Design and Bidding of PCB Abatement Projects for Building ...

What is the overall project goal?• Demolishing/renovating a building• Replacing building components• Mitigating exposure to remainingPCB materials• Adhering to a tight schedule• Minimizing overall project costs

Self-Implementing Approach• Evaluate completeness of data set.• EPA may require additionalcharacterization data (schedule impacts).• Correspond with EPA on design intent.• Prepare PCB Abatement specificationbased on SIP.• Incorporate approved SIP into bidpackage.• Clearly delineate extent of removal usingdrawings and details.• Include time for verification sampling insequence of work.

Performance-Based Approach• Prepare design plans and specifications for bid.• Clearly define extent of removal for bulk productand substrate.• If extent is well defined, bid work as lump sum.• Remove more substrate - save time onverification sampling.• Require Abatement Work Plan submittalfrom contractor.• Include time for verification sampling insequence of work.• Specify requirements for containment,monitoring, and waste disposal.

Risk-Based Approach• Typically used for more complicated projects.• Involve Risk Assessor.• Collect data sufficient to perform risk assessment.• Follow EPA checklist for preparing Risk-Based Cleanup Plans.• Include sufficient time in project schedule for Plan approval (can beup to 6-9 months).• Incorporate approved Plan into bid specifications package.• Clearly define extent of removal and/or encapsulation.

Abatement Drawing and Details• Provide plans showing full extent of impacted material removal.• Include supporting details (e.g., sawcutting and removal of caulkedexpansion joints, brickwork around windows, etc.).

Abatement Specifications• Incorporate approved SIP or Risk-Based Plan.• Specify requirements for Contractor Work Plan submittal.• Specify requirements for Work Area protection, containment, airmonitoring, and equipment decon.• Provide specifications for encapsulation products (if required).• Include requirements for waste handling and disposal.• Means and methods are up tocontractor, however, specifysequence of material removal,and verification testing wherenecessary.cleanup,

Lessons Learned“…vacuum clean all surfaces prior to commencing abatement activities...”“…vacuum remove all loose caulk debris and dust…”“…work area shall be inspected by Engineer for acceptance prior to commencing next activity…”

Considerations for Public Bid• Prequalify contractors – experience is key.• Has contractor submitted EPA-approved Work Plans?• Contractor team includes environmental professionals(sampling, monitoring, documentation).• Bid pricing – bid item flexibility (additional materialremoval, adjustment class items, confirmatory sampling).• Oversight is very important.

PCB Disposal Rule UpdatePCB-impacted substratematerials can now bedisposed of with bulk productwaste at state-permitted nonhazardouswaste landfills.Simplifies specificationlanguage – streamlines wastemanagement – reducesdisposal costs.

Contact Information:Brian J. McCormack, P.E.Project ManagerWeston & Sampson®5 Centennial Dr.Peabody, MA 01960Mobile: 617-899-9403Office: 978-532-1900 Ext.2329Fax: 978-977-0100Email: mccormackb@wseinc.comQuestions?