MTA BRIDGES AND TUNNELS
QM-81, Rehabilitation of Tunnel Controls and Communications System at the Queens Midtown Tunnel and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel EPM 19027
Environmental Planning & Management, Inc. (EPM) performed inspections for the presence of asbestos containing materials, lead containing materials, PCB containing caulks, and took an inventory of universal wastes/miscellaneous hazardous materials, as part of the QM-81, rehabilitation of tunnel controls and communications system at the Queens Midtown Tunnel and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel.
The purpose of the inspection was to identify the location and quantity of asbestos containing materials (greater than 1% by weight) in accordance with New York State Industrial Code Rule 56, identify the presence of lead containing paint within the scope of work which may be impacted, in accordance with OSHA Lead in Construction; and conduct an inventory of Universal Waste and Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials which may become waste, including regulated and electronic waste, requiring proper management and disposal.
EPM prepared a report summarizing data collection techniques, analysis procedures, and locations and quantities of confirmed hazardous materials, and then proceeded with asbestos abatement design specifications.
TN-49, Replacement of Roadway Deck in Suspended Spans at the Throgs Neck Bridge
EPM provided environmental oversight associated with the removal of paint containing lead/heavy metals, as well as containment, storage and disposal of waste generated by the lead paint removal operations. The project scope included the staged demolition and replacement of the existing concrete filled deck between the Queens and Bronx Approaches.
EPM personnel ensured that the specified containment was utilized by the contractor for the type of surface preparation being performed. EPM inspected the integrity of each containment and reported the status in the Daily Environmental Compliance Report.
Prior to start of each stage of construction activity, EPM established background noise levels along the project site. In addition, EPM periodically collected ambient noise level readings along the property lines of noise receptors, to verify that the contractor met the requirements of the New York City Noise Code.
BW-39/RK-60, Installation of Facility-Wide Electronic Monitoring and Detection Systems at Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Facilities
EPM performed inspections for the presence of asbestos containing materials and lead containing materials as part of the installation of Facility-Wide Electronic Monitoring and Detection Systems at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Facilities.
The purpose of the inspections was to identify the location and quantity of asbestos containing materials (greater than 1% by weight) within the scope of work that may be impacted (in accordance with New York State Industrial Code Rule 56), and identify the presence of lead within the scope of work which may be impacted (in accordance with OSHA Lead in Construction).
EPM personnel reviewed the 40 percent and 70 percent design drawings for the RK60 and BW39, respectively. The investigations at each facility were limited to the areas that are being impacted by the installation of electrical conduits and associated junction boxes.
EPM prepared a Hazardous Material Survey Report summarizing data collection techniques, analysis procedures, and locations and quantities of confirmed hazardous materials.
RK-65A/RK-75, Reconstruction of Bronx Plaza and Interim Repairs to Manhattan Plaza
at RFK Bridge
EPM provided extensive survey and abatement oversight of asbestos containing materials (ACM) and lead based paint for reconstruction activities at the RFK Bridge approaches. The RK-65A project involved demolition work at the Bronx Plaza and reconditioning of the structural steel to remain at that structure, and the RK-75 project involved demolition of the building located under the Manhattan Plaza and structural steel and concrete repairs.
EPM performed high volume air quality monitoring during all possible lead emitting activities (i.e., blasting, tool cleaning, vacuuming, breakdown of containment, movement of platform).
EPM inspected the containment and decontamination area at the outset of each abatement as required by specification. They ensured that the contractor crew had the proper protective gear and the required licenses when checking in.
Additional work included monitoring for volatile organic compounds during painting operations, observing the dismantling of platforms, and a mold survey. Vaults associated with the bridge structure were sampled for mold prior to occupancy.
Term Contracts Asbestos and Lead
Since 2000, EPM has been continuously awarded 3 year term contracts with MTA Bridges and Tunnels and has participated on over 115 assignments to date. The primary services include lead and asbestos investigation, remediation design, and abatement oversight. EPM has worked at every one of the nine MTA Bridges and Tunnels facilities.
Investigation, remediation design, and abatement oversight assignments have included:
Verrazano Service building and Toll Booth Canopies roofs replacement
Tunnel Ventilation Buildings–Metal and PCB contaminated dust remediation
Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and Tri-borough Bridge toll booths demolition
Queens Midtown Tunnel—various service and administration rooms, HVAC ventilation and associated tunnel lighting work
Most notably, EPM prepared System Wide Blanket Variances for the abatement of all non-friable materials; one for exterior projects and another for interior projects.
Architectural On-Call
EPM has been awarded various on call contracts with many architectural firms. The general scope of work is to provide environmental inspection, and support services on an as-needed basis.
Some projects assigned include:
Cleaning, painting and lead removal for the Throgs Neck Bridge Dehumidification System for Main Cable Splays and Elimination of Water Infiltration into Anchorage Value Engineering Workshop.
Remediation design documents and oversight for the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel Rehabilitation of the Tunnel Walls, Roadways, Drainage, Ceiling and Fire Line.
Lead and asbestos oversight for Service Building Alterations at the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.
Comprehensive investigation of hazardous materials to be impacted by the installation of rotating prism signs on Toll Booth Canopies at four facilities.
Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
EPM has provided environmental monitoring and construction inspection services on several projects at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge including cleaning and painting of the Lower Towers project, below the road surface.
The scope of work included monitoring the disturbance, removal, storage and disposal of lead containing paint, and other materials containing lead, PCBs and other heavy metals, all located on the exterior and interior of the lower tower legs and struts.
EPM's monitored the containment during the course of the blasting, provided high volume air monitoring (PM-10, TSP, TSP-Lead), visible emissions monitoring, and regulated area monitoring.
In addition to ensuring proper removal and collection of the hazardous materials in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, EPM also tracked their testing, classification, storage, transportation off-site, and disposal.
Throgs Neck Bridge
EPM provided lead abatement oversight for the Interim Repairs at Throgs Neck Bridge Bronx orthotropic steel deck approach spans. This project also included monitoring localized paint removal at the Queens approach.
During abrasive blasting of lead based coatings, EPM’s key tasks included visible emissions assessments, high volume air sampling for TSP-Lead (Total Suspended Particulates), and Particulate Matter (PM-10), and regular inspections of hazardous waste storage areas. Paint surface cleaning required an SP-10 surface preparation and a Class 1A containment, per SSPC guidelines.
EPM also set up several monitoring stations in the general area to measure ambient noise levels during blasting to verify the effectiveness of an alternative noise mitigation plan, in response to concern by the general public.
Our ECR (Environmental Compliance Representative) periodically reviewed the contractor’s adherence to approved health and safety plans, air monitoring, site specific environmental regulations, and assessment results from lead disturbance activity with on-site consultant staff.