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 worker safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worker safety. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Milwaukee Smokestack
This morning, in an unforgiveable subzero wind chill, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. mobilized to start the controlled dismantlement of 186’ smokestack. The proximity of key buildings, nearby rail lines, and above ground industrial service pipes dictated that we rig a robotic Brokk to a crane and work our way down in a top to bottom fashion.
Aggressive winter wind proved frustrating for the crane operator, yet, in time, we were able to sequence an approach that clipped the pace to an appropriate tempo.
The succession of pictures is the raising of the Brokk into place and subsequent production within a half hour. If the winds cooperate, the stack will be down in five working days.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Remnants In Wonder Lake
The final vestiges of the Wonder Lake water tower can be viewed below; this morning, a crew dismantled the bottom of the structure support and removed eight concrete footings. Tomorrow’s work will involve loading out the steel scrap, site restoration and sealing the fire hydrant.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Smokestack Demolition – Milwaukee
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has been retained by a private client to facilitate the asbestos abatement and demolition of a182 foot smokestack in Milwaukee, WI.
Given the placement of a powerhouse which abuts the structure, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will employ the use of specialized equipment throughout the project.
A crane will hoist a “Brokk” to the top of the stack; this machine will then be securely attached to the side of the tower. The remote controlled robotic Brokk will slowly dismantle the smokestack one section at a time. An operator on the ground will direct the movement of the Brokk from a safe distance.
Care will be taken to scaffold nearby structures as an assurance that no damage occurs during the demolition process.
Few companies can offer this expert service on highly technical projects.
A Google Earth image of the smokestack appears below.
Given the placement of a powerhouse which abuts the structure, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will employ the use of specialized equipment throughout the project.
A crane will hoist a “Brokk” to the top of the stack; this machine will then be securely attached to the side of the tower. The remote controlled robotic Brokk will slowly dismantle the smokestack one section at a time. An operator on the ground will direct the movement of the Brokk from a safe distance.
Care will be taken to scaffold nearby structures as an assurance that no damage occurs during the demolition process.
Few companies can offer this expert service on highly technical projects.
A Google Earth image of the smokestack appears below.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Progress At Wonder Lake Water Tower
Significant progress has been made on the deconstruction of the Wonder Lake water tower. Mobilization began on Wednesday, October 13. Prior to being on site, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. conducted a job specific safety assessment to ensure the protection of our workers as well as the neighboring properties.
Constant communication is relayed via radio communication between the laborers performing the torch work, the crane operator, and field superintendent. Daily toolbox meetings are conducted in order to determine what portions of the tower will be dismantled, review safety protocol, and discuss progress.
The local fire department visited the job site to inspect our operations; an additional random safety audit was conducted by our insurance carrier on the second day of work – both entities were fully confident with our approach to this project.
The field team assembled for this project has extensive experience. Each day ends with a debriefing of what went well, each team members responsibility going forward, and a review of what work will take place the next day.
Constant communication is relayed via radio communication between the laborers performing the torch work, the crane operator, and field superintendent. Daily toolbox meetings are conducted in order to determine what portions of the tower will be dismantled, review safety protocol, and discuss progress.
The local fire department visited the job site to inspect our operations; an additional random safety audit was conducted by our insurance carrier on the second day of work – both entities were fully confident with our approach to this project.
The field team assembled for this project has extensive experience. Each day ends with a debriefing of what went well, each team members responsibility going forward, and a review of what work will take place the next day.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wonder Lake, IL
Champion Environmental Services, Inc has been retained by the Village of Wonder Lake, Illinois to remove an aged water tower. The structure is located in a dense region of the neighborhood; as a result, we will not “drop” the tower.
The elevated water tower will be carefully dismantled. All portions of the structure will then be methodically deconstructed on the ground for recycling.
Only our most highly skilled operators, laborers, site safety supervisors, and other associated field personnel will be mobilized for this project. Extreme care must be taken to ensure insure the protection of our workers and the surrounding community.
The effort has a very tight schedule calling for one week of on-site work.
The elevated water tower will be carefully dismantled. All portions of the structure will then be methodically deconstructed on the ground for recycling.
Only our most highly skilled operators, laborers, site safety supervisors, and other associated field personnel will be mobilized for this project. Extreme care must be taken to ensure insure the protection of our workers and the surrounding community.
The effort has a very tight schedule calling for one week of on-site work.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Small Project In Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will begin mobilizing a small crew at the former Lakeview Lanes bowling alley in Pewaukee, WI.The 15,000 square foot building is being demolished on behalf of the neighboring parish. The church will use the land to expand facilities. Champion will finish operations in about one week.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Becher Court Apartment Milwaukee, WI
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has been retained by the Milwaukee Housing Authority to facilitate the environmental remediation and demolition of the multistory Becher Court Apartments located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The project will be broken into two distinct phases.
