PCBs in Building Caulk
At one time caulk was manufactured to contain PCBs because they imparted flexibility. PCB-containing caulk was used as a joint sealant in various architectural applications, including around windows, and masonry expansion joints.
It is known that caulk containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was used in some buildings, including schools, in the 1950s through the 1970s. Buildings built after 1980 are less likely to contain caulk that contains PCBs. Caulk is a flexible material used to seal gaps to make windows, masonry and joints in buildings and other structures watertight or airtight. To date it has been found in buildings in the northeastern United States and in joints in concrete water storage basins in the western United States.
* If you believe the caulk in your school or building was manufactured before 1978, when PCBs were banned, you may wish to have the caulk tested by a chemical analysis laboratory.
* If PCBs are found in the caulk, avoid regular touching of the caulk, clean it up properly and safely, and make plans to remove the caulk.
* When PCB-containing caulk is removed and disposed of, it should be done with care to avoid contamination of surrounding materials such as floors, wood, bricks, mortar or soil.
The Mack Group, LLC offers Nationwide PCB Caulk Removal Services
The Mack Group, LLC offers a complete solution to your pcb caulk removal and disposal needs. We have trained and experience technicians that can safely and efficiently remove the pcb caulk materials and then properly dispose. We can also perform asbestos removal, asbestos abatement, surveys, testing and sampling.
Please contact us for an estimate, proposal or firm bid. We operate on a nationwide basis.
Contact Information:
The MACK Group, LLC - Corporate Main Office
1500 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 209
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 877-759-MACK
Fax: 973-759-5554
Web: http://www.mackgrp.com
Email: sking@mackgrp.com
Showing posts with label pcb caulk removal contractors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pcb caulk removal contractors. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
PCB Caulk Removal Contractor Services Nationwide
At one time caulk was manufactured to contain PCBs because they imparted flexibility. PCB-containing caulk was used as a joint sealant in various architectural applications, including around windows, and masonry expansion joints.
It is known that caulk containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was used in some buildings, including schools, in the 1950s through the 1970s. Buildings built after 1980 are less likely to contain caulk that contains PCBs.
Caulk is a flexible material used to seal gaps to make windows, masonry and joints in buildings and other structures watertight or airtight. To date it has been found in buildings in the northeastern United States and in joints in concrete water storage basins in the western United States.
* If you believe the caulk in your school or building was manufactured before 1978, when PCBs were banned, you may wish to have the caulk tested by a chemical analysis laboratory.
* If PCBs are found in the caulk, avoid regular touching of the caulk, clean it up properly and safely, and make plans to remove the caulk.
* When PCB-containing caulk is removed and disposed of, it should be done with care to avoid contamination of surrounding materials such as floors, wood, bricks, mortar or soil.
The Mack Group, LLC offers Nationwide PCB Caulk Removal Services
The Mack Group, LLC offers a complete solution to your pcb caulk removal needs as well as asbestos removal, asbestos abatement, surveys, testing and sampling, and disposal.
Contact Information:
The MACK Group, LLC
1500 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 209
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 973-759-5000
Fax: 973-759-5554
Web: http://www.mackgrp.com/
Email: sking@mackgrp.com
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Evaluating Properties for Presence of PCBs
The following are exerpts from a press release dated December 21, 2007 from The New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA)
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) is launching an initiative to ensure that its environmental engineering consultants are fully aware of the most current and comprehensive methods of evaluating properties where polychlorinated biphenyls, better known as PCBs, may be present.
The SDA's initiative to heighten awareness of PCB-containing materials and items stems from recent discussions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding a Consent Agreement and Final Order being finalized between SDA and EPA.
Steps by the SDA are geared toward ensuring that potential sources of PCBs are identified early in a demolition or construction project, that testing and disposal occur promptly after such potential sources are identified, and that the relevant authorities are properly notified of PCB-handling activities in a timely fashion.
Generally, the assessment of PCBs in building materials and fixtures is not a routine practice, nor is it currently required by law. However, the SDA has long required that its environmental consultants evaluate developed properties to identify certain building elements, namely older industrial lighting fixtures and electrical transformers, which are recognized as the most common sources of PCB-containing material.
