WRScompass

Project Approach

The scope of the work performed by WRS included:

• Interior cleaning of all vertical and horizontal surfaces with HEPA filtered vacuums and Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) solution

• Exterior excavation to remove lead contaminated soil 

• Provide and maintain site security

• Temporary relocation of residents to local hotels

• Maintaining both clean and contaminated storage areas

• Set up procedures and controls to prevent cross contamination

• Transportation and disposal of contaminated soils

• Provide constant dust suppression measures

• Development of detailed work plans for each residence
  

Initial Walk Through

Prior to any activity the home owner/resident was provided with packing materials, given detailed packing instructions, the carpet to be removed was appraised, and hotel arrangements were made.   A visual inspection of the dwelling was conducted to determine if any unusual or special measures would have to be taken during cleaning activities.  The home owner/resident was given a general explanation of the cleaning methods and techniques to be used on the interior and the porous surfaces that would have to be encapsulated.  The home owner/resident provided details for the exterior cleanup, such as, owner installed underground utilities, cess pools, and buried plant bulbs or tubes, as well as restoration preferences, etc.  
  

Pre-Cleanup Walk Through

Prior to the start of any cleaning activities, inspections were done with the home owner/resident to ensure all items were packed properly, all appraised carpets were present, keys were received to the property and the individual scopes of work were finalized. 

Interior Cleanup

Cleanup activities included establishing controls to prevent cross contamination to areas that were clean or from areas that were in the process of being cleaned.  Carpets (including padding, tack strips, staples and nails) and insulation were removed from the house.   All surfaces in the house were HEPA vacuumed starting at the ceiling of the room and working to the floor.  All surfaces were then washed with TSP solution and household cleaners to remove residue left from using the TSP solution.  Next, all concrete and unfinished wood floors were encapsulated with Leadlock™.  Finally confirmation wipe samples were taken, as necessary, by a third party to determine if the cleanup standard was achieved.   

Exterior Cleanup

The contaminated soil was removed in six inch increments until the cleanup standard was achieved.  A mini excavator was used to remove the contaminated soil.  The contaminated soil was then placed in a skid steer with bucket attachment or wheelbarrows (depending on accessibility to the yard) for removal from the property.  The contaminated soil was transported from the property by dump truck to a pre-determined storage area.  Sampling was conducted by a third party by field screening using XRF.  Before restoration activities began, all equipment was cleaned to prevent cross contamination.  The property was restored to existing conditions or as directed by the EPA.   Final restoration included the placement of sod, mulch, landscape, stone and in some instances gravel for parking areas.

Post-Cleanup Walk Through

After each cleanup was completed, a site inspection was conducted with the tenant and/or homeowner. The tenant and/or homeowner would inspect the exterior restoration, interior cleanup, and identify any damage to personal property.