Hazardous Materials

“The value of an accurate and thorough hazardous material survey cannot be emphasized enough.  SALEM takes great pride in each and every unique hazardous material survey conducted because we understand the importance of our work to our client’s bottom line.”

As a part of the real estate due diligence process and often times during the remodel or re-development of a property, a hazardous material survey in some form, may be required by a commercial lender, local regulatory agency or a property owner/developer. SALEM’s team of experienced and certified environmental assessors have conducted hundreds of hazardous material surveys throughout the United States of multiple types of properties ranging from single-family dwellings, to multi-tenant shopping centers and large industrial facilities. SALEM’s team of professionals utilize an intimate knowledge of local, state and federal regulations to conduct pre-demolition and pre-renovation Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) and Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Surveys, as well as comprehensive hazardous material surveys used to identify and quantify building components which may contain hazardous materials including, asbestos, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, ozone depleting chemicals and radiation sources.

Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Management Plan

Over the years, SALEM has prepared numerous Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Management Plans for many residential, commercial and industrial buildings in California, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona. An Asbestos and LBP Management Plan typically requires an original inspection (ACM Survey) to determine whether ACMs and LBPs are present within the subject building. Under the plan requirements, the subject building is then re-inspected within a designated time frame (every three years) to re-evaluate the condition of the material. The plan will typically call for yearly notifications to building occupants pursuant to state and local requirements and provide custodial staff with awareness training.  

Asbestos Abatement Final Clearance Air Monitoring

After asbestos abatement activities have been completed within a negative pressure enclosure ("containment"), highly trained SALEM personnel have conducted numerous Asbestos Abatement Final Clearance Air Monitoring projects in general accordance with AHERA protocol. Asbestos Abatement Final Clearance Air Monitoring project settings have included industrial buildings, office buildings, grocery stores, retail strip-shopping centers, multi-tenant commercial buildings, schools, and multi-tenant residential buildings. Asbestos Abatement Final Clearance Air Monitoring is conducted in accordance with CCR Title 8, subsection 1529(f); CCR Title 8, subsection 5208(d); NIOSH 7400 method; and CFR Title 40, Part 763, Subpart E, Appendix A. At the request of the client, final clearance air samples can be analyzed on-site by trained SALEM personnel in order to expedite the completion of the project or be analyzed off-site at a fixed laboratory accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the National Institute for Standards and Technology. Final clearance air samples must be less than or equal to the AHERA established clearance criteria of 0.01 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc) of air in order for SALEM personnel to release the asbestos abatement contractor to remove the negative pressure enclosure.

Hazardous Building Material Survey

SALEM clients typically request a Hazardous Building Material Survey prior to a planned renovation or demolition of a building in order to quantify abatement and hazardous material disposal costs. Hazardous building materials are identified through a combination of sampling and analysis, as well as through a visual inspection. A Hazardous Building Material Survey conducted by one of SALEM’s highly trained and experienced inspectors may identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in ceilings, flooring, mastics, roofing, thermal systems insulation or drywall tape and compound, etc.; lead-based paint (LBP) can be found on both interior and exterior walls; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) usually found in caulking materials, light capacitors and electrical transformers, etc.; ozone depleting chemicals which are typically found in refrigerant systems including air conditioners and cooling rooms; mercury which can be found in thermostats and lighting; as well as radiation sources found in some smoke detectors and exit signage.