According to the EPA, more than 1.5 billion pounds of PCBs were produced in the United States before manufacturing ended in the late 1970s. Due to their excellent electrical insulating properties and durability, PCBs were widely used in electrical equipment such as transformers. Use of PCBs was banned upon discovery of various human health effects. In discussions with SDA representatives, EPA inspectors disclosed that they now believe that PCBs might be present in more building materials than previously suspected.
Using EPA's recent PCB Inspection Manual as a comprehensive reference, the SDA is initiating training of its environmental engineering consultants and staff on the proper inspection, identification, notification and disposal practices for PCBs. This training is intended to alert consultants to the potential presence of PCBs in building materials, besides light fixtures and transformers, that are not commonly understood to contain PCBs.
The complete press release can be found at www.njsda.gov/Archive/2007/12/12.21.07/nr_12.21.07.htm
If you have PCB containing or contaminated building materials, please feel free to contact The Mack Group, LLC (MACK). MACK offers nationwide PCB contaminated building material removal services including PCB containing caulk, roofing materials, paints, ballasts, etc. The company also performs asbestos removal, asbestos abatement, surveys, testing and sampling, and disposal.
Contact Information:
The MACK Group, LLC
1500 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 209
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 973-759-5000
Fax: 973-759-5554
Web: http://www.mackgrp.com/
Email: sking@mackgrp.com
Sunday, August 17, 2008
PCBs in Caulk - Schumer Calls for EPA to Set Guidelines
The following are exerpts from a press releases from July 19, 2007 which readers might find relevant:
Schumer Calls On EPA To Drop Backbreaking Fines Against Yorktown School District And To Set Clear National Guidelines For Removal Of PCB-Laden Caulk
PCB in Caulk, which was Commonly Used in Construction Projects Prior to 1977, was Recently Located in Debris from Yorktown School Renovations
With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threatening to unfairly levy backbreaking fines and penalties against the Yorktown Central School District, due to the discovery of PCB-laden caulk in renovation debris at a local school, today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the agency to refrain from imposing any fines. Five years ago, during renovations at the French Hill Elementary School, a piece of caulking debris was privately tested and found positive for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), spurring the district to voluntarily remove large volumes of soil at a cost to taxpayers of $300,000.
Since that time, the EPA has threatened the Yorktown Central School District, without regulatory basis, with additional fines and penalties if it does not test additional caulking in the district for PCBs.
Today, Senator Schumer sent a letter to the EPA calling on it to refrain from threatening unfair fines against the school district and instead to set clear guidelines on removing PCB-laden caulk to assist school districts, like Yorktown, in cleaning up the material.
“The EPA has put the cart before the horse with regard to the Yorktown School District. You can’t follow the rules when the rulebook has not been written yet,” said Senator Schumer, who pointed out that no clear guidelines exist for removing PCB-laden caulk. “Common sense and fairness dictates that the EPA must refrain from imposing any fines against the Yorktown Central School District until it puts in place the necessary regulations for the removal of PCB-laden caulk. To my knowledge, no other school district in the state, or the country, is being asked to do the same.”
More than five years ago, the Yorktown District undertook a renovation project on its French Hill Elementary School. Following requirements and regulations established by the NYS Education Department, tests were conducted on the caulking material on the windows to be removed. Neither asbestos nor lead-containing materials were found, and the windows were disposed of as normal construction debris.
However, after new windows were installed, a local resident tested a piece of caulking debris and found it to contain the carcinogenic toxin, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs). The district then voluntarily and proactively removed large volumes of soil at a cost of $300,000, even though the New York State Education Department does not require school districts to identify or remediate PCBs during construction projects and EPA regulations do not speak to the issue.
Despite PCB-laden caulk being commonly used in construction projects prior to 1977, currently the EPA has no regulations on the removal of it. In his letter to EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, Schumer also argued that the Yorktown School District violated no New York State Education Department standard in its handling of the matter. In fact, the Senator contended that the district should be credited for going beyond state requirements in dealing with pre-1977 construction materials.
After being contacted by Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, and the Yorktown Central School District, Schumer sent an inquiry to the Environmental Protection Agency in May.
“I am baffled as to what grounds the EPA has for threatening fines,” Schumer continued. “And I am again calling on the EPA to promptly articulate clear, nationwide standards for the removal of PCB-laden caulk.”
