From baseline asbestos containing materials (ACM) surveys and lead-based paint surveys to comprehensive building pre-demolition surveys and construction support services, SEC can provide the consulting services that you need.  SEC’s expertise comes from several years of experience with projects that involved demolition, renovation, and improvements to a variety of commercial, residential, and institutional facilities.   We are Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)-certified asbestos building inspectors with over 15 years of experience in the environmental service industry.  During this time, we have gained extensive experience conducting, managing, and supporting hazardous building materials-related projects across Washington, Oregon, and California.  

OUR APPROACH

Our approach is methodical.  SEC has developed a streamlined system to identify and quantify asbestos and lead-based paint in buildings, which we believe would benefit the City of Portland. Our solution typically includes the following components:

Detailed Records Review:  SEC typically begins asbestos and lead-based paint studies with a review of available building plans and information.  In our opinion, the City of Portland has done an excellent job of archiving historical property information.  In many cases, original building materials (often hidden behind newer surfaces) are already documented. 

Review of Previous Reports:  When available, SEC reviews previously completed reports related to asbestos and lead-based paint.  Although verification and additional samples are often still recommended, the results of previous studies can be  used as the basis for the next round of sampling. 

Sampling Plan Development:  Prior to commencement of field work, SEC will walk through a structure to identify suspect asbestos and lead-based paint containing materials.  In order to determine the appropriate quantity and type of samples necessary to characterize a building, SEC relies on guidance documents provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Section of the International Association for Testing Materials (ASTM) to develop an appropriate sampling plan.

Sampling and Reporting:  Samples are collected after the sampling plan has been developed.  Both asbestos and lead-based paint samples can be submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis.  If needed, SEC can also test painted surfaces for the presence (or absence) of lead in the field using direct-read X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment.  The results of our services are typically submitted in reports, which describe the subject property and summarize the results of our survey.