Asbestos is a nocuous substance that requires a skilled methodology to prevent detrimental consequences to people and the surrounding environment. Few would recognize that many of the places people work, live, attend school, or shop are often occupying space that contain some form of asbestos.
I have yet to have a week go by on a non-related business outing where I have not been able to visually spot some form of suspect material. Be it the floor tile and window caulk of my parish school, tranite panels on a number of industrial buildings throughout Chicago, or the roof flashing on nearly every older home in my neighborhood.
To a certain degree, albeit a controversial statement - which I fully acknowledge, in most cases, ignorance in bliss during these routine encounters; left undisturbed and in good condition, many of these casual contacts with asbestos proves not harmful to person nor environment.
The pendulum swings to a differing level when our demolition crews are wrecking a building and uncover hidden asbestos. Such was the case recently during demolition in downstate Sheffield Illinois at the former Sheffield school.
Competently trained CESI personnel identified transite when breeching a wall. None of the asbestos material was broken thereby restricting the release of any asbestos.
While another company was hired to perform asbestos abatement prior to our demolition and an environmental consultant previously surveyed the entire building, the transite went unnoticed. This is not uncommon as evidenced by recent – similar situations at the Kenosha Inn and Renaissance Shell projects.
Once again, further proof that Champion Environmental Services fully adheres to our motto that “the safety of our workers and those around us will guide the decision making process.”
Showing posts with label EPA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EPA. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Friday, January 29, 2010
Palatine, Illinois Asbestos Project
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is preparing to mobilize in Palatine, Illinois for an asbestos abatement project at several shuttered commercial properties. Through a process known as Polarized Light Microscopy, lab tests revealed a variety of building materials that needed to be removed. The abatement and proper disposal will include floor tile, mastics, mirror glue, column fire proofing, and boiler stack insulation. The project is scheduled for completion by March of 2010.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Gateway Community Hospital Asbestos Abatement
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is set to begin asbestos abatement at the abandoned Gateway Community Hospital in East St. Louis. The St. Clair County Board officially approved the contracts in a meeting Monday, October 26, 2009.
The following article concerning the job was published in the “Belleville News-Democrat”. The article was written by MIKE FITZGERALD.
Long tagged as an eyesore, abandoned hospital to be torn down
BY MIKE FITZGERALD - News-Democrat
BELLEVILLE -- The abandoned Gateway Community Hospital, long tagged as one of the worst eyesores in East St. Louis, is set to come down soon and possibly be replaced with a park, thanks to a vote Monday night by the St. Clair County Board.
The County Board approved two contracts worth nearly $623,000 with contractors to tear out and dispose of asbestos from the condemned building at 1509 Martin Luther King Drive and then demolish it and cart away the rubble.
"It'll be a great improvement for the city of East St. Louis," St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said.
Champion Environmental Services Inc., of Gilberts, won a county contract for $317,500 to remove and dump the building's asbestos, the contract shows.
Ahrens Contracting Inc., of St. Louis, won a contract worth $305,335 to raze the building, according to the contract.
Since its closure 20 years ago, the abandoned hospital has stood as one of this city's biggest and worst eyesores -- a magnet for rats, vandals and complaints, especially from parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church next door.
In March, the County Board agreed to pay a flat fee of $55,000 to SCI Engineering Inc., of St. Charles, Mo., to oversee the hiring of contractors to search for and remove asbestos from the building, and to tear down the structure.
Since autumn 2000, the old hospital had been condemned after East St. Louis city inspectors designated it unsafe.
Contact reporter Mike Fitzgerald at mfitzgerald@bnd.com or 239-2533.
The following article concerning the job was published in the “Belleville News-Democrat”. The article was written by MIKE FITZGERALD.
Long tagged as an eyesore, abandoned hospital to be torn down
BY MIKE FITZGERALD - News-Democrat
BELLEVILLE -- The abandoned Gateway Community Hospital, long tagged as one of the worst eyesores in East St. Louis, is set to come down soon and possibly be replaced with a park, thanks to a vote Monday night by the St. Clair County Board.
The County Board approved two contracts worth nearly $623,000 with contractors to tear out and dispose of asbestos from the condemned building at 1509 Martin Luther King Drive and then demolish it and cart away the rubble.
"It'll be a great improvement for the city of East St. Louis," St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said.
Champion Environmental Services Inc., of Gilberts, won a county contract for $317,500 to remove and dump the building's asbestos, the contract shows.
