Hazardous Materials Contamination and Waste Issues Identified Prior to Letting a Project where the project work activities are so intrinsic with the mitigation or abatement operations that the work cannot be separated.
Hazardous Materials Contamination and Waste Issues Identified Prior to Letting a Project where the project work activities are so intrinsic with the mitigation or abatement operations that the work cannot be separated.
When the mitigation or abatement of hazardous materials contamination or waste is so intrinsic with construction activities that the work cannot be separated, this work can be set up in the plans to be performed by the prime or a specialty sub-contractor. However, this method requires that the District Engineer acquire the approval of the Director of District Operations prior to including it in the plans.
The Director of District Operations will only consider including mitigation or abatement operations in the contrast bid documents when at least one of the following conditions are met:
- Project work activities are so intrinsic with the mitigation or abatement operations that the work cannot be separated (e.g., There are abestos containing bearing pads in the structure that are attached, and removal will require demolition or lifting of the structure, or contaminated groundwater will be encountered during the instllation of storm sewer.
- The mitigation or abatement operations will require additional lane/road closures that could be reduced if the prime contractor performed the work in conjunction with their other structure work. This criterion applies to high traffic volume locations where the impact to traffic is severe.
- Having two separate contractors perform work creates excessive risk to the department (e.g., Coordination and timing would put the department at excessive risk for claims or additional risk would be generated for the public. It might also be the case that there are too many mobilizations needed, adding unnecessary cost for a separated contractor).
- When it is determined that hazardous materials mitigation work will be included in the plans, district environmental, design, or other designated member of the project team should monitor the project to ensure that the following steps are taken.
- Coordinate with ENV to retain an environmental consultant or engineer to prepare a detailed management plan (Soil & Groundwater Management Plan/SGMP) for handling contaminated soil, groundwater, or waste — to be included or referenced in the plans.
- Coordinate with ENV, CST, and/or DES for special specifications, provisions, and other template documents to be included in the plans.
- Consider phasing the work to minimize conflicts or delays due to hazardous materials or waste issues.
- Consider conducting pre-bid/pre-construction conferences and/or partnering sessions to facilitate coordination between the prime contractor, environmental contractor, and consultants and minimize scheduling conflicts.
Note that bridge structure demolition or rehabilition projects with lead and asbestos issues often fir into the category of "intrinsic" contamination and are discussed in more detail below. Templates and example specfication language to assist with PS&E modifications directing the prime construction contractor to manage the hazardous materials can be found on the internal
for PS&E issues.