Ocean Alliance - Rocky Neck - Gloucester, MA
using Dry Ice Blasting to remove lead paint
In January of 2011, Dec-Tam was hired to remove and dispose of several layers of lead based paint on approximately 5,000 square feet of exterior masonry surfaces. It sounds straight forward but this project was unique because the paint was located on a building that was constructed in the 1860s and the building rests on a peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean.
Because the paint was on the outside surfaces, scaffolding needed to be constructed. Inside of the tarps on the scaffolding, Dec-Tam assembled a full containment structure complete with negative air machines. Due to the age of the structure, dry ice blasting was used along with some manual scraping, HEPA vacuuming and a chemical wash. This methodology mitigated the damage to the antique bricks and also minimized the lead hazardous waste generated during the process. Dec-Tam also performed some asbestos removal that was located on the boilers.
Dr. Ian Kerr the Director of Ocean’s Alliance had this to say about the project, “USA Today called the Tarr and Wonson Paint Manufactory – Gloucester most iconic buildings – so when Ocean Alliance took on the task of restoring these buildings we knew that we had our work cut out. When we first approached Dec-Tam they suggested Ice blasting as a more environmentally friendly and less destructive alternative to sand blasting lead paint off the 1861 brick buildings. The folks at Dec-Tam were very patient as we dealt with different historic preservationists – the end results speak for themselves – spectacular. We are very glad that we chose Dec-Tam, they were professional and courteous throughout the whole process – We will work with them again and recommend them to anyone who asks.”
