Schafer has performed waste stream evaluations for building demolition, building renovations, contaminated soil and specific chemical contamination. Schafer’s evaluations include potentially hazardous waste streams generated during demolition, renovation, site cleanup, and soil excavation projects.

Site cleanup and soil excavation projects often require soil sampling for various reasons. Soil that may need to be disposed of at a Construction and Demolition (C&D) landfill may require a waste profile for the landfill to determine if they can accept the waste material. This sampling may begin with total analysis for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 8 Metals and other toxic constituents. Schafer would first utilize the laboratory analytical data for total analysis and compared results to the EPA Toxicity Maximum Concentrations of Contaminants applying the “20 Times Rule”. The 20 Times Rule works by dividing the total concentration of a toxic constituent in a waste sample by 20 to get the Maximum Theoretical Leachate Concentration (MTLC). This value is then compared to the regulatory limits set by the EPA; if the MTLC is below the limit, the waste is not a toxicity characteristic waste. If the MTLC is above the limit, Schafer would recommend Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) waste characterization sampling. Schafer would also recommend TCLP sampling if a known contaminant is present and specific waste characterization is necessary. 

Building demolition and renovation projects may also generate waste streams that require determining amount of potential waste and evaluating management options. Older non-residential structures require TCLP for lead prior to building material disposal. Additional considerations of waste streams during demolition and renovation projects includes management evaluations and initial planning efforts to first determine if materials can be re-classified as universal waste and/or be recycled. Schafer evaluates building infrastructures by taking an inventory of regulated building materials (RBMs) that are considered universal waste, or other specific building items that are not permitted to be disposed of at a typical Construction and Demolition (C&D) landfill. RBMs include; liquid mercury in thermostats and gauges, pesticides, refrigerants with Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, electronic devices, components and circuit boards (e-waste), lighting wastes containing mercury or other metals, and light ballasts containing Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), batteries, aerosol cans, DEHP or e-waste, smoke detectors potentially containing radioactive sources, motor oil, liquid waste (e.g., non-dried paint, household cleaners), unused chemical containers. Hazardous materials and RBMs are regulated by the EPA and the CDPHE for proper waste disposition (disposal/recycling) and OSHA regulates worker protection while handling such materials.

Waste stream evaluations determined by TCLP waste characterization sampling is completed by collecting a composite sample representative of the waste stream. For building materials and construction debris waste streams that would be generated during demolition or renovation of the project site, Schafer would collect a sample representative of the entire waste stream. Schafer will submit the TCLP sample to an accredited laboratory for SW-846 Test Method 1311 and compare the analytical results with the EPA’s Maximum Concentration of Contaminants for the Toxicity Characteristic.

Schafer also samples for other contaminates of concern, including Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) according to the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) standards to characterize waste as required. Schafer’s SAP will be determined based on project site specific information and may include various laboratory analysis required to determine the waste profile based on the anticipated type of export. These analyses often include VOCs, Semi-VOCs, RCRA 8 Metals, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), pesticides, and herbicides. Once the waste characterization procedures are complete, Schafer will provide recommendations for management and disposal based on the findings and how they relate to EPA, CDPHE, and OSHA requirements for the project site. We can provide a report detailing our findings and recommendations within five business days after completion of inventory or receipt of laboratory analytical findings.