| Contributor:
Karl J. De Looff, CHMM Contact Information:
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| Title
of Presentation: A Standardized Approach for Building
Decommissioning to Achieve Environmental Compliance. Authors: Karl J. De Looff, CHMM and Frederick W. Blickle, PE Key Words: building decommissioning, hazardous waste management, sampling, disposal Abstract: This paper will discuss a standardized approach to building decommissioning. The focus of the paper will be: industrial properties which may have hazardous materials, process sewers, waste water treatment plants, historical spills, asbestos, lead paint, PCBs, and other hazardous or environmental issues. Some of the issues include: · identification of areas of concern and appropriate local, state, and federal laws and regulations for compliance when a building is scheduled for sale, mothball, or demolition, · development of sampling plans and systematic building inspections, · identification of areas requiring decommissioning, · development of specifications, and · conduct and supervision of decommissioning activities. The paper concludes that improperly abandoned properties are readily apparent in major cities. What is not readily apparent is the economic cost to the responsible party due to lowered property value based on environmental impairment, or even more costly CERCLA action. Proper building decommissioning is planning and supervision intensive. This approach will significantly reduce or eliminate a substantial liability exposure for the property owner and return the property to a beneficial reuse condition as quickly as possible. While on the surface there are similarities to a Phase I environmental assessment or a Phase II investigation, building decommissioning is dramatically different in its scope and final result. The goal of building decommissioning is the elimination of potential environmental and safety liabilities. While there may be significant environmental remediation remaining after a building decommissioning is completed, the comprehensive analysis of the property will provide the basis for an effective remediation plan and future property reuse. |