Ahrens Contracting Inc., of St. Louis, won a contract worth $305,335 to raze the building, according to the contract.
Since its closure 20 years ago, the abandoned hospital has stood as one of this city's biggest and worst eyesores -- a magnet for rats, vandals and complaints, especially from parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church next door.
In March, the County Board agreed to pay a flat fee of $55,000 to SCI Engineering Inc., of St. Charles, Mo., to oversee the hiring of contractors to search for and remove asbestos from the building, and to tear down the structure.
Since autumn 2000, the old hospital had been condemned after East St. Louis city inspectors designated it unsafe.
Contact reporter Mike Fitzgerald at mfitzgerald@bnd.com or 239-2533.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Champion To Direct Another LEED Project
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. in partnership with the Madison Environmental Group, will facilitate a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification project for the City Row initiative in Madison, Wisconsin.
Prior to the demolition of 11 multiunit residences, Madison Environmental will oversee the deconstruction of the properties. Materials identified for reuse include: hot water heaters, boilers, decorative trim, hardwood flooring, pine/oak doors, decorative handrails, and miscellaneous door hardware/light fixtures.
The project will include the proper removal of all site hazardous waste. Fluorescent lighting with mercury and PCB bulbs and ballast will be properly disposed. All refrigerants will be recovered per Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 488.
The demolition recycling efforts will include concrete, brick, block, asphalt, metals and clean wood. The project is scheduled to begin the first week of November. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is confident that we will help the client achieve 95% recycling rate through our innovative practices.
Prior to the demolition of 11 multiunit residences, Madison Environmental will oversee the deconstruction of the properties. Materials identified for reuse include: hot water heaters, boilers, decorative trim, hardwood flooring, pine/oak doors, decorative handrails, and miscellaneous door hardware/light fixtures.
The project will include the proper removal of all site hazardous waste. Fluorescent lighting with mercury and PCB bulbs and ballast will be properly disposed. All refrigerants will be recovered per Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 488.
The demolition recycling efforts will include concrete, brick, block, asphalt, metals and clean wood. The project is scheduled to begin the first week of November. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is confident that we will help the client achieve 95% recycling rate through our innovative practices.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Asbestos Abatement at U of I
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has initiated an asbestos abatement job at the University of Illinois. The scope of work includes the gross removal of floor tile, mastic, pipe and pipe fittings. Quantities of ACM consist of 10,120 linear feet of pipe and fittings in addition to 38,290 square feet of floor tile and mastic.
The job should be completed by November.
The job should be completed by November.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Ottawa, Illinois Asbestos Job Finished
Champion Environmental Services, Inc., Project Manager Ralph Nordyke reports that the asbestos abatement of a shuttered bank in Ottawa, Illinois has been successfully closed out on time and without incident.
The project, taking little more than a week, included the removal of contaminated floor tile, mastic underlay, and transite. Champion Environmental Services, Inc., follows all applicable Illinois EPA rules for asbestos abatement delegated through the authority of the USEPA which enforces the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). NESHAP regulates asbestos during demolition, renovation, and disposal.
The ACM removal was performed in preparation for demolition; the cleared land will be used to build a new Ottawa health care facility.
The project, taking little more than a week, included the removal of contaminated floor tile, mastic underlay, and transite. Champion Environmental Services, Inc., follows all applicable Illinois EPA rules for asbestos abatement delegated through the authority of the USEPA which enforces the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). NESHAP regulates asbestos during demolition, renovation, and disposal.
The ACM removal was performed in preparation for demolition; the cleared land will be used to build a new Ottawa health care facility.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
What is Asbestos?
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has been responding to an increasing number of phone calls in our office from building owners seeking guidance as to what is asbestos, what hazards are associated with the substance, and what should be done when the material is discovered.
The information presented here is meant as a brief overview of a very complex issue that has influenced legal and ethical considerations worldwide. This information should not be used for guidance in addressing a perceived asbestos problem. Perform proper due diligence by researching all OSHA, EPA, Federal, state, local, and site-specific rules and regulations. Directly consult the professionals to ensure your issue in adequately addressed. The recent trial in Libby, Montana involving the W.R. Grace & Company is a mere blip on the radar of actionable cases across the globe.
The etymology of asbestos has two derived meanings from the Greek ἄσβεστος; according to the Oxford English Dictionary, asbestos is an adjective meaning inextinguishable or unquenchable. Asbestos has properties that made the substance an attractive product to manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century as it is resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage while providing sound absorption and tensile strength.
