Challenge

When a fire severely damaged a 10,800 square-foot Battery Equipment Storage Systems (BESS) building on a Hawaiian wind farm, the demolition and lead release clean-up from the batteries required a skilled team. GZA was retained as Construction Manager for the demolition and clean-up.


Solution

Within two days of the client’s request, GZA arrived in Hawaii, developed a scope of work, specifications and bid package; GZA also conducted site visits with demolition contractors and scrap dealers. The fire caused severe damage to the steel-framed building and caused lead from the “environmentally friendly” lead acid batteries and inverter systems to be released to the floor slab and surrounding components. Lead debris was present in the form of hazardous ash, molten lead, and burnt lead batteries plates still remaining in the battery racks. GZA conducted a pre-demolition asbestos survey; developed and received regulatory approval and permits for a Demolition and Clean-Up Work Plan; coordinated with utilities, subcontractors, and recycling/disposal facilities; characterized waste streams; and established work areas and site controls. Recycling and salvage of materials was maximized by meticulous waste segregation. Following demolition of the structure, the surface of the slab and surrounding soils was remediated to below applicable clean-up standards. GZA documented construction activities, interfaced with regulatory agencies, conducted perimeter lead (Pb) air monitoring, and collected and analyzed clean-up confirmation samples of concrete slabs and surrounding soils. GZA’s detailed closeout documentation report, prepared on the client’s behalf, was accepted by the Hawaiian regulatory authorities.


Benefit

GZA provided this wind energy client with the construction management and environmental expertise required for complex demolition and site close-out – meeting an aggressive schedule and on budget – allowing reconstruction to occur.