Education Case Studies
LVI was awarded a public works contract for the decontamination and decommissioning of the
LVI’s scope of work included the removal of all radioactive materials above unrestricted release limits, which involved the removal of asbestos-containing materials inside the facility, as well as other hazardous materials such as lead and cadmium, to support the dismantlement of the reactor. D&D activities included the removal of activated concrete and steel; decontamination of shield blocks; and removal of drain lines. Plutonium contamination was present and had to be remediated from the ventilation system and surfaces in and adjacent to the reactor room. The scope of work also included the transportation and disposal of hazardous, radioactive and mixed waste to licensed disposal facilities.
LVI faced several challenges on this job – from working in confined spaces to generating multiple sets of plans and procedures for the job in a short time period. Waste minimization was also an important factor. Concrete was selectively removed to avoid creating materials that needed to be sampled and remediated before disposal.
LVI’s partner and principal subcontractor for this project was Enercon Services, Inc., which was responsible for radiation safety and waste management.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission audited the project and identified no violations, findings, observations or suggestions for improvement – virtually unheard of in the nuclear industry. Additionally, LVI incurred no OSHA recordable injuries or regulatory violations. LVI’s experience with complex projects and its dedication to safety allowed the team to devise creative ways to get the work done while minimizing the amount of additional radioactive waste generated and keeping the job site safe.
Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Each year, Yale University chooses one of its residential colleges for major renovation, including installation of modern conveniences and utilities, safety equipment and handicap-accessible features. In 2005, LVI was awarded a contract for asbestos abatement, interior demolition and select structural demolition of Trumbull College, a 118,000-square-foot residential complex consisting of several interconnected buildings ranging from three to five stories.
Special care had to be taken because of the historical significance of the buildings, but the work was on a very tight schedule to allow the buildings to reopen for school in the fall. And, unforeseen circumstances also required change and flexibility on the part of the contractors.
LVI was also awarded the contract for Silliman College, Yale’s largest ever renovation, with work beginning in May 2006. Based on LVI’s success on other projects at Yale, LVI was awarded the entire contract for Silliman when originally the job was to be split between two firms.
Martin County Schools, Martin County, Florida
Hurricane Frances hit Florida in early September 2004, making landfall in Martin County on the state’s southeast coast. The high winds and driving rain caused varying amounts of damage throughout the Martin County School District, based in Stuart. Schools were closed for seven days, after also being closed for one day in mid-August because of Hurricane Charley.
Three weeks later, Hurricane Jeanne took a Frances-like path through the Sunshine State, and the Martin County schools were once again in the direct line of fire. Ultimately, all 20 Martin County school buildings suffered some damage.
After consulting with other school systems hit by Hurricane Charley, the Martin County district established a “first alert” contract with LVI Services. The contract ensures rapid response in times of unscheduled need, such as natural disasters, or fires. In setting up the no-cost agreement just days before Frances hit the area, the school district provided information on its buildings and operations, and the parties agreed to pre-negotiated rates for labor and materials. The school district activated the contract immediately after the hurricane hit, allowing cleanup and recovery to begin immediately.
Martin County and LVI were very successful in prioritizing their post-storm activities and customizing their response levels. For example, cafeterias and gymnasiums were often cleaned up first because they had large open spaces to get air flowing and to use as a staging area for books and furnishings that could be dried out and salvaged. A high priority was placed on having the power restored so HVAC and ventilation systems could be used to help the drying process and prevent mold.
The prioritization of schools was based on visual inspection of damage and water intrusion. If it appeared the roofs were still intact and that water could be rapidly and efficiently extracted, damaged or saturated areas were blocked off so the rest of the school could reopen. Work on the damaged areas was done after hours to minimize disruption of the school day. A systematic approach to “moisture mapping” enabled LVI to determine where to start, which areas needed the most attention, and where cleanup efforts were most likely to be successful.
LVI mobilized a trained work force of about 300 people – from its Florida office as well as company offices from as far away as Colorado, New York and Texas – to respond to the school district’s damage. Moving and housing hundreds of workers was difficult, especially because the storms closed or washed away many roads and left millions, including many nearby hotels, without power. The lack of power also meant that backup power sources were needed for ventilation and air sampling equipment.
In the end, LVI’s partnership with Martin County Schools allowed the buildings to be tended to in a very organized and prompt manner to minimize disruption to students and teachers.