ECC Abatement Process 10.27.2024

Updates from the Etna Center for Community

Weeks of September 30 - October 27, 2024

Above. Positive pressure vent hanging out of second floor windows. The tube vent was connected to an air scrubber machine on the interior.

During the exploratory demolition work, multiple layers of interior finishes were uncovered, including four (4) layers of flooring, six (6) layers of wall finishes, and three (3) layers of ceiling finishes. While hazardous materials like lead and asbestos had been tested for in the exposed layers, the hidden layers behind or beneath were not known until after the exploratory work.

1. Door threshold at the first floor (north), exposed finish is not asbestos tile. 2. Asbestos tile below exposed finish.

The presence of asbestos tile - identifiable by its 9x9 size, oily discoloration, and/or a black mastic - was found in several areas, including the retail spaces, a rear apartment, and a second-floor apartment. Once these potential asbestos layers were exposed, we (ECO) contacted Jim Davis at CORE Environmental to complete the testing.

Above. First floor, south, during asbestos abatement. Air scrubber machine and exhaust tube visible.

The state grants we (ECO) received, GEDTF and LSA, for the demolition phase were not written with the knowledge that there would be an abatement scope. Therefore, the funds could not be used for abatement work. ECO utilized its own on-hand funds from its past fundraisers.

Triton, a certified and licensed abatement company, was selected after receiving two proposals. They completed the abatement for $19,840, which included permitting, work, disposal, and testing.

1. First floor (south) with plastic sheeting. 2. Dumpster with plastic sheeting. 3. Second floor (north) with positive pressure vent.

The Triton team, led by Danielle, Todd, and Bri, executed an excellent and efficient job for this complex scope of work. Asbestos abatement is highly regulated in Allegheny County, and the Triton team managed every step with strict safety measures, ensuring a complete paper trail to satisfy all regulatory requirements. Throughout the project, an independent testing company, Allegheny Global Environmental, conducted the Asbestos Air Monitoring and provided the resulting report.

Above. The original wood subfloor was revealed following asbestos abatement.

The asbestos abatement work was completed within a four-week period, with the majority of the tasks taking place over one week. Permitting was handled efficiently, and the Allegheny County Health Department conducted a final clearance inspection of the site. All results came back clear, including site inspections, reviews of wet cleaning procedures, air sample testing, and residual ACM testing.

After the asbestos tiles were removed, the original wood subfloor was exposed. During the construction phase, a more durable floor finish will be installed, designed to withstand the heavy foot traffic expected in the library and community center.

1-2. Original wood subfloor visible in both first floor spaces after asbestos abatement.

Future work anticipated:

Begin bidding for the selective demolition phase.
Initiate the selective demolition phase of the project.