In the first stage, all asbestos containing material will be properly removed. Additionally, CESI will facilitate the removal of all PCB ballast and mercury. After the environmental abatement, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will defer final sampling/air clearances to the environmental consultant; the consultant acts as a third party quality control monitor – they confirm that we addressed all environmental issues pursuant to DNR, EPA, and OHSA guidelines.
Another environmental challenge also exists in contaminated soil that has been identified on the site. Approximately sixty tons of petroleum dirt will need to be excavated and properly disposed.
The building demolition poses some unique challenges given the height of the structure in relation to nearby – occupied structures. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has developed a strategic approach which will ensure the safety of our workers and those in proximity of the site. Our unique approach to demolition will allow us to achieve a nearly 90% recycling rate on this project.
Below is a picture of the Becher Court Apartments
In the first stage, all asbestos containing material will be properly removed. Additionally, CESI will facilitate the removal of all PCB ballast and mercury. After the environmental abatement, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will defer final sampling/air clearances to the environmental consultant; the consultant acts as a third party quality control monitor – they confirm that we addressed all environmental issues pursuant to DNR, EPA, and OHSA guidelines.
Another environmental challenge also exists in contaminated soil that has been identified on the site. Approximately sixty tons of petroleum dirt will need to be excavated and properly disposed.
The building demolition poses some unique challenges given the height of the structure in relation to nearby – occupied structures. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. has developed a strategic approach which will ensure the safety of our workers and those in proximity of the site. Our unique approach to demolition will allow us to achieve a nearly 90% recycling rate on this project.
Below is a picture of the Becher Court Apartments
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Video of Demolition At Marquette University
This video comes to us from John Krejci of the “Daily Reporter”.
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.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Strong First Quarter for Environmental Work
Champion was recently awarded several environmental projects in Illinois and Wisconsin. A shuttered hospital in DeKalb, Illinois will be given a clean bill of health after we remove extensive quantities of asbestos containing material. The parcel, developed in the late 60’s, reflects typical building practices which were considered prudent: The hallways and patient rooms contain contaminated floor tile and mastic throughout; carpeted office areas are held down by ACM mastic; patches of ductwork insulation throughout the second floor is “hot” and will need to be properly abated. Nearly 200,000 square feet of hospital will soon be under containment in preparation of this project.
On behalf of the Milwaukee Housing Authority, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will be providing asbestos abatement and hazardous material removal services at an 11 story residence tower in preparation of demolition activities. ACM materials is just a portion of this contract as we are also responsible for removal of asbestos PCB bulbs/ballasts as well as mercury switches.
As part of a Job Order Contract agreement with nationwide retail chain JC Penney, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will be abating ACM floor tile and mastic from a store in Peoria, Illinois.
On behalf of the Milwaukee Housing Authority, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will be providing asbestos abatement and hazardous material removal services at an 11 story residence tower in preparation of demolition activities. ACM materials is just a portion of this contract as we are also responsible for removal of asbestos PCB bulbs/ballasts as well as mercury switches.
As part of a Job Order Contract agreement with nationwide retail chain JC Penney, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will be abating ACM floor tile and mastic from a store in Peoria, Illinois.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
Winter Weather and Demolition
Our office has been receiving phone inquires over the past few weeks with regard to performing demolition during the winter months. The main question is, “do you guys work throughout the winter”? The follow up question is a simple “how”?
The first question is easy to respond to, yes; we embody a 365 – 24/7 mode of operation. That being said, there is extensive criteria that allows Champion Environmental Services, Inc. to maintain an industrious pace during wintery conditions. What follows is a cursory overview of how Champion Environmental Services, Inc. functions in unfavorable environs.
While most operations surrounding construction tend to slow during cold the weather months, advances in technology and safe guideline practices – tempered with experience, allows Champion Environmental Services, Inc. to perform demolition despite low temperatures and adverse conditions.
In general, working outside in cold temperatures equates with slow work and more frequent breaks. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. hedges against this assumption through proactive strategic planning that is job/site specific. Our workforce of operators, laborers, project managers, and filed superintendents are fitted with the finest cold weather construction gear which is comprised of warm, breathable materials that is conducive to safe, productive work. Additionally, project managers and field superintendents continually monitor weather and site conditions to determine a sensible approach to the task at hand.
So “how” do we get demolition done with snow on the ground or in icy conditions?
