EHG

Projects

Environmental Remediation and Historic Preservation

This 1890s former textile mill was undergoing an extensive conversion into residential apartments. The new owners planned to remove the painted brick interior back to its natural brick facing. Knowing the potential cost associated with a chemical peeling of the paint, the owner?s acquired the services of EHG to perform wet abrasive blasting to over 125,000 square feet of surface area.

The work was extremely delicate in nature and had to meet the strict guidelines of the National Park Service. Seeing that there were millions invested in potential tax credits, the owner could not risk the accidental damage of brick interior surfaces to an untried and unknown technology. Additionally, due to the lead content of the paint, they were facing a potentially costly disposal issue.

EHG first prepared the surface of the walls by applying Pretox. This chemical allows for the lead paint to be bound in a matrix which reduces the leachability of metals in paints. Then we utilized the low pressure wet abrasive blasting technique to the interior wall surfaces to remove the paint to the original substrate. Since the blaster only utilizes a small quantity of water mixed with the abrasive, there is little concern for water damage. Additionally, using our experience and expertise in containment construction, we were able to protect the delicate heart of pine floor to prevent damage.

Demolition

North Hills Mall claims to be the first enclosed mall built between Atlanta and Washington, DC. EHG was selected to perform total site demolition, asbestos abatement and hazardous material abatement. The hazardous material abatement included the removal of PCB laden oils from elevator and escalator pits, refrigerants from air conditioning units, old solvents and miscellaneous chemicals as well as PCB ballasts and mercury light bulbs. The work also included removal of several thousand square feet of asbestos containing fireproofing, floor tile, roofing and cementitous asbestos containing materials. The 450,000 square foot structure and 110,000 square foot parking deck was dismantled utilizing conventional methods and still adhering to a demanding schedule.

The most difficult part of the project, involved the hand separation of the mall structure from the occupied department store. Working from boom lifts, our personnel manually separated the story structure from the store without incident.

EHG personnel completed the dangerous project without a single recordable or lost time accident. Due to the successful completion of the base project, we were awarded two other facilities to dismantle as well as the parking deck structure.

We executed a vigorous salvage effort during demolition. First, the owner auctioned off the majority of potential loose salvageable items from within the structure. Once demolition began, we separated all salvageable materials and fully recycled them. The majority of concrete was either crushed to be used as base fill for construction or for clean-fill in other areas in the surrounding community. Approximately 70% of the total debris, based on tonnage, was recycled during this project.

Hazardous Material Abatement

This project provides a classic example of EHG handling all of your environmental remediation needs. Throughout this 18 month project in a 100 year old former textile mill, we provided total turnkey abatement of the environmental hazards posed to the owner. The work included remediation and disposal of hazardous waste, soils, asbestos containing materials, lead paint, the decommissioning of vessels and pipes as well as select demolition of keys areas of the plant.

Our work specifically included:

Another key contributing aspect of EHG, was that we worked with the owners, consultants and the general contractor for the project to identify a cost saving strategy to dispose of thousands of cubic feet of inert debris. Instead of hauling the debris to a landfill and pay tipping fees, the owner wanted to reuse the debris on site to fill in the basement of a large structure, which had been demolished. The State of North Carolina insisted that the debris be free of lead paint. Serving as both a consultant and service provider, EHG identified a tremendous savings by performing our state-of-the-art wet abrasive blasting of the interior wall surfaces, which contained lead paint. Again, this work demonstrates our capabilities to handle all of your complex needs.

Mold/Microbial Abatement

EHG has performed several large remediation projects on the NCCU campus. We began remediation of the 40,000 square foot Willis Hall building where we removed contaminated sheetrock, ceiling tile and other components. The project had complications due to avian excretion contamination, which had been discovered throughout the attic area. EHG also performed select demolition throughout the buildings mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

In March of 2003, with only 24-hours notice, EHG responded with approximately thirty personnel to address severe moisture problems in the Lee Biology Building on the same campus. Our personnel, working hand and hand with the consulting agency, prepared detailed working documents of existing contamination, providing a direction on how to efficiently remedy the occupied building. The work impacted over 35,000 square feet which involved not only mold abatement, but addressed duct cleaning activities, asbestos abatement, select demolition and dropping the relative humidity level from 80+% to within ASHRAE standards.

