Decontamination, Asbestos Abatement and Demolition of a Former Fertilizer and Pesticide Manufacturing Plant

Site
Former Manufacturing Plant, Vernon, CA
Contract Amount
$1,700,000
Key Features
Phase 1 – Above ground decontamination and demolition
  • Extensive decontamination effort to remove residual fertilizer and pesticide residues prior to structure demolition. All decontamination work performed in Level C PPE
  • Asbestos and lead abatement of approximately 30,000 SF of non friable ACM
  • Dismantlement of steel conveyors and work platforms at height of 60 feet. AIS utilized hydraulic crane and oxy/propane torch cutting techniques to segment and dismantle each platform
  • Mechanical demolition of over 35,000 SF of industrial buildings
  • Work performed with elevated scrutiny from SCAQMD due to proximity to highly visible environmental cleanup project located approximately ¼ mile away

​Phase 2 – Subsurface remedial excavations and continuing demolition
  •  Removal of chlordane impacted soils requiring incineration; chlordane excavation work performed in Level B PPE
  •  Removal of over 2,000 cubic yards of VOC impacted soils
  •  Removal of over 3,000 tons of concrete foundations and floor slabs
  •  Restoration of site including contouring for drainage and stabilization of surface soils using 3” crushed rock cover.
The facility was located on 2.5 acres of land in an industrial zoned area of Vernon, CA. Twelve separate buildings totaling 35,000 SF that were used for blending and loading bulk shipments of fertilizer and pesticide were cleaned and razed over the 9-week period. Site contaminants included asbestos, lead, universal wastes, chlordane, DDT, and ammonia nitrate. The chlordane concentrations in soils required the waste stream be shipped to an incineration disposal unit. Unique challenges of the above grade demolition included mitigating fugitive dust emissions. AIS employed our Dust Boss Misting system to suppress during structural demolition.

This project was located in close proximity (1/4 mile) to a highly visible clean-up project being overseen by the SCAQMD and DTSC, bringing additional agency scrutiny to this site. AIS was able to remove the buildings and achieve the cleanup goals on schedule while staying in full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

The below grade remedial plan was performed with continued DTSC and AQMD oversight. VOC monitoring was required during all excavation activities. A slot excavation technique was used to mitigate potential for undermining adjacent buildings and rail spur.