PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) Remediation Services
For approximately 50 years, PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) were commonly used in the manufacturing of industrial materials such as caulking, cutting oils, paints, coatings, sealants and inks. They were also placed in HVAC gaskets, fire retardants, siding and roofing materials. PCBs were added to these substances to improve durability and elasticity. However, in 1977 their use in manufacturing was eliminated by the North American Ban of Manufacturing with PCBs Act due to health and safety concerns.
If you have identified a project that has a PCB component, contact Dec-Tam. We are experienced and have worked closely and successfully with the majority of industrial hygienist specializing in PCBs in New England. It is critical that PCB remediation and removal is performed methodically and properly. These projects tend not to be straight forward bulk removals since PCBs tend to leach into adjacent building materials whether it be concrete, bricks or metal window frames. Because we have been remediating PCBs for over 10 years, we have developed a solid and proven reputation for PCB remediation. We invite you to call us today at 978-470-2860 if you are planning a PCB remediation project.
For a more indepth discussion of PCBs, please check the joint Powerpoint Presentation "PCBs in Common Building Materials" that we have given with environmental consultants, Woodard and Curran.
Dec-Tam's PCB remediation is performed by specialists trained in:
- Decontamination Methods and Procedures
- Personal protection equipment use
- HAZWOPER
- Emergency Response
Where you may find PCBs
Building Materials
- Caulking, Paints, Sealants
- Roofing Materials
- Expansion Joints
- Adhesives
Industrial Applications
- Capacitors, Transformers
- Ballasts
- Machinery, Furnaces
- Masonry Walls
Decontamination Methodology
Depending on the type of materials containing PCBs and its location, we may use any combination of the following methods to satisfy EPA requirements:
- Direct Bulk Removal
- Sand, Bead, Water Blasting
- Encapsulation
- Grinding Or Scarification
- Chemical Wash (CAPSUR)®
Completed Projects
- Major University - Cambridge MA – In graduate housing units, Dec-Tam removed 27,500 linear feet of PCB caulking around windows. Adjacent contaminated building materials and soil were also remediated.
- Major University - Kingston, RI – In a 6 story academic building, PCB caulking and ½ inch of perimeter window masonry was removed duringduring a window replacement project.
- Retail Developer - Worcester MA – To prepare for the demolition of a parking garage, 150,000 linear feet of paint stripes containing PCBs wereremoved.
- Public School System – 10,000 sq. ft. of floor paint was remediated at 3 different elementary schools by scarifying and blastracing ½” ofconcrete floor.
Resources
