Managing PCB Contaminated Building Materials

Presented By:Dean Soultanian Director of Proposal Development & Principal in Charge of PCB Remediation Activities

March 30, 2011Managing PCB Contaminated Building Materials

PCBs In Building Materials

Where they are found ?

Buildings and structures constructed/renovated from 1950 to 1978.

Masonry joints and painted surfaces of concrete sidewalks and pools.

PCBs In Building Materials

In what building products have we been encountering PCBs?

Common sourcesCaulking, grout, sealants, paints, insulation, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, adhesives, gasket materials, transformer/hydraulic oils

Various building related componentsTransformers, light bulbs, capacitors and other electrical equipment

Current products manufactured outside the USCaulking, sealants, adhesives

PCBs In Building Materials

Likely affected areas?

CeilingsElevator shafts Expansion jointsHVAC equipmentMasonry jointsPainted surfacesPorous surfacesRoofsUnderlying soilWindow and door frames

Migration PathwaysWhere do PCBs leach/spread?Abutting surfacesUnderlying/surrounding soilsPorous surfaces and substrates (wood, concrete, pavement)Dust

Are You Renovating or Demolishing?YESYESNOExternal Pressure/ConcernsNOAir SamplingTest:Sampling perEPA Guidelines PCBs Present 50ppmYESREMEDIATION REQUIRED(Follow EPA Regulations)Evaluation of ContaminationNOOKOKConfirmatory Testing & Disposal Facility: Acceptance of WasteAre You Waterproofing, Re-pointing, or Roofing?YESNOYoure off the hookNOTest:Sampling perEPA Guidelines PCBs Found 50ppmYESConfirmatory Testing &Disposal Facility / Acceptance of WasteOKOSHA Worker Safety Hazard Notification**If you find it, you need to deal with it!Remediation Required(Follow EPA Regulations)Testing GuidanceAre 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 notificationNoBut being pressured to investigate if PCBs are a concernPerform air sampling by qualified contractorKeep in mind waterproofing, replacing roofing, repointing, grouting, and concrete removal can all be sources of PCB contamination

Remediation/Abatement ProcessWhat to do once you find PCBs?Proper regulatory notification (EPA, State)Create comprehensive PCB work planSelect qualified remediation contractorExperienced and appropriately trained /qualified personnelProper personal protection equipment (PPE)Proper containment proceduresProper waste managementProper decontamination of equipment Proper regulatory reporting

CASE STUDY Wachusett DamPhase 1 Contaminated Concrete Caulking RemediationRemediation work plan4 month durationPortable containment sheltersDisposal methodologyInterior containment remediation - HEPA air filtrationPCB 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

BEFOREDURINGAFTERPCBs were detected on the bases of each brass railing post. Contamination was removed to complete restoration.Phase 1 CompletionTop of dam resurfaced and fully restored.

CASE STUDY Wachusett DamPhase 2 PCB and Soil RemediationRemediation work planFull abatement of granite dam face within containmentPrecision excavation of contaminated soilInstallation of piezometers and instrumentationRepointing of loose groutTransportation and disposal

Phase 2 Dam Face: BEFORE

Views of dam face prior to PCB abatement.Phase 2 Abatement of the Granite SurfaceDam 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 RestorationRestoration activities repointing, backfilling and slope stabilization.

Phase 2 - Piezometer Drilling ProgramTMC scope included the installation of 9 piezometers4 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.SummaryA 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.