INTRODUCTION

What is environmental remediation?

In simple terms, environmental remediation is the removal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances from a job site. The goal is to minimize waste, protect workers, safeguard the public, and prevent environmental harm.

This process is essential in industrial demolition. It ensures that contaminated materials are safely managed, instead of turning an entire site into hazardous waste.

COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION SUBSTANCES

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), passed in 1976, is the main U.S. law regulating hazardous waste. It requires that:

Hazardous waste cannot be diluted or mixed with other debris
Any waste derived from hazardous waste must also be managed as hazardous waste

If regulated waste is not removed before demolition, the entire debris stream could be classified as hazardous, leading to massive disposal costs and safety risks.

WHY ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION MATTERS

Universal Waste

Called “universal” because it’s nearly everywhere, this includes:

Fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts
Mercury switches
Smoke detectors
Lead batteries

Universal wastes are hazardous but often recyclable, which makes their management different from other regulated waste.

Asbestos

Used widely from the 1800s through the 1970s, asbestos remains a concern today. Regulations require:

Thorough inspections before demolition
Removal of regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) before work begins
Compliance with federal and stricter state laws where applicable

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

PCBs were manufactured from 1929 until their ban in 1979. They can be found in:

Electrical components like capacitors and transformers
Caulks, sealants, and coatings
Some paints

Any material with 50 ppm or more of PCBs is treated as hazardous waste.

Lead Paint

Lead-based paint is common in older structures. If it is loose or peeling, it must be removed and disposed of carefully to prevent contamination of soils and demolition debris.

HOW TOTAL WRECKING HANDLES HAZARDOUS WASTE

Total Wrecking begins with an in-depth review of all environmental data, site conditions, and inspection reports. From there, a collaborative team develops a comprehensive plan that covers:

Waste identification and classification
Safe removal and handling methods
Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
Packaging, storage, transport, and disposal requirements

This team includes:

Managing Member: Oversees risk, communication, and finances
Project Managers: Handle permitting, scheduling, and notifications
Superintendents: Apply decades of field experience to plan execution
Safety Director: Ensures compliance with OSHA, EPA, and worker safety standards
On-Site Safety Personnel: Develop task-specific Job Safety Analyses (JSAs)

SAFE REMOVAL WITHOUT CREATING MORE HAZARDS

Every remediation project requires a task-specific work plan. These plans identify the safest methods for removal and include measures to prevent:

Dust emissions
Vapor releases
Cross-contamination

For example, contaminated soil may be:

Placed in a contained, lined holding area
Loaded directly into trucks for immediate disposal after pre-sampling

Even administrative steps, like properly filling out waste manifests, are critical to ensuring safety and accountability.

WILL THE WORK FULLY REMEDIATE THE MATERIAL?

Yes — but only with the right controls in place.

Total Wrecking uses methods such as:

Limiting exposure areas
Employing protective equipment
Adjusting for site-specific factors like wind direction
Choosing mechanical vs. manual removal carefully (e.g., for asbestos)

Improper handling could turn a low-risk material into a lifelong liability.

RECORD KEEPING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability is critical. Total Wrecking provides detailed documentation, including:

Waste manifests with chain of custody records
GPS coordinates, depths, and sampling data for excavated materials
Worker certifications for anyone handling hazardous waste
Daily site logs detailing weather, activities, safety checks, and issues

Because hazardous waste liability is cradle-to-grave, owners remain accountable even after disposal. That’s why proper documentation is essential.

CONCLUSION

Environmental remediation is not just part of demolition — it’s the foundation of a safe, compliant, and successful project.

By working with an experienced contractor like Total Wrecking, owners can:

Reduce risks
Minimize costs
Protect workers, communities, and the environment

If you’re planning an industrial demolition project and need environmental remediation expertise, contact us today to start the conversation.

What You Want to Know About Environmental Remediation

1. What is environmental remediation?

Environmental remediation is the process of removing pollution or contaminants from soil, groundwater, sediment, or surface water to protect human health and restore the environment. It involves technologies and methods tailored to specific contaminants and site conditions, ensuring that polluted areas can be redeveloped or returned to their natural state.

2. What are the two main types of remediation?

The two main types of remediation are:

In-Situ Remediation: Treating contamination directly at the site without removing soil or water. This approach minimizes disruption and is cost-effective for specific pollutants.
Ex-Situ Remediation: Excavating contaminated materials like soil or pumping out groundwater for treatment at another location, offering more control over remediation methods.

3. How does soil remediation work?

Soil remediation involves removing or neutralizing contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Techniques include:

Physical methods: Excavation or soil washing.
Chemical methods: Using oxidation or stabilization agents.
Biological methods: Employing microorganisms for bioremediation to naturally break down pollutants.

4. How is groundwater contamination treated?

Groundwater remediation methods include:

Pump and Treat: Contaminated groundwater is pumped to the surface, treated using filtration or chemical methods, and reintroduced.
In-Situ Treatments: Injecting oxidants or bioremediation agents to degrade pollutants underground.
Barrier Systems: Installing physical barriers to prevent the spread of contaminants.

5. What role does bioremediation play in cleanup efforts?

Bioremediation uses microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to degrade pollutants in soil and water. It’s particularly effective for organic contaminants like oil and hydrocarbons. This environmentally friendly method enhances natural processes, reducing reliance on chemical or physical remediation.

6. What are the common challenges in environmental remediation?

Challenges include:

Complexity of Contaminants: Mixed pollutants often require a combination of techniques.
Cost: Large-scale projects like Superfund sites can be expensive.
Regulatory Compliance: Meeting stringent environmental laws and standards can complicate projects.
Site Accessibility: Some contaminated sites are hard to reach or require extensive preliminary assessments.

7. How long does environmental remediation take?

The timeline for remediation varies depending on the extent of contamination, the chosen method, and site conditions. Smaller spills might be addressed within weeks, while large, complex sites like brownfields or Superfund sites can take several years to fully remediate.

Environmental Remediation: what it is and how does it work

Who is Accountable for It?

There is no use in looking for someone to blame, since most causes of environmental hazard comes from multiple sources and chains of events. Everyone involved must sign it.

ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW