Asbestos Surveys

Many residential and commercial buildings contain some type of asbestos-containing building materials. These buildings may have lower market value, may experience difficulties with tenant leasing and space rental, and may involve potential liability for tenant and maintenance staff exposure. Some building owners, property managers, and lending institutions are reluctant to participate in transactions involving asbestos.

AquaTerra handles client asbestos issues from start to finish. When asbestos is identified, AquaTerra assists the client in managing the material in the most practical and costeffective ways possible. AquaTerra creates a comprehensive strategy for handling asbestos hazards, tailored to individual client needs and health/safety considerations. Our experience in managing asbestos issues shows that full abatement is often only the last resort; usually there are ways to manage the asbestos in-place without full-scale removal.

A preliminary Asbestos Survey can be conducted as a part of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, or as a separate, stand-alone inspection. Asbestos management starts with the asbestos survey, which seeks to fully identify the type, condition, and extent of asbestos-containing materials found on site. The survey involves extensive, targeted sampling to verify the presence of asbestos-containing materials and to determine the quantity and condition of materials present. The completed survey serves as the guide in deciding whether abatement of the materials is necessary. This risk assessment allows us to set priorities for areas requiring removal, and aids in choosing among remedial action alternatives.

If removal is required, AquaTerra prepares detailed removal specifications and cost estimates, assists in contractor selection, and provides on-site project management supervision during removal. Project management provides the interface between the client and the contractor, serving as the client’s eyes and ears during the project. AquaTerra works with tenants to minimize disturbances to daily activities, and oversees health and safety to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state and local regulations. We provide air-monitoring specialists who operate analytical equipment on site for immediate assessment of air samples collected during the abatement process. AquaTerra prepares a final report, verifying that all tasks were completed according to the removal specifications and applicable U.S. EPA guidelines.

For asbestos materials left in place, AquaTerra prepares and implements operations and maintenance (O&M) programs, including material identification, employee training, specialized maintenance procedures, tenant information, and periodic monitoring / inspection. An O&M program details methods to clean up fiber releases, prevent future releases, and monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials remaining in the facility. It also provides guidance on documentation, training, and notification requirements. All programs are designed to meet U.S. EPA and OSHA specifications.