Columbia University redeveloped a portion of West Harlem to facilitate the area’s revitalization and support the University’s plans to build new academic mixed-use facilities over a 25-year period.
Challenge
GZA completed Hazardous Materials Inventories (HMIs) for more 50+ buildings comprising the redevelopment. The 17-acre area contained an assortment of commercial, industrial, manufacturing and other buildings—many dating to the early 1900s.
Solution
The HMIs located and quantified environmental parameters—including asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead paint, solid and hazardous waste, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and universal waste (UW)—that could impact demolition. GZA observed building structural components: utility systems (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing); interior spaces; building contents; and the suspect materials associated with the building exterior. GZA collected samples of suspect materials if they were present in sufficient quantities to incur a material cost for their removal prior to the building’s demolition.
In consideration of community concerns for public safety in occupied buildings, GZA adopted a two-step investigation approach: an initial, non-intrusive visual investigation of the site, with actual sampling taking place after tenants vacated the space. As part of a Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP), GZA performed background air sampling around the site’s perimeter prior to the planned utility relocation, demolition, foundation excavation and remediation and construction activities to establish existing ambient air quality conditions.
By categorizing and estimating the approximate magnitude of observable conditions, GZA also estimated the costs to remediate identified materials prior to building demolition.
Benefit
GZA’s pre-demolition hazardous materials consulting services were integral to the redevelopment’s progress.
