Removal of PCBs at a public School
A Massachusetts school was preparing for a window replacement project in 2012 and began their phase one testing for the middle school in the summer of 2011. During preliminary asbestos testing, the industrial hygienist found elevated PCB levels in the dust throughout the school. Further investigation revealed the caulking around the windows contained PCBs and the presence of mastic adhesive containing both asbestos and PCBs attached to the back of the structural ceiling tiles. These tiles covered the ceilings of both floors of the building.
Here is the predicament that the school was in. Air sampling and dust wipe revealed elevated levels of PCBs levels greater than 50 ppm which the EPA considers harmful. They needed to fix this problem safely, cost effectively and BEFORE the students showed up for the first day of school in less than 40 days.
Dec-Tam was contacted for several reasons:
- We had experience in PCB remediation
- We have the ability to mobilize 40 to 50 workers
- We do the job properly the first time
- We are know to meet our deadlines
In summary, Dec-Tam delivered. We:
- Removed over 100,000 sq ft of ceiling tiles and hand scraped the associated mastic
- Removed 2500 linear feet of PCB containing caulking along the exterior of the building
- Removed 1500 linear feet of PCB containing caulking inside the building
- Achieved acceptable air and dust wipe clearance levels in accordance with EPA guidelines
- Mobilized 40 technicians who worked double shifts to meet the school's opening deadline.