###
Source: www.schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=280411
Schumer Calls On EPA To Drop Backbreaking Fines Against Yorktown School District And To Set Clear National Guidelines For Removal Of PCB-Laden Caulk
PCB in Caulk, which was Commonly Used in Construction Projects Prior to 1977, was Recently Located in Debris from Yorktown School Renovations
With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threatening to unfairly levy backbreaking fines and penalties against the Yorktown Central School District, due to the discovery of PCB-laden caulk in renovation debris at a local school, today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the agency to refrain from imposing any fines. Five years ago, during renovations at the French Hill Elementary School, a piece of caulking debris was privately tested and found positive for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), spurring the district to voluntarily remove large volumes of soil at a cost to taxpayers of $300,000.
Since that time, the EPA has threatened the Yorktown Central School District, without regulatory basis, with additional fines and penalties if it does not test additional caulking in the district for PCBs.
Today, Senator Schumer sent a letter to the EPA calling on it to refrain from threatening unfair fines against the school district and instead to set clear guidelines on removing PCB-laden caulk to assist school districts, like Yorktown, in cleaning up the material.
“The EPA has put the cart before the horse with regard to the Yorktown School District. You can’t follow the rules when the rulebook has not been written yet,” said Senator Schumer, who pointed out that no clear guidelines exist for removing PCB-laden caulk. “Common sense and fairness dictates that the EPA must refrain from imposing any fines against the Yorktown Central School District until it puts in place the necessary regulations for the removal of PCB-laden caulk. To my knowledge, no other school district in the state, or the country, is being asked to do the same.”
More than five years ago, the Yorktown District undertook a renovation project on its French Hill Elementary School. Following requirements and regulations established by the NYS Education Department, tests were conducted on the caulking material on the windows to be removed. Neither asbestos nor lead-containing materials were found, and the windows were disposed of as normal construction debris.
However, after new windows were installed, a local resident tested a piece of caulking debris and found it to contain the carcinogenic toxin, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs). The district then voluntarily and proactively removed large volumes of soil at a cost of $300,000, even though the New York State Education Department does not require school districts to identify or remediate PCBs during construction projects and EPA regulations do not speak to the issue.
Despite PCB-laden caulk being commonly used in construction projects prior to 1977, currently the EPA has no regulations on the removal of it. In his letter to EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, Schumer also argued that the Yorktown School District violated no New York State Education Department standard in its handling of the matter. In fact, the Senator contended that the district should be credited for going beyond state requirements in dealing with pre-1977 construction materials.
After being contacted by Westchester County Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, and the Yorktown Central School District, Schumer sent an inquiry to the Environmental Protection Agency in May.
“I am baffled as to what grounds the EPA has for threatening fines,” Schumer continued. “And I am again calling on the EPA to promptly articulate clear, nationwide standards for the removal of PCB-laden caulk.”
###
Source: www.schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/pressroom/record.cfm?id=280411
Thursday, August 14, 2008
PCBs in Building Caulk and Removal Services
PCBs in Building Caulk
At one time caulk was manufactured to contain PCBs because they imparted flexibility. PCB-containing caulk was used as a joint sealant in various architectural applications, including around windows, and masonry expansion joints.
It is known that caulk containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was used in some buildings, including schools, in the 1950s through the 1970s. Buildings built after 1980 are less likely to contain caulk that contains PCBs.
Caulk is a flexible material used to seal gaps to make windows, masonry and joints in buildings and other structures watertight or airtight. To date it has been found in buildings in the northeastern United States and in joints in concrete water storage basins in the western United States.
* If you believe the caulk in your school or building was manufactured before 1978, when PCBs were banned, you may wish to have the caulk tested by a chemical analysis laboratory.
* If PCBs are found in the caulk, avoid regular touching of the caulk, clean it up properly and safely, and make plans to remove the caulk.
* When PCB-containing caulk is removed and disposed of, it should be done with care to avoid contamination of surrounding materials such as floors, wood, bricks, mortar or soil.
The Mack Group, LLC offers Nationwide PCB Caulk Removal Services
The Mack Group, LLC offers a complete solution to your pcb caulk removal needs as well as asbestos removal, asbestos abatement, surveys, testing and sampling, and disposal.
Contact Information:
The MACK Group, LLC
1500 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 209
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Tel: 973-759-5000
Fax: 973-759-5554
Web: http://www.mackgrp.com/
Email: sking@mackgrp.com
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