Asbestos may be present in a number of building materials according to the EPA, including, but not limited to: joint compound, vinyl floor tiles, sheeting, adhesives, roofing tars, felts, siding, and shingles, fireproofing, caulk, brake pads/shoes, fire blankets, fire door, pipe insulation, concrete, and interior fire doors.
As stated on the EPA web site, asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when asbestos- containing materials (ACM) are damaged or disturbed. When these fibers get into the air they may be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems.
Major health problems associated with long term exposure to asbestos includes,
Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Due to the significant health risks associated with long term contact with airborne asbestos fibers, it is essential that prior to any major renovation project or demolition job, that a comprehensive NESHAP Asbestos Survey be completed by a professionally licensed environmental consultant company.
NESHAP stands for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Prior to any demolition or renovation in a commercial or public building, government regulations state that an asbestos survey must be completed. A licensed inspector will perform the sampling and create a user-friendly report to identify whether the materials tested positive or negative for asbestos containing materials (ACM).
All samples are analyzed by a licensed analyst from an independent third party laboratory which is accredited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and takes part in the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).
Only an experienced, licensed, and professional contractor such as Champion Environmental Services, Inc. should remove identified contaminants. If you suspect asbestos is present prior to a project, contact a local environmental consultant who can properly advise you as to how the “hot spots” should be dealt with.
Despite a number of bans and regulatory measure across the globe, asbestos still maintains an active foothold in the mining industry. According to the British Geological Survey on world mineral production for 2002-2006 released in 2008, 2,300,000 tons of asbestos was mined worldwide [Link to the report: http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/3260/2/FINAL_WMP_2002_2006_COMPLETE_WEB.pdf].
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is pleased to be recognized as a trusted entity acting as a steward of the people and environment in an attempt to create a cleaner, healthier, safer environment for generations to come.
The information presented here is meant as a brief overview of a very complex issue that has influenced legal and ethical considerations worldwide. This information should not be used for guidance in addressing a perceived asbestos problem. Perform proper due diligence by researching all OSHA, EPA, Federal, state, local, and site-specific rules and regulations. Directly consult the professionals to ensure your issue in adequately addressed. The recent trial in Libby, Montana involving the W.R. Grace & Company is a mere blip on the radar of actionable cases across the globe.
The etymology of asbestos has two derived meanings from the Greek ἄσβεστος; according to the Oxford English Dictionary, asbestos is an adjective meaning inextinguishable or unquenchable. Asbestos has properties that made the substance an attractive product to manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century as it is resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage while providing sound absorption and tensile strength.
Asbestos may be present in a number of building materials according to the EPA, including, but not limited to: joint compound, vinyl floor tiles, sheeting, adhesives, roofing tars, felts, siding, and shingles, fireproofing, caulk, brake pads/shoes, fire blankets, fire door, pipe insulation, concrete, and interior fire doors.
As stated on the EPA web site, asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when asbestos- containing materials (ACM) are damaged or disturbed. When these fibers get into the air they may be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems.
Major health problems associated with long term exposure to asbestos includes,
Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Due to the significant health risks associated with long term contact with airborne asbestos fibers, it is essential that prior to any major renovation project or demolition job, that a comprehensive NESHAP Asbestos Survey be completed by a professionally licensed environmental consultant company.
NESHAP stands for National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. Prior to any demolition or renovation in a commercial or public building, government regulations state that an asbestos survey must be completed. A licensed inspector will perform the sampling and create a user-friendly report to identify whether the materials tested positive or negative for asbestos containing materials (ACM).
All samples are analyzed by a licensed analyst from an independent third party laboratory which is accredited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and takes part in the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).
Only an experienced, licensed, and professional contractor such as Champion Environmental Services, Inc. should remove identified contaminants. If you suspect asbestos is present prior to a project, contact a local environmental consultant who can properly advise you as to how the “hot spots” should be dealt with.
Despite a number of bans and regulatory measure across the globe, asbestos still maintains an active foothold in the mining industry. According to the British Geological Survey on world mineral production for 2002-2006 released in 2008, 2,300,000 tons of asbestos was mined worldwide [Link to the report: http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/3260/2/FINAL_WMP_2002_2006_COMPLETE_WEB.pdf].
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is pleased to be recognized as a trusted entity acting as a steward of the people and environment in an attempt to create a cleaner, healthier, safer environment for generations to come.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)