Lead Investigation and Remediation Activities

XCG was approached by Defence Construction Canada to assist with a Ministry of Labour (MOL) order relating to potential lead contamination and human health risks related to flaking paint and settled dust observed during an unrelated visit to the site. The site was a Federal historic building that was identified to potentially have lead contamination in the form of lead-containing coatings throughout the building and the potential that lead-containing fuels have been used within the building for maintenance of aircraft and vehicle engines.

Based on further discussions with the Client and the MOL, XCG was retained to complete a lead remediation options analysis (LROA) accompanied by an occupational hygiene survey (OHS). The LROA involved a review of the MOL order, site inspections, and the collection of air, paint, and lead dust samples from various surfaces and areas within the building. XCG’s report included a lead remediation options analysis, with the focus on eliminating existing and future lead dust concerns within the building. As part of the options analysis, XCG developed Class “A” cost estimates for each option included in the LROA. The OHS involved the inspection and observation of workplace activities, procedures and controls, noise measurements, and air velocity measurements at fume and dust capture points. A key component of the OHS involved interviews with building users at the time of the OHS to ensure a correct understanding of current operations and how those operations may contribute to building contaminants, and health and safety practices currently in use at the site.

Based on the findings of the OHS and LROA, XCG was retained by the Client to develop project specific lead abatement specifications in accordance with Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) and National Master Specifications (NMS) packages, and detailed contract abatement drawings. A detailed Class ‘A’ cost estimate was developed for the final approved abatement project.

XCG’s abatement services during the lead remediation activities included: meetings, review of the Contractor’s planned enclosure set-up, decontamination facilities, negative air monitoring equipment, waste disposal practices, inspections of enclosure setups, provided direction to the contractor as required to ensure the specifications were followed. During abatement activities XCG completed daily inspections of the enclosures and conducted ambient lead in air monitoring outside of enclosures, inspections within the enclosure as required to monitor abatement activities, inspection of the cleaned abatement area within each abatement enclosure and clearance sampling in accordance with National Master Specifications for this project. XCG diligently provided summary emails outlining the findings of daily inspections, monitoring activities, and clearance results within 24hrs.

To complete the lead remediation on the walls, trusses, and ceilings, the abatement contractor used hand tools and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuums to abate the loose paint and lead-containing dust. The lead-containing floor coating removals were conducted using a BLASTTRAC BDC-654 equipped with a BDC-1216 compact dust collector with a HEPA filter attachment. A handheld grinder equipped with a dust collecting shroud and HEPA vacuum was used in any hard to reach areas that the above noted equipment could not reach.

XCG was able to provide our client with complete environmental services from the first initial discussions with the MOL all the way to the final building restoration.