Confidential Client Mercury Boiler Decommissioning, Demolition, and Remediation

GZA’s construction management team provided project management services for the closure of two former mercury boilers at an active power plant. Located in a building constructed in the 1940s, the mercury boilers operated from 1949 to 1968. Other generating units at the facility operated on coal, fuel oil, or biomass. Remediation and closure was needed to facilitate auction of the facility.

Challenge

The project involved demolition of uncommon mercury boiler systems for which industry experience was limited, while surrounding power plant operations remained active. A facility ownership transfer during the project added coordination requirements. Once demolition began, mercury contamination was found to be substantially more extensive than reasonably anticipated, requiring additional time and enhanced safety protocols. The project’s scale, duration, and multiple contractors required close management of logistics, scheduling, safety, and communications.

Solution

GZA provided full-time, on-site construction administration, management, and oversight throughout the project. Remedial activities included removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials and 166 gallons of liquid mercury; dismantling and disposal of two mercury boilers and associated components; remediation of contaminated structural building components; and restoration and post-demolition sampling.

GZA documented daily activities, reviewed subcontractor submittals and work plans, monitored compliance with project specifications, and reviewed contractor payment applications and change orders. Participation in weekly coordination meetings supported communication among the client and contractors as work progressed. GZA also performed air monitoring to protect workers outside designated work areas, conducted confirmatory and post-demolition sampling, and completed a final risk assessment.

Benefit

GZA’s continuous management and oversight supported completion of the mercury boiler remediation and demolition within an active power plant despite unexpectedly extensive contamination and a change in facility ownership. Coordination among project contributors helped address evolving construction and safety requirements, while air monitoring, confirmatory sampling, and the final risk assessment supported evaluation of conditions during and following the work. The completed project supported the client’s efforts to facilitate auctioning of the generation facility.