Managing PCB Contaminated Building Materials

1. Managing PCB Contaminated Building Materials Presented By: Dean Soultanian Director of Proposal Development & Principal in Charge of PCB Remediation Activities March 30, 2011

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. Migration Pathways • Where do PCBs leach/spread? • Abutting surfaces • Underlying/surrounding soils • Porous surfaces and substrates (wood, concrete, pavement) • Dust

6. Are You Renovating or Demolishing? YES NO External Pressure/ Concerns Test: Sampling per EPA Guidelines – PCBs Present ≥ 50ppm Air Sampling YES NO OK YES NO OK Evaluation of Contamination REMEDIATION REQUIRED (Follow EPA Regulations) Confirmatory Testing & Disposal Facility: Acceptance of Waste

7. Are You Waterproofing, Re-pointing, or Roofing? YES NO You’re off the hook Test: Sampling per EPA Guidelines – PCBs Found ≥ 50ppm NO OK YES OSHA Worker Safety Hazard Notification Remediation Required (Follow EPA Regulations) Confirmatory Testing & Disposal Facility / Acceptance of Waste **If you find it, you need to deal with it!

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Phase 1 – Portable Containment Structure Hoisting of portable containment on top of dam.

12. Phase 1 – Portable Containment Structure Portable containment in-place on top of dam. Workers inside containment structure.

13. Phase 1 - Railing Decontamination BEFORE DURING AFTER PCBs were detected on the bases of each brass railing post. Contamination was removed to complete restoration.

14. Phase 1 – Completion Top of dam resurfaced and fully restored.

15. 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

16. Phase 2 – Dam Face: BEFORE Views of dam face prior to PCB abatement.

17. Phase 2 – Abatement of the Granite Surface Dam face abatement inside containment and behind secondary curtain.

18. Phase 2 – Abatement of the Granite Surface Various containment set-up and installations.

19. Phase 2 – Contaminated Soil Removal Excavation of PCB contaminated soil under adverse conditions due to steep slopes.

20. Phase 2 – Restoration Restoration activities – repointing, backfilling and slope stabilization.

21. 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.

22. Phase 2 – Piezometer Drilling Program A piezometer is a small-diameter observation well used to measure the hydraulic head of groundwater in aquifers.

23. Phase 2 – COMPLETE Completion of abatement, base of dam open for public access.

24. 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.