Let us help you to survey for many of the environmental concerns that can be present in facilities to avoid regulatory fines, occupational exposure, and unwanted pollution
Common hazards typically encountered in facilities include:
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Hazardous Material Concerns:
Spilled Mercury
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Mercury:
Old mercury spills can be an occupational concern, an environmental problem, and lead to regulatory fines when a building is decommissioned. Mercury in construction debris is frequently disposed of in landfills that are not permitted to handle it. Negative environmental impacts in aquatic ecosystems are the major concern when dealing with mercury as it bioaccumulates. Mercury is an insidious neural and environmental toxin, but little attention is paid to it in most laboratories. The Environmental Protection Agency's concerns over mercury’s toxicity is reflected in the regulatory statutes—a reportable environmental release quantity is 2 tablespoons and the hazardous waste determination ceiling (0.2 mg/l) is the lowest of the eight RCRA metals. Surfaces or contaminated pipes (e.g. sanitary and vacuum) must be decontaminated or disposed of as hazardous waste. Since 2002, 3D Enviro has utilized the Ohio Lumex RA-915 Mercury Analyzer to asses the presence of mercury in various settings. This instrument is a highly sensitive, portable atomic absorption unit with a detection limit of 2 ng/m3 mercury vapor. Despite the utility of the Ohio Lumex, detecting mercury spills during surveys can be a challenging undertaking because of mercury’s physical and chemical properties and because earlier building activity or renovations may have covered over spills and masked mercury vapor emissions. Having performed hundreds of mercury surveys over the last two decades, 3D Enviro is the leading expert for detecting mercury with the Ohio Lumex. We have developed proprietary methods to optimize detection. We know where to look for this insidious toxin and how to interpret subtle surficial vapor increases that are often indicative of significant quantities of mercury. These skills allow us to thoroughly identify remedial targets for mercury during Phase 2 operations as well as identify locations that may escape detection but are likely to be uncovered once demolition commences. Our expertise make the transition to Phase 3 remediation more seamless and avoids costly change orders. |
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Asbestos:
Asbestos is a known carcinogen and can present serious health hazards to humans if not handled properly during construction or demolition activities. It also is an environmental pollutant that poses a serious risk to ecosystems as it does not biodegrade over time. |
Asbestos-containing pipe insulation
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Lead:
Lead-based paints are the most common source of lead pollution indoors, resulting in unsafe renovation practices being the most prevalent source of lead exposure. Exposure to lead poses a health risk to both humans and other animals as it accumulates in the body and causes a multitude of health complications. Lead pollution in the environment can also result in a loss of biodiversity. |
Lead-based paint
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3D Enviro are certified asbestos and lead inspectors in Maryland and Washington D.C. We have conducted numerous asbestos and lead-based paint surveys. For lead-based paint surveys, we use our own multi-element XRF that employs a cathode ray tube, instead of a radioisotope source. This machine allows for nondestructive lead analyses.
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PCBs:
Prior to being banned in 1979, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were widely used in building materials and equipment such as electrical insulators, flame retardants, caulks, and hydraulic fluids due to their resistance to heat, moisture, and acids, as well as their properties as a plasticizer. Once PCBs were discovered as toxic, they were classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These man-made organic chemicals can accumulate in the food chain, threatening humans and animals with health risks including cancer, reproductive and developmental complications, immune system dysfunction, and neurological damage. The EPA has reported that caulk used in some buildings for construction, renovations and repairs from 1950 to 1978 may contain unacceptable levels PCBs which are cancer-causing agents. PCB-containing ballasts have also been found in old fluorescent light fixtures. PCB bulk sampling of the concrete slab in transformer rooms should also be conducted in older buildings because the original transformers were filled with PCB-containing dielectric fluid. |
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Types of Hazardous Material Assessments:
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Phase 1: Initial Feasibility Assessment
The primary objective of Phase 1 Assessment is to detect significant hazardous materials expected to be present during Phase 2 sampling. Projected pollutants are chiefly identified through interviews, review of historical documents, and on-site inspections. During Phase 1 assessments, 3D Enviro will pinpoint potential pollutants by analyzing the past activities conducted in each area. We thoroughly review historical documents, focusing on available records of hazardous materials used in laboratories, mechanical spaces, and other facilities and equipment. Next, we perform on-site inspections of buildings to uncover both past and current use of hazardous materials and signs of research-related risks, such as evidence of spills or contaminated zones. A compilation of potentially hazardous items (e.g. batteries, fluorescent lamps, universal waste/hazardous waste, items containing mercury, oil-filled equipment, transformers, and any signs of biological contamination like mold and animal remains) will be documented and visually presented in concise reports. |
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Phase 2: Facility Characterization Assessment
The purpose of Phase 2 assessment is to evaluate potential contaminants and conduct monitoring, sampling, and analysis to determine if (a) contaminants are present, (b) levels are above or below levels requiring decontamination, and (c) the extent of contamination. Detection methods rely heavily on fast, verifiable, field instruments. Our expert understanding of where to look for specific hazardous materials allows us to quickly identify the persistent and toxic chemical agents that are most likely to be found in various facilities. Obtaining accurate sampling results is a fundamental premise for delivering projects on time and on budget. We have created innovative methods that allow for real-time evaluations of hazardous materials, including the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for the analysis of lead surfaces (e.g., lead-based paints) and the Ohio Lumex for mercury detection. We work with many analytical laboratories to obtain hazardous materials sampling results quickly. All data generated from Phase 2 assessments is analyzed to determine the relationship to action levels, extent of contamination, and need for additional sampling and analysis. The results of our surveys are depicted on floor plans or color-coded maps that show areas of contamination. Survey readings are presented in tables that include concentrations above established thresholds or project action levels highlighted for emphasis - i.e., requiring further investigation or decontamination. Phase 2 assessment results are presented in memorandum format. Any analytical laboratory data sheets are supplied with the report and contaminant concentrations are compared with the agreed risk levels and regulatory standards. We map contaminated zones and notify the client immediately if any contaminant poses an imminent risk to personnel or contractors. We quickly work to alleviate risks through the appropriate engineering controls and by expediting the removal of spills or contamination. With the results of sample concentrations and air quality evaluations in each project area, we recommend which hazards should decontaminated and remediated. These evaluations establish the cleanup goals for Phase 3. We include photographic records of the hazardous substances that are identified. Photos are visually powerful tools that illustrate the type and extent of contamination and highlight the areas that should be the focus of Phase 3 activities and/or areas that should be restricted or quarantined. |
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