Later in August, 2003, our management team was requested to assist with identifying potential issues within the 70,000 Square Foot ?New Residence Halls.? With the assistance of the consulting company, EHG began remediation of seven of the ten floors in less than 24-hours notice. Within that time frame, we assembled over 60 personnel working night and day to remediate the areas. The project received extensive media coverage throughout the duration of the project.

Asbestos Abatement

The fourteen story structure, placed in the center of downtown Charlotte, posed a tremendous opportunity for EHG to demonstrate a breadth of capabilities. We were charged with the environmental remediation of the 300,000 square foot structure. Initially the project called for the removal of over 100,000 square feet of asbestos containing flooring and 10,000 linear feet of thermal insulation among other asbestos containing materials. Within a few weeks of the start of our work, the discovery of 40,000 square feet of mastic wedged between the brick curtain walls posed a strategic challenge.

Working at heights up to 140 feet, we began abating the material using modified containment systems to fully enclose sections of the wall as we proceeded with the removal of roofing mastic/waterproofing material. Work had to be coordinated into varying shifts to allow for other trades to work adjacent to our activities. To complicate matters we had to protect a glass enclose atrium which was filled with daily patrons. Working day and night, we completed the task on schedule, even amidst differing odds.

The project also allowed us to show how we can provide the owner with value added services. For example, to allow for the installation of fireproofing to the concrete deck, a foam coating and underlying paint had to be removed. EHG utilized its industrial coating capabilities to quickly and efficiently prove a smooth and clean surface to adhere the new fireproofing.

In all we worked over 30,000 man-hours without a lost work day incident. Coordinated varying complexities around other trades activities and conquered every deadline requested.

Lead Abatement

To date, this project remains one of the most difficult undertaken by EHG. The project consisted of the remediation of lead based paint throughout the property. This included exterior and interior removal. The 100+ year old structure is listed as a historic treasure and was watched closely by the affected preservation groups.

Technical difficulties were encountered while addressing the best methodology for lead paint removal. We made use of a chemical stripping agent, which allowed for the release of lead paint from the substrate utilizing hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. The chemical did not ?burn? or raise the grain of the sensitive wood substrate. Additionally, chemical and extensive handwork was used on the delicate terracotta capitals surrounding the front entrance to the building.

The exterior work posed the greatest challenge. A scaffold system was erected around the entirety of the property. Due to an active school less than 10 feet from our containment area, we had to become innovative in our removal methodologies. The stripper utilized provided a very low odor. The containment system, which in some locations reached almost 40-foot high, was placed under reduced pressure. Work was performed after hours, as a final precaution to protect the occupants next door.

All work was performed around the total renovation of the structure. There were multiple mobilizations and vast changes to the scope of work as we proceeded. All of this work, along with select demolition and asbestos abatement was performed on schedule and under budget.

Environmental Remediation and Structural Demolition

In the summer of 2009 EHG, LLC was awarded the contract for the abatement and demolition of the William Trent Ragland building located on the campus of RTI International. RTI is a private, non-profit global research and development company with its main campus located in the Research Triangle Park near Durham, NC. They specialize in private and government large scale research projects.

Before final demolition started EHG had to abate the building of all of the asbestos and hazardous containing materials. These materials included 30,000 square feet of floor tile and mastic, 10 vibration dampeners, 300 linear feet of pipe insulation, 15,000 SF of textured soffit ceiling, 5,000 SF of roofing and approximately 8,000 linear feet of PCB containing caulking. Asbestos containing materials were not only found inside but surrounding the exterior of the building. This was a challenge for our abatement team as the whole outer shell of the building had to be put under negative air pressure.

