Presented By: Dean Soultanian Director of Proposal Development & Principal in Charge of PCB Remediation Activities March 30, 2011 Managing PCB Contaminated Building Materials
PCBs In Building Materials Where they are found ? Buildings and structures constructed/renovated from 1950 to Masonry joints and painted surfaces of concrete sidewalks and pools.
PCBs In Building Materials In what building products have we been encountering PCBs? Common sources Caulking, grout, sealants, paints, insulation, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, adhesives, gasket materials, transformer/hydraulic oils Various building related components Transformers, light bulbs, capacitors and other electrical equipment Current products manufactured outside the US Caulking, sealants, adhesives
PCBs In Building Materials Likely affected areas? Ceilings Elevator shafts Expansion joints HVAC equipment Masonry joints Painted surfaces Porous surfaces Roofs Underlying soil Window and door frames
Migration Pathways Where do PCBs leach/spread? Abutting surfaces Underlying/surrounding soils Porous surfaces and substrates (wood, concrete, pavement) Dust
Are You Renovating or Demolishing? YES NO External Pressure/ Concerns NO Air Sampling Test: Sampling per EPA Guidelines – PCBs Present 50ppm YES REMEDIATION REQUIRED (Follow EPA Regulations) Evaluation of Contamination NOOK Confirmatory Testing & Disposal Facility: Acceptance of Waste
Are You Waterproofing, Re-pointing, or Roofing? YESNO Youre off the hook NO Test: Sampling per EPA Guidelines – PCBs Found 50ppm YES Confirmatory Testing & Disposal Facility / Acceptance of Waste OK OSHA Worker Safety Hazard Notification **If you find it, you need to deal with it! Remediation Required (Follow EPA Regulations)
Testing Guidance Are you renovating or demolishing a building or structure? (Can be as simples as replacing a window) Yes Test due to disposal facility acceptance of waste and OSHA worker safety notification No But being pressured to investigate if PCBs are a concern Perform air sampling by qualified contractor Keep in mind – waterproofing, replacing roofing, repointing, grouting, and concrete removal can all be sources of PCB contamination
Remediation/Abatement Process What to do once you find PCBs? Proper regulatory notification (EPA, State) Create comprehensive PCB work plan Select qualified remediation contractor Experienced and appropriately trained /qualified personnel Proper personal protection equipment (PPE) Proper containment procedures Proper waste management Proper decontamination of equipment Proper regulatory reporting
CASE STUDY – Wachusett Dam Phase 1 – Contaminated Concrete Caulking Remediation Remediation work plan 4 month duration Portable containment shelters Disposal methodology Interior containment remediation - HEPA air filtration PCB sampling and analysis
Phase 1 – Portable Containment Structure Hoisting of portable containment on top of dam.
Phase 1 – Portable Containment Structure Portable containment in-place on top of dam. Workers inside containment structure.
Phase 1 - Railing Decontamination BEFOREDURINGAFTER PCBs were detected on the bases of each brass railing post. Contamination was removed to complete restoration.
Phase 1 – Completion Top of dam resurfaced and fully restored.
CASE STUDY – Wachusett Dam Phase 2 – PCB and Soil Remediation Remediation work plan Full abatement of granite dam face within containment Precision excavation of contaminated soil Installation of piezometers and instrumentation Repointing of loose grout Transportation and disposal
Phase 2 – Dam Face: BEFORE Views of dam face prior to PCB abatement.
Phase 2 – Abatement of the Granite Surface Dam face abatement inside containment and behind secondary curtain.
Phase 2 – Abatement of the Granite Surface Various containment set-up and installations.
Phase 2 – Contaminated Soil Removal Excavation of PCB contaminated soil under adverse conditions due to steep slopes.
Phase 2 – Restoration Restoration activities – repointing, backfilling and slope stabilization.
Phase 2 - Piezometer Drilling Program TMC scope included the installation of 9 piezometers 4 through the base of the dam. TMC developed a value engineering solution for the piezometer installations which reduced the project schedule, cost and risk factors for drilling through the dam structure.
Phase 2 – Piezometer Drilling Program A piezometer is a small-diameter observation well used to measure the hydraulic head of groundwater in aquifers.
Phase 2 – COMPLETE Completion of abatement, base of dam open for public access.
Summary A well developed PCB work plan is one of the most important steps for EPA acceptance and execution of the abatement/remediation. Cost savings through Value Engineering solutions. Highly trained and experienced remediation contractor is key to success. A teaming relationship with the engineer, consultant, client and remediation contractor is extremely beneficial for successful project execution.