Retro-Coat Helps Speed Real Estate Transaction
Project Highlights
- Retro-Coat functioned as a vapor intrusion mitigation membrane as well as a long-lasting coating for the basement level, accomplishing two of the owner’s goals with one product.
- Retro-Coat was chosen as the most feasible and effective treatment due to compatibility with pre-existing methane mitigation system components.
- Retro-Coat is resistant to harmful methane gas intrusion and is a wearing surface, meaning no additional concrete protection is necessary.
- The updated vapor intrusion mitigation system allowed for the new tenants to move in quickly.
- Retro-Coat is applied without any odor and cures quickly, reducing building downtime.
Project Summary
An office building located on the San Francisco Peninsula was left vacant for multiple years. The building is located on top of a capped landfill which is a known methane producer. After a recent change in ownership, it was important for the new owner to make the necessary improvements to the building so that new tenants could move in quickly. One of these improvements was to update the vapor mitigation system to ensure the tenant’s safety from any harmful vapor intrusion.
The owner enlisted the expertise of Langan to update the vapor mitigation system. Langan proposed using Retro-Coat Vapor Intrusion Coating System because of its proven resistance to harmful vapors and its durability. The owner was thoroughly pleased with this application because it accomplished two goals with a single product: it mitigated the harmful vapor intrusion and provided a durable coating for the floor of the basement level. Retro-Coat’s multi-functionality saved the site owner time and money.
Technology Description
Retro-Coat Vapor Intrusion Coating consists of chemically resistant materials which protect existing structures from the threat of contaminant vapor intrusion. Retro-Coat was developed by experienced vapor intrusion specialists and is proven to resist the most aggressive chemical vapors. This technology acts as a protective barrier eliminating the need to remove the existing slab and when combined with in situ treatment, it can greatly lower remediation costs.
RESULTS
Retro-Coat consists of chemically resistant materials which will protect this structure from the threat of contaminant vapor intrusion, specifically methane gas. Retro-Coat finishes to a high gloss, easy-to-clean surface that is impervious to vapor and moisture transmission. Additionally, Retro-Coat withstands foot traffic and industrial settings. It was significant to have a highly durable coating system in place because the tenants plan to use the basement level to house large computers and heavy technological equipment.
The site owner has been very pleased with the outcomes from Retro-Coat. The building’s basement level has a highly durable coating and most importantly, the vapor intrusion mitigation system is now highly effective.
VOC Contaminants Reduced in one month for homeowners in Virginia Following Retro-Coat Installation
Project Highlights
- VOCs reduced within one month of operation
- Achieved site goals of meeting VDEQ and DEH IAQ standards, rendering home safe for habitation
Project Summary
At a residential site in Virginia, vapor intrusion affected the interior living space of a private building due to release of heating oil from an Above Ground Storage Tank (AST) to the sub-slab environment beneath the structure. Indoor air quality sampling after the release revealed several petroleum compound contaminants at concentrations above EPA Residential Screening Levels. To minimize the displacement of the homeowners for an extended period of time, the vapor intrusion mitigation system had to produce good indoor air quality results as quickly as possible.
Leading environmental firm, Duncklee & Dunham, designed and installed an active, sub-slab vapor mitigation system and sealed the surface of the slab in the interior of the building with 1000 sq. ft. of Retro-Coat™ applied. The active system consisted of vertical vent wells installed in the building slab to a depth just below the bottom of the slab and connected to a manifold. Soil vapors were extracted from the sub-slab environment with an electric radon fan and exhausted to the exterior atmosphere. Retro-Coat primer and sealant were then applied to the entire surface area of the interior building slab to provide supplemental vapor intrusion prevention.
Technology
The Retro-Coat Vapor Intrusion Coating System is a complete product line that consists of chemically resistant materials to properly protect existing structures from the threat of contaminant vapor intrusion.
Results
The vapor mitigation system reduced VOCs in the exhaust gas within one month of operation, and reduced levels of petroleum compounds in indoor air to the extent that the building was suitable for occupancy six weeks after the system startup.
About the Consultant
Duncklee & Dunham is an environmental consulting firm based in North Carolina specializing in environmental geology, hydrogeology, site investigation and remediation, industrial hygiene, civil engineering and brownfields. For questions regarding this project, please contact Andrew Rodak, P.E. at (919) 858-9898.
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Historic Building Achieves Site Closure Using Retro‐Coat to Meet Environmental Screening Levels
Project Highlights
- Site achieves closure due to the successful Retro‐Coat™ application
- Post‐application indoor air data confirmed Retro‐Coat compliance with residential and commercial ESLs
- Customized finish met building owner requirements
- The application of Retro‐Coat achieved orders of magnitude reduction similar to those of Sub‐Slab Depressurization (SSD) Systems without the need to operate and maintain finicky mechanical systems
Project Summary
Retro‐Coat was selected to mitigate vapor intrusion within a structure built in 1907 that had been impacted by both a former underground storage tank and a local dry cleaner. Indoor air samples taken prior to application showed chlorinated solvent‐based PCE and TCE levels above the Regional Water Quality Control Board Environmental Screening Levels (RWQCB ESL).
Existing wood flooring, CMU block walls, framing obstructions on the wall, and conduits penetrating both the basement floor and walls presented challenges to successfully providing vapor intrusion mitigation to the entire basement area. The age of the structure was also a factor because little was known about how the building was constructed or what expansions or improvements
had been made over the years. The building owner sought to provide the future occupants of the building with vapor intrusion protection using a durable and slip resistant coating. Retro‐Coat was applied to the existing wall surface (CMU block walls) and across the floor. Additionally, a silica sand was broadcast across the floor during the Retro‐Coat application to achieve a non‐slip surface.