With careful planning and the proper use of equipment, EHG was able to complete each phase of the project in accordance with the stringent standards mandated by our client for this facility. EHG utilized a process excavator, one demolition excavator and a Terex off road dump truck to help in the transportation of construction debris. Whenever possible debris was recycled and diverted from the landfill. The wood studs from inside the building were cleaned of all hazardous materials and reused on various other projects. Approximately 10 tons of metal were sent off site to a metal recycling facility. The 4,000 tons of concrete and brick were crushed and reused as backfill for the new building being constructed. EHG utilized an on-site crushing system to achieve a -2” aggregate product.

Environmental Remediation

Environmental Holdings Group, LLC (EHG) was contracted by Tyson Foods, Inc. (Tyson) to remediate and restore Silos 1&2, a Cluster Silo, and the Feed Mill building at the Monroe, NC processing plant. The Silos were over 80’ tall while the Feed Mill Building stood at 130’. Tyson purchased the plant in the late eighty’s from Holly Farms to expand into the North Carolina markets.

The first task of the project was the prompt clean up of the deteriorated debris that had delaminated from the substrate of Silo 1&2 and fallen to the ground. Once the work area had been pre-cleaned the removal of asbestos began. Silos 1&2 had approximately 20,700 square feet of significantly damaged asbestos containing coating on each of them. EHG was contracted to remove all of this material. The coating on the Cluster Silo and Feed Mill Building were not as damaged and could be repaired. EHG worked closely with the client to value engineer and develop a scope of work and that would accomplish their needs of eliminating the asbestos hazard and doing so in a cost effective manner.

EHG utilized both aerial lifts and scaffolding to access the material for remediation. A 4 foot high impermeable catch basin was constructed around the work area(s) to collect and filter water and other waste. The platform of the swing stage was completely contained enabling the crew to eliminate visible emissions and collect the waste being generated. EHG constructed and utilized a three stage decontamination unit attached to the trough system for workers entrance and exit. Waste water was filtered through 20 micron and 5 micron filters prior to being disposed of in a sanitary sewer. Solid waste was double bagged, labeled and properly disposed of as asbestos containing material.

A D-44 Aqua-Miser 15,000 PSI pressure washer was utilized for the removal process. The D-44 is engineered to wash or degrease using water only or an abrasive can be added to remove paints and coatings at highly productive strip rates, while using very small quantities of abrasives. EHG used water only to remove the asbestos containing coating from the substrate. The advantage of the D-44 is the 15,000ps of water pressure along with the low 3gpm water flow. The decreased amount of water usage was paramount on this project, while it limited consumption and waste it also allowed EHG to control the amount of contaminated waste (water) that needed to be contained and properly disposed of. The most difficult aspect of this project is the weather. The project requires a swing stage method of remediation at heights of 12 stories or greater. Following strict safety protocols, EHG ceased all operations when winds exceeded 25 miles per-hour. Because each of the Silos were cylindrical in shape and configuration EHG had to customize the swing stage from a standard two-point adjustable suspension scaffold, to a four-point. Hung by ropes or cables connected to stirrups at each end of the platform swing stages are typically used by window washers on skyscrapers, but still play a prominent role in high-rise construction as well. EHG used (3) three 1,000 pound secure anchorage systems. The weight of the scaffold and its occupants must be supported by both the structure to which it is attached and by each of the scaffold components that make up the anchorage system.

EHG has an aggressive 90 day schedule and anticipates utilizing 6,700 man-hours at the completion of the project with no time lost incidents.

Environmental Remediation and Structural Demolition

The Upton’s department store on Albemarle Road has been vacant for years. Aside from vacancy, the building was also filled with asbestos and city leaders saw it as a draw for criminals and vagrants. In an effort to revitalize the neighborhood, the City of Charlotte issued a grant to Minerva Real Estate to clean-up the 7 acre site.

