Management of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Renovation of Apartment Complex
Philadelphia County, PA

When the discovery of concealed asbestos-containing materials halted the redevelopment of a historic apartment complex located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, REPSG provided immediate consulting and regulatory representation services to resolve the situation. The initial focus of these services was the identification and abatement of asbestos-containing materials which, due to the age of the structure, were concealed beneath floorboards and behind walls. REPSG worked in close coordination with the Asbestos Control Unit of the Philadelphia health Department, the client, the construction general contractor, and the specialty trades at the site to ensure that workers and occupants were kept safe as the abatement was conducted. Following the completion of abatement, REPSG removed and disposed of multiple transformers and electrical switchgear containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The successful management of this project to completion demonstrated that these presence of hazardous materials at a construction site does not preclude cost-effective, efficient redevelopment.