ESI performed project management and oversight for asbestos abatement at an abandoned powerhouse in an industrial complex located in central New Jersey. The 22-acre industrial complex was, itself, located within a residential neighborhood.

At some point, the USEPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) regarding cleanup of the site. ESI was then engaged by the property owner to plan and oversee remediation activities at the site. Sections of the roof had collapsed, potentially exposing the surrounding neighborhood to contact with asbestos.

To prepare the site for the asbestos remediation inside the powerhouse, the deteriorated roof was secured to remove the danger of falling debris injuring abatement workers within the building. Loose roofing timbers and members were removed, supports shored, and the roof temporarily recovered to prevent any possible airborne release of asbestos fibers from within the building. This was a significant undertaking, as the powerhouse consisted of a single, three-story room encompassing 21,000 square feet.

For years, the collapsed roof opened the interior to the elements, resulting in a floor littered with asbestos, old equipment, and roofing materials.

Work areas were prepared and isolated with required ventilation with HEPA filtration established. Piping insulation was removed and added to floor waste. Asbestos containing materials (ACM) from the floor, contaminated equipment, boiler, and remaining pipe insulation was staged prior to disposal. The building was decontaminated and clearance monitoring was performed to insure no residual asbestos was present.

The entire project was completed within 11 months, with the EPA satisfied that the asbestos within the powerhouse had been properly abated, and was no longer deemed a concern to the community.