Industrial Asbestos Removal, Orphaned Pulp Mill - Case Study

Project Overview

Value -  Approximately $9,000,000

Enviro-Vac has successfully completed asbestos removal, hazardous materials abatement, remediation and decontamination in numerous occupied and orphaned pulp and paper mills across Canada, some simultaneously. Many of these mills are situated in remote areas, at times making access challenging. One notable case involved a mill in northern British Columbia, accessible only by sea or air. This two-year long project required soil remediation, classification, and removal or proper disposition of various chemicals including bunker oil. Additionally, asbestos abatement was necessary throughout multiple buildings, the powerhouse, and other structures to prepare the site for decommissioning. Asbestos was found throughout the property, including thermal insulation on recovery boilers, tanks, vessels, and pipes, as well as asbestos cement panel walls and roofing. Engineering solutions were needed to ensure safe entry for workers. All remediation activities were carried out in strict compliance with regulatory standards.

Project Challenges

The complexity of the project required the development of comprehensive safe-work methods, including detailed risk assessments and job safety analysis tasks. Much of the asbestos abatement was classified as high-risk and performed within engineered, airtight, negative pressure enclosures constructed with fire-rated shrink-wrap supported by scaffolding. These controlled environments were maintained using multiple negative air units equipped with HEPA filters, which were designed and tested to prevent any particles from escaping into the surrounding area.

Enviro-Vac technicians adhered to strict safety protocols, including the use of industrial mobile decontamination trailers. These trailers featured climate-controlled clean rooms, mask rooms, shower rooms, and equipment or dirty rooms connected to the negative pressure enclosures. Asbestos abatement technicians practice a process of exiting the work zone by first entering the dirty area, removing their protective suits while keeping respirators on, then moving to the shower room to remove PPE and thoroughly wash their face, hair, and respirators. Finally, they entered the clean area to change into street clothes.

To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maximize safety for workers and the environment, a third-party air monitoring firm was engaged to oversee protection protocols throughout the project.

The Enviro-Vac Solution

Boiler cladding was removed to access asbestos using high-risk abatement procedures, including plasma torches and hydraulic lift equipment. Asbestos cement panels were carefully taken off intact from roofs and walls, placed in labeled polyethylene bags or wrapped in plastic sheeting, and then transferred to large disposal containers for eventual disposal at an approved landfill. Crews generally worked from elevated positions downward, utilizing high-reach equipment and scaffolding. All asbestos removal work within each active area was completed before the enclosure was tested and confirmed clean for dismantlement. Once decontaminated, these areas were handed over for final decommissioning. Pipe insulation was removed using a combination of high-risk abatement and glove bag methods. The entire project was executed safely, within the scheduled timeframe and budget, surpassing client satisfaction.

Summary

The successful completion of this project, along with all others undertaken by Enviro-Vac, stems from a unique framework developed since 1976. This framework emphasizes regulatory compliance, a corporate commitment to health and safety, and the use of innovative technical work plans and strategies. These principles guide all phases of the project, from pre-job planning to execution and debriefing. Enviro-Vac’s stringent company policies drive continual pursuit of high performance and ongoing improvement.

Regular project meetings were held with client consultants, health and safety personnel, and other stakeholders to communicate safe work procedures, discuss scope changes, and provide progress updates.

Each project undertaken by Enviro-Vac is subject to a thorough risk assessment and methodology statement, detailing safe work procedures. These documents are submitted to regulators through the Notice of Project (NOP) process before work begins and include rigorous onsite audits.