Designated Substance Survey Summary – Municipal Booster Pumping Station

Toronto and Area’s Asbestos, Indoor Air Quality and Mold Inspection Professionals

Introduction

Environmental Services Group Inc. (ESG) was retained to conduct a Designated Substance and Hazardous Building Materials Survey (DSS) at a Municipal Pumping. The assessment was initiated in preparation for planned upgrades to the facility to meet increased water demands for the Town.

Scope of Work

The survey was conducted to identify, locate, and evaluate the presence of designated substances and hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, silica, mercury, and others, as required under Section 30 of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). This assessment supports the Owner’s responsibility to provide a safe environment for workers involved in construction or renovation activities.

Key activities included:

  • A visual assessment of all accessible spaces within the pumping station.
  • Bulk sampling of suspect materials, including drywall, caulking, tile grout, and gaskets, to test for asbestos content.
  • Collection and laboratory analysis of paint samples to evaluate lead content.
  • General assessment of potential hazardous materials, such as silica, mercury, and mold.

Key Findings

The following materials were identified during the assessment:

  1. Asbestos:
    • No asbestos detected in sampled materials, including drywall joint compound, caulking, and tile grout.
    • Suspect materials in inaccessible areas, such as roofing mastics and concealed electrical components, should be treated as asbestos-containing until proven otherwise.
  2. Lead:
    • Exterior paint was found to be lead-containing (1,640 µg/g). Interior paints and coatings were classified as low-level lead-containing (<1,000 µg/g).
  3. Mercury:
    • Presumed present in fluorescent light fixtures and thermostats, with no evidence of spills or damage.
  4. Silica:
    • Present in concrete and masonry materials. Appropriate dust suppression and personal protective equipment (PPE) are required during disturbance.
  5. Mold:
    • Small areas of mold (<1 m²) observed on fiberglass pipe insulation due to water pooling in the basement. Mold can be remediated following EACC Level 1 procedures.
  6. Chemical Hazards:
    • Sodium hypochlorite (12% solution) stored in the facility poses a potential corrosive and toxic hazard. Proper handling and spill containment measures are recommended.

Recommendations

  • Asbestos: Suspect materials uncovered during renovations must be assessed and removed following Ontario Regulation 278/05. Clearance air sampling is required after Type 3 abatement.
  • Lead: Workers should use appropriate PPE when disturbing lead-containing surfaces. Follow guidelines from the EACC and the Ministry of Labour for lead abatement.
  • Silica: Implement dust suppression techniques and ensure proper respiratory protection for workers handling silica-containing materials.
  • Mold: Remove mold-impacted materials following EACC Level 1 procedures and address water intrusion to prevent recurrence.
  • Mercury: Remove and dispose of mercury-containing equipment in accordance with applicable regulations.
  • Sodium Hypochlorite: Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal procedures, and train workers in emergency response protocols for spills.

Conclusion

This Designated Substance Survey identified key hazards requiring specific controls during the planned upgrades to the Pumping Station. All work must adhere to applicable regulations to ensure worker safety and environmental compliance. Contractors must have experience managing designated substances, and any newly discovered materials must be assessed by a qualified consultant before disturbance.

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