancy” as defined by the USEPA; and The encapsulated surfaces are completely enclosed underneath the metal window/door frames and/or moldings, and the frame/molding to brick/granite interface is sealed with silicone caulk. The encapsulated surfaces are not accessible without disassembling the frames/moldings.

Based on the current conditions of the enclosed surfaces; routine inspection and monitoring activities will consist of visual assessments of the affected window/door units and associated substrates (the surrounding brick/granite). Routine inspections will be conducted by the UMFK Facility Manager and will include visual assessment of the following: Physical condition of the new silicone caulk applied to the frame/molding to brick/granite interface. Cracking, peeling or general degradation of the silicone caulk will be noted; Evidence of separation between the silicone caulk and substrate/frame; Disturbance of the silicone caulk; Condition of the window/door units, in particular, the frames and moldings; and General condition of the surrounding area including the soil beneath the frames. Observations shall be recorded on a PCB surveillance inspector form, which must be submitted annually to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) and USEPA.

Maintenance activities which may or will occur in the vicinity of the affected window and door units will be reviewed and approved by the UMFK Facility Manager prior to execution. This review will be completed to determine if such activities will potentially impact the affected window/door units and the integrity of the encapsulant. Work practices and procedures will be established by the UMFK Facility Manager such that potential impacts to the PCB impacted substrate and encapsulant will be avoided. If it is determined that the proposed maintenance activities will impact the encapsulant and/or the encapsulated substrate, USEPA approval will be obtained before proceeding with the work.

The UMFK Facility Manager and those UMFK maintenance personnel who routinely work in the vicinity of the affected window and door units (e.g., cleaning) will receive PCB Awareness training. PCB Awareness training will include: Identification of the location of encapsulated PCB surfaces; The importance of maintaining the encapsulant and not disturbing the enclosures; and The potential health effects of PCB exposure. Activities that are determined to have a direct impact on the affected areas, resulting in exposure or disturbance of the encapsulated surfaces (i.e.; removal/modification of moldings or window/door units) will be deferred until an alternative activity can be established, or appropriately trained personnel can complete the necessary work in accordance with 40 CFR

What are the potential health effects from exposure to PCBs? The potential for health effects from PCBs, as with other chemicals, depend on how much, how often, and how long someone is exposed. Existing scientific studies have not shown PCB exposures from building materials to cause health effects in building occupants. Behavioral and developmental problems may occur among children whose mothers were either exposed to large amounts of PCBs or regularly ate fish from contaminated waters during pregnancy. Evidence is limited on PCBs and cancer in humans, but PCBs are classified as probable human carcinogens. Some studies of workers suggest that high-level exposure increases the risk of liver cancer. PCBs have been found to cause cancer and other health effects in laboratory animals. Scientists have looked at PCB exposure as a risk factor for developing disorders of the liver, thyroid, reproductive and immune systems. These studies have shown inconsistent results and do not provide a clear link between PCB exposure and these health effects. Although high-dose exposure to PCBs may cause chloracne (a rash-like condition), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches and dizziness, severe symptoms like these have only been seen among people with exposure to large amounts of PCBs in the workplace or following accidental consumption.