Upon completion of the Retro‐Coat application, indoor air samples were collected. Because the building use was mixed use, indoor air concentrations needed to meet both residential and commercial screening levels. The application of Retro‐Coat achieved orders of magnitude reduction similar to those of Sub‐Slab Depressurization (SSD) Systems without the need to operate and maintain unreliable mechanical systems.
Technology Description
Retro‐Coat Vapor Intrusion Coating System is a complete product line that consists of chemically resistant materials to protect existing structures from the threat of contaminant vapor intrusion without the need for additional concrete protection. The Retro‐Coat system has been subjected to rigorous testing procedures to prove its ability to combat the most aggressive chemical vapors. The system is rated for industrial use providing a durable finished surface suitable for vehicular traffic. Retro‐Coat coating technology was specifically developed for vapor intrusion.
Combined Technologies Treat High Vapor and TCE Levels at Former Michigan Manufacturing Facility
Project highlights
- Redeveloped facility delivers jobs to Michigan community
- Simultaneous use of Retro-Coat™ and Vapor-Vent™ reduced number of SSD points
- Approximately 30,000 square feet of Retro-Coat successfully applied
- Retro‐Coat provided a durable finish for vehicle traffic and heavy equipment in a manufacturing setting
Project summary
St. Johns-based F.C. Mason company was provided a $1 million Clean Michigan Initiative Brownfields grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to move its operations to the former Federal Mogul manufacturing facility which was vacated in 2008. F.C. Mason Company was founded in 1898 and specializes in manufacturing parts for agricultural, construction and industrial equipment. The acquisition of the 265,00-square-foot facility allows F.C. Mason Company to expand operations and bring back valuable jobs to Clinton County. Michigan-based Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. (SME) was consulted to address the suspected environmental and vapor intrusion concerns resulting from years of manufacturing activities at the site.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated areas were present in one section of the building. In 2009, in situ chemical treatment of the “hot spot” areas was conducted employing RegenOx® technology (REGENESIS®, San Clemente, CA). However, a vapor intrusion condition was later identified and mitigation was needed. Retro‐Coat was selected to be used in conjunction with an active sub‐slab depressurization (SSD) system. By simultaneously utilizing the two mitigation approaches, SME was able to reduce the number of SSD points in the design and the total area requiring the vapor intrusion barrier coating. MDEQ approved of the plan. A certified Retro‐Coat applicator installed 6 mils of red Retro-Coat Primer and 20 mils of grey Retro-Coat along with a broadcasted aggregate to provide a non-slip surface. The contrast in color between Primer and Retro-Coat allows the clear identification of wear over time, prompting repair if needed, and ensuring long‐term protection from vapor intrusion.
Technology Description
Retro‐Coat Vapor Intrusion Coating System is a complete product line that consists of chemically resistant materials to protect existing structures from the threat of contaminant vapor intrusion without the need for additional concrete protection. The Retro‐Coat system has been subjected to rigorous testing procedures to prove its ability to combat the most aggressive chemical vapors. The system is rated for industrial use providing a durable finished surface suitable for vehicular traffic. Retro‐Coat coating technology was specifically developed for vapor intrusion.
Vapor‐Vent is a low profile vent system that can be used in lieu of slotted PVC pipe. The speed of installation and the proximity of the vent to the barrier provide cost savings and performance benefits compared to other technologies.
Combined Technologies Treat High Vapor and TCE Levels at Michigan Facility
Project highlights
- Redeveloped facility delivers jobs to Michigan community
- Simultaneous use of Retro-Coat™ and Vapor-Vent™
- reduced number of SSD points
- Approximately 30,000 square feet of Retro-Coat successfully applied
- Retro‐Coat provided a durable finish for vehicle traffic and heavy equipment in a manufacturing setting
Project summary
St. Johns-based F.C. Mason company was provided a $1 million Clean Michigan Initiative Brownfields grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to move its operations to the former Federal Mogul manufacturing facility which was vacated in 2008. F.C. Mason Company was founded in 1898 and specializes in manufacturing parts for agricultural, construction and industrial equipment. The acquisition of the 265,00-square-foot facility allows F.C. Mason Company to expand operations and bring back valuable jobs to Clinton County. Michigan-based Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. (SME) was consulted to address the suspected environmental and vapor intrusion concerns resulting from years of manufacturing activities at the site.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated areas were present in one section of the building. In 2009, in situ chemical treatment of the “hot spot” areas was conducted employing RegenOx® technology (REGENESIS®, San Clemente, CA). However, a vapor intrusion condition was later identified and mitigation was needed. Retro‐Coat was selected to be used in conjunction with an active sub‐slab depressurization (SSD) system. By simultaneously utilizing the two mitigation approaches, SME was able to reduce the number of SSD points in the design and the total area requiring the vapor intrusion barrier coating. MDEQ approved of the plan. A certified Retro‐Coat applicator installed 6 mils of red Retro-Coat Primer and 20 mils of grey Retro-Coat along with a broadcasted aggregate to provide a non-slip surface. The contrast in color between Primer and Retro-Coat allows the clear identification of wear over time, prompting repair if needed, and ensuring long‐term protection from vapor intrusion.
Technology Description
Retro‐Coat™ Vapor Intrusion Coating System is a complete product line that consists of chemically resistant materials to protect existing structures from the threat of contaminant vapor intrusion without the need for additional concrete protection. The Retro‐Coat system has been subjected to rigorous testing procedures to prove its ability to combat the most aggressive chemical vapors. The system is rated for industrial use providing a durable finished surface suitable for vehicular traffic. Retro‐Coat coating technology was specifically developed for vapor intrusion.
Vapor‐Vent™ is a low profile vent system that can be used in lieu of slotted PVC pipe. The speed of installation and the proximity of the vent to the barrier provide cost savings and performance benefits compared to other technologies.