It is imperative that all the workers survey the site prior to starting operations to identify potential road blocks/challenges which may inhibit work or create hazardous situations. Attention to detail, however small or insignificant in appearance, must be noted. A laborer picking bricks who is unaware of a small patch of ice could easily loose his/her footing while sorting/stacking piles and slip. A fall on the sidewalk outside your house is bad enough, but falling on a construction site with debris scattered or while carrying heavy equipment could be serious, or worse, potentially deadly.
As I have noted before, a clean-operable site which utilizes a material segregation plan affords greater efficiency. A winter environment dictates that we sometimes, albeit briefly, use machines to move snow so that pathways are clear to get trucks in/out and keep areas open to separate recyclable items.
Dust suppression during demolition is a delicate issue to address. Freezing temperatures means freezing water; an encrusted citadel would preclude safe operations on any level. Experienced machine operators must be selective while razing a structure. A careful approach can mitigate dust – snowfall can be a beneficial, added deterrent to particulate disbursement.
Ultimately, weather does not determine our ability function, safety drives the decision making process.
The first question is easy to respond to, yes; we embody a 365 – 24/7 mode of operation. That being said, there is extensive criteria that allows Champion Environmental Services, Inc. to maintain an industrious pace during wintery conditions. What follows is a cursory overview of how Champion Environmental Services, Inc. functions in unfavorable environs.
While most operations surrounding construction tend to slow during cold the weather months, advances in technology and safe guideline practices – tempered with experience, allows Champion Environmental Services, Inc. to perform demolition despite low temperatures and adverse conditions.
In general, working outside in cold temperatures equates with slow work and more frequent breaks. Champion Environmental Services, Inc. hedges against this assumption through proactive strategic planning that is job/site specific. Our workforce of operators, laborers, project managers, and filed superintendents are fitted with the finest cold weather construction gear which is comprised of warm, breathable materials that is conducive to safe, productive work. Additionally, project managers and field superintendents continually monitor weather and site conditions to determine a sensible approach to the task at hand.
So “how” do we get demolition done with snow on the ground or in icy conditions?
It is imperative that all the workers survey the site prior to starting operations to identify potential road blocks/challenges which may inhibit work or create hazardous situations. Attention to detail, however small or insignificant in appearance, must be noted. A laborer picking bricks who is unaware of a small patch of ice could easily loose his/her footing while sorting/stacking piles and slip. A fall on the sidewalk outside your house is bad enough, but falling on a construction site with debris scattered or while carrying heavy equipment could be serious, or worse, potentially deadly.
As I have noted before, a clean-operable site which utilizes a material segregation plan affords greater efficiency. A winter environment dictates that we sometimes, albeit briefly, use machines to move snow so that pathways are clear to get trucks in/out and keep areas open to separate recyclable items.
Dust suppression during demolition is a delicate issue to address. Freezing temperatures means freezing water; an encrusted citadel would preclude safe operations on any level. Experienced machine operators must be selective while razing a structure. A careful approach can mitigate dust – snowfall can be a beneficial, added deterrent to particulate disbursement.
Ultimately, weather does not determine our ability function, safety drives the decision making process.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
More From Marquette University
The “Daily News” seems to have keen interest in our efforts on behalf of Marquette University as their photographer John Krejci was out again yesterday documenting the work in progress.
We appreciate the coverage by the “Daily News”.
We appreciate the coverage by the “Daily News”.
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.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Marquette University Demolition
Champion Environmental Services, Inc., in partnership with Opus North, will perform the demolition of four apartment buildings on behalf of Marquette University as part of the new $100 million College of Engineering.
The article below can be found at http://www.globest.com/news/1516_1516/milwaukee/181596-1.html
The author of the article is Katie Hinderer.
"Board Approves $100M Engineering School"
MILWAUKEE-The Marquette University Board of Trustess approved the first phase of the $100 million College of Engineering facility Opus North Corp. has been chosen as the Design-Builder, while Opus Architects & Engineers will serve as the architect of record. Hamel Green & Abramson helped Opus design the project.
Phase one of the project will be the construction of a 100,000-square-foot, five-story building. Four university-owned buildings will be demolished to make way for the new laboratory-focused facility. The building is being constructed using the teaching and research house concept, according to Opus officials. It will have labs, classrooms and student work areas designed to enhance the collaboration between fellow students and staff.
“The facility is organized about a central spine, showcasing dynamic laboratories, and providing collaborative spaces to gather and foster a creative community,” says Terry Helland, director of design architecture for Opus A&E. “The exterior architecture speaks to the lab planning module and the engineering logic of assembly while the repetitive monumental elements and rhythm echo the collegiate gothic architectural vocabulary found elsewhere on campus.”