Minerva Real Estate contracted with Environmental Holdings Group, LLC (EHG) to perform environmental remediation and total structural demolition of a 60,000 square foot commercial single story building built in 1978. This site was the first city grant project of its type in Mecklenburg County. The demolition included the removal of approximately 4,000 square feet of asphalt surfacing that included two entrances and 20 parking spaces. EHG also removed 3,500 square feet of asbestos floor tile and mastic, 50 columns with black mastic and 2,000 square feet of roof flashing.

EHG utilized two 45,000 pound excavators, one front-end loader, one bobcat, and one JLG 60 foot man-lift. At the completion of the project, EHG recycled approximately 80% of the project volumetric rate. All recyclables were separated during the demolition activities. Among the sustainable materials were inert debris, and the ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Under conditions of the city grant program the project had an aggressive 15 day schedule. EHG worked closely with the owner and local county officials to expedite permitting and deployment of equipment. EHG’s workforce worked through the holidays, starting with environmental remediation, allowing demolition crews to have a clear path to immediately begin demolition activities.

EHG completed the project on schedule utilizing approximately 500 man hours with no lost time incidents.

Environmental Remediation, Demolition and Erosion Control

In February of 2009 EHG was hired to do the abatement, and demolition on the Cavalier Apartment Complex located on Chantilly Blvd. in Charlotte North Carolina. This apartment complex had been vacant for years due to several rounds of flooding by a nearby creek. The units were being torn down to make way for a new park for the County of Mecklenburg.

The project consisted of the abatement and demolition of 191 apartment units as well as the demolition of 140,000 sq. foot of asphalt. We were also contracted to do erosion control and cut a 60 foot wide 9 foot deep 2000 foot long swell.

This project utilized many of the capabilities that EHG brings to the table; before the demo work could begin each apartment unit had to be abated of asbestos containing materials. The materials were found in the floor, ceiling tile, walls, mastic, and even on some parts of the roof. To do this EHG had to set up full containment areas and abated each individual unit under full containment. All work was monitored by qualified engineering firms to ensure the safety of the workers and the surrounding neighborhood.

After the careful abatement process of the units was completed, we began the demolition process. Each unit was torn down and hauled off. We were very successful in recycling almost 50% of the non asbestos containing debris, another plus for the citizens and tax payers of Mecklenburg County.  Habitat for Humanity was even involved in removing some of the usable items such as cabinets and windows. So not only did our work make way for a beautiful new park for the Citizens of Mecklenburg County but through our efforts and ability to recycle we were able to help in some aspect in providing someone with a new and affordable home. The project was finished two months ahead of schedule.

Environmental Remediation and Structural Demolition

Approximately 85% of Southern States’ Lumberton NC was at a total loss due to fire damage that occurred on June 28 2009. The building encompassed approximately 55,000 square feet of fertilizer storage space in a steel beam column structure. Approximately 75% of the building was enclosed by asbestos containing corrugated exterior siding and portions of the roof contained asbestos.

Because of the environmental concerns, Southern States took aggressive actions to clean-up the site and contracted with Environmental Holdings Group, LLC (EHG). The site encompassed 5 acres with several surrounding buildings still in operation. Despite the limited space and an aggressive schedule, EHG immediately deployed heavy equipment for environmental remediation and demolition activities. EHG utilized one 60,000 lb Doosan 340 excavator with a processor , two 30,000 lb excavators, one front-end loader, two skid steers, two JLG 60’ man-lifts, one JLG 40’ man-lift, and torch kits.

A unique feature of this project was the 2,500 tons of potassium chloride commonly known as potash, used to increase root growth in agriculture. Southern States took extra precautions and had EHG dispose of the potash valued at $800.00 a ton. One of the most difficult aspects of this project was the close proximity to active surrounding structures. Extra safety measures were taken to ensure the safety of Southern State employees. This also created space constraints for the staging area. EHG managed to safely load and transport over 600 loads of debris under these conditions.

Despite the level of contamination, EHG managed to recycle over 3,100 tons of concrete, 53 tons of wood, 245 tons of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. All recyclable materials were remediated and segregated during the demolition phase to maximize the overall sustainability of the project. The project took 5 months to complete with 6,200 logged man-hours and no lost time incidents.