Prepare a
Demolition & Site Protection Plan
Prepare
a demolition plan that maximizes salvage and recycling of
building and landscape materials. Specify the expected recovery
rate for each material type in the demolition contract.
Where
an environmental audit for hazardous materials and contaminated
soil is required, this stage must be done first. Next audit
the building and site with a person experienced in materials
recovery to identify salvageable and recyclable materials
that can be removed without exposure to asbestos, lead and
other hazardous materials.
Schedule
the removal of reusable and recyclable materials prior to
demolition to maximize the recovery rate. Often insufficient
time is allowed, resulting in wasted materials and higher
landfill fees.
Plan
to protect soils, vegetation and watersheds during demolition
and excavation.
See
Appendix A for solid waste recovery specifications.
Cautions
- Asbestos,
lead, contaminated soils or other environmental hazards
of older buildings may severely restrict feasibility of
salvage.
- All
equipment which may contain mercury, lead, PCBs, radioactive
or other hazardous substances should be properly disposed
by a licensed hazardous waste contractor. This includes
fluorescent lamps and ballasts, thermostats, pipe flashings,
transformers and smoke alarms.
- Economics
and scheduling of construction may restrict time allowed
for salvage.
- Liability
on site typically restricts salvage to insured contractors.