Marquette University Architect, Thomas Ganey, says “the university expects to break ground for the new building in spring 2010 with initial occupancy planned for August 2011.” The facility will be located on the southwest corner of W. Wisconsin Avenue and N. 16th Street.
Later phases will include a 150,000-square-foot building, which will house classrooms, offices and more labs.
Opus North is a major builder at Marquette. The company is also currently constructing the new Marquette University Law School, set to open during the summer of 2010, and the Joseph and Vera Zilber Hall, a 128,000-square-foot student services and administration buildings, poised to open in November.
The article below can be found at http://www.globest.com/news/1516_1516/milwaukee/181596-1.html
The author of the article is Katie Hinderer.
"Board Approves $100M Engineering School"
MILWAUKEE-The Marquette University Board of Trustess approved the first phase of the $100 million College of Engineering facility Opus North Corp. has been chosen as the Design-Builder, while Opus Architects & Engineers will serve as the architect of record. Hamel Green & Abramson helped Opus design the project.
Phase one of the project will be the construction of a 100,000-square-foot, five-story building. Four university-owned buildings will be demolished to make way for the new laboratory-focused facility. The building is being constructed using the teaching and research house concept, according to Opus officials. It will have labs, classrooms and student work areas designed to enhance the collaboration between fellow students and staff.
“The facility is organized about a central spine, showcasing dynamic laboratories, and providing collaborative spaces to gather and foster a creative community,” says Terry Helland, director of design architecture for Opus A&E. “The exterior architecture speaks to the lab planning module and the engineering logic of assembly while the repetitive monumental elements and rhythm echo the collegiate gothic architectural vocabulary found elsewhere on campus.”
Marquette University Architect, Thomas Ganey, says “the university expects to break ground for the new building in spring 2010 with initial occupancy planned for August 2011.” The facility will be located on the southwest corner of W. Wisconsin Avenue and N. 16th Street.
Later phases will include a 150,000-square-foot building, which will house classrooms, offices and more labs.
Opus North is a major builder at Marquette. The company is also currently constructing the new Marquette University Law School, set to open during the summer of 2010, and the Joseph and Vera Zilber Hall, a 128,000-square-foot student services and administration buildings, poised to open in November.
Demolition Video
Video of our team dropping an elevator shaft on an emergency response job; this initiative is part of an extensive demolition and asbestos abatement project. The work is being facilitated on behalf of a private client and is scheduled to finish late November.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Just In From The Field
A project manager just relayed some photos from a job site out of state for a private client.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Former Trinity School Nursing Dormitory
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. was awarded the demolition of the former Trinity School Nursing Dormitory located in Moline, Illinois. Phase one of the project, asbestos abatement, is scheduled to start next week and should be completed by late November. Following the proper removal of all ACM, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will mobilize equipment to begin demolition. Wrecking is scheduled 95 days and will be contingent on favorable/safe conditions during the winter months to complete the project on time.
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. performs demolition year-round and retains extensive experience to navigate challenging conditions. We will be guided by one principle as we facilitate our projects over the winter months which is reflected in our company motto; “The safety of our workers and those around us will drive the decision making process.”
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. performs demolition year-round and retains extensive experience to navigate challenging conditions. We will be guided by one principle as we facilitate our projects over the winter months which is reflected in our company motto; “The safety of our workers and those around us will drive the decision making process.”
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Cinemark Theater Evanston, Illinois
At 1:30 a.m, Wednesday, October 6, Champion Environmental Services, Inc. will mobilize a team at the Cinemark Theater in Evanston, Illinois to begin removing a portion of the raised concrete flooring.
The selective demolition of the floor will help prepare the theater for the conversion to an IMAX experience. In order to accommodate the new viewing experience, the floor elevation needs to be altered. Our scope includes removal of the existing concrete ramp and raised floor. Grinding may be required to properly take out the leading edge of the slab.
Our workers will protect the surrounding area with a plastic enclosure and the area will be misted with water along with the use of negative air machines to keep the dust at a minimum.
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is not only experienced at full building demolition as we have a division of estimators and laborers who are fully indoctrinated with the essential skill set for selective deconstruction projects.
The selective demolition of the floor will help prepare the theater for the conversion to an IMAX experience. In order to accommodate the new viewing experience, the floor elevation needs to be altered. Our scope includes removal of the existing concrete ramp and raised floor. Grinding may be required to properly take out the leading edge of the slab.
Our workers will protect the surrounding area with a plastic enclosure and the area will be misted with water along with the use of negative air machines to keep the dust at a minimum.
Champion Environmental Services, Inc. is not only experienced at full building demolition as we have a division of estimators and laborers who are fully indoctrinated with the essential skill set for selective deconstruction projects.
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