The Modern – 1515 S. Flagler

Prior to construction of a new luxury facility, an existing 30-story structure at 1515 S. Flagler had to be removed (planned for implosion) from the site. As construction activities moved from planning to a contractual stage, GLE was retained to perform confirmatory testing for asbestos and determine a scope of work pertaining to the proper removal and disposal of identified asbestos-containing materials (ACM) prior to demolition. GLE collected a number of interior samples that were then analyzed by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and ultimately by point-count analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos minerals. 

Additionally, GLE collected 11 exterior stucco samples for confirmatory analysis by both PLM and point-count methods. Asbestos minerals were detected in 9 of the 11 samples by PLM.  Point-count analysis confirmed the presence of asbestos in each of the 11 samples, but in concentrations of <1% asbestos.  Based upon these results, GLE classified the exterior stucco as non-ACM. However, prior to finalizing a scope of work and starting the project, GLE had been requested to walk the site with local Department of Health representatives to verify that all materials suspected of being ACM had been identified and sampled, as well as collect additional side-by-side samples of exterior stucco which were then sent to independent laboratories for additional confirmatory analysis by point-count. The results of the side-by-side sampling indicated a conflict as to whether or not the exterior stucco could be classified as ACM or non-ACM.

GLE was then requested to present our case, on behalf of the Owner, to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in Tallahassee. The consensus reached was that another round of sampling was collected for point-count analysis and the samples came back below 1%.  Therefore, the stucco material in question was not defined as Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) and not subject to NESHAP regulation, and the Owner avoided spending an estimated $2 million removal of this material as ACM.

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