Attachment_E_El_Portal_Fungal_Remediation_Work_Plan_29Mar18.pdf

CONFIDENTIAL

FUNGAL REMEDIATION WORK PLAN

El Yunque National Forest Headquarters El Portal Visitor Center Road PR 191, Km 4.0 Rio Grande, PR 00745

Prepared for:

US Department of Agriculture Forest Service Region 8 Acquisition Management 1720 Peachtree Road, NW, Suite 876S Atlanta, GA 30309-2449

Prepared by:

URS Group Inc.

7800 Congress Avenue – Suite 200 Boca Raton, Florida 33487

March 29, 2018

URS Project No.: 60561340

URS Group Inc. Tel: 561.994.6500 7800 Congress Avenue Fax: 561.994.6524 Suite 200 Boca Raton, Florida 33487

March 29, 2018

Mr. Chris Ford Contracting Officer US Department of Agriculture Forest Service Region 8 Acquisition Management 1720 Peachtree Road, NW, Suite 876S Atlanta, GA 30309-2449

Re: Fungal Remediation Work Plan - DRAFT

El Yunque National Forest Headquarters El Portal Visitor Center Road PR 191, Km 4.0 Rio Grande, PR 00745

Dear Mr. Ford, URS Group Inc. (URS) is pleased to present this work plan for the above referenced site. The plan was prepared in accordance with URS’ proposed approach submitted by email on March 5, 2018. We trust this report provides you with the information you require at this time. URS appreciates the opportunity to provide these services to your agency. If you should have any questions or comments regarding the contents of this remediation plan, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (561) 862-1046.

Sincerely, URS

DRAFT

Luis E Smith, CIH, CIEC

Fungal Remediation Plan - DRAFT USDA FS El Portal Visitor Center

R:\Industrial Hygiene\Jobs\URS Atlanta\Puerto Rico\Deliverables\El Portal\Fungal Remediation Work Plan - USDA FS El Yunque NF El Portal Visitor Center DRAFT cta rev.docx

CONFIDENTIAL

iii

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Inspection Summary

2.0 PRE-REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

2.1 Contractor Qualifications and Submittals

2.2 Initial Walk-Through

2.3 Building Conditions

2.4 Furnishings and Contents

2.5 Work Schedule

3.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Building Disruption

3.2 Access Restrictions

3.3 Containment Preparation

3.4 Electrical & Fire Safety

3.5 Personal Protective Equipment

3.6 Pressure Differential

3.7 Dehumidification

4.0 REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

4.1 Removal of Affected Building Materials

4.2 Cleaning Procedures

4.3 Inspection of Removed Materials

4.4 Disposal

5.0 SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 Main Building Mid-level USDA FS Offices

5.2 Main Building Mid-level Fish & Wildlife Offices

5.3 El Portalito Restrooms, Gift Shop, Information Booth

5.4 El Portalito El Teatro

5.5 Pavilions 1, 2, 3

5.6 El Portal Fee Booth

6.0 POST-REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

6.1 Air-Scrubbing

6.2 Final Air Sampling

6.3 Reconstruction

7.0 REFERENCES

FIGURES

Figure 1 Main Building – Mid-Level Forestry Services and Fish & Wildlife Offices Figure 2 Pavilions 1, 2, 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

This document contains guidelines for remediation of building materials and contents impacted by moisture and fungal growth at the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDA FS) El Yunque National Forest Headquarters El Portal Visitor Center facility located at Road PR 191, Km 4.0 Rio Grande in Puerto Rico 00745, hereafter referred to as the “Site”. The enclosed recommendations are provided to direct the mold remediation contractor (Contractor) to conduct remediation activities for the USDA FS (Owner).

The goal of this remediation project is to remediate building materials that are water-damaged and/or contaminated with fungal growth. The work must be performed in a manner that prevents the emission of fungi and lead-containing dust from leaving a work area and entering a non-remediation area while protecting the health and safety of the building occupants and workers performing the remediation. The recommended guidelines are provided to achieve this goal;

however, it is also the responsibility of Contractor to determine if procedures above and beyond those described herein should be implemented. Any suggested deviations from the recommended remediation methods shall be submitted in writing to the Forest Service and URS for review.

The Site was affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria on September 9th and 20th, 2017 respectively. The Site was vacant and without power during the Site visit. Certain areas of the Site experienced water intrusion from leaks through the roofs, windows, and doors. Visible mold growth was reportedly cleaned from some surfaces in the main building reportedly by housekeeping staff prior to URS’ site visit.

1.1 Inspection Summary

This investigation was conducted on December 14, 15, and 18, 2017 by Mr. Luis Smith, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with URS. Access to the Site and background information was provided by Ms. Karib Gonzalez Rivera and Mr. Waldermar Feliciano with USDA FS. The findings of the inspection are summarized below:

In the main building mid-level USDA FS office, the moisture and mold damage was most significant around the northern third of the office. Relatively minor damage also occurred in the south storage room. The mold damage affected building materials, furniture, and some contents. In the main building mid-level Fish and Wildlife office, the moisture and mold damage was most significant along the north wall, although mold growth was present on equipment and contents throughout the area.

In Pavilions 1, 2, and 3 the moisture and mold damage occurred on the upper gypsum board covered beams and columns especially in areas below broken skylights.

In the El Portalito El Teatro (theater), mold damage occurred on fabric upholstered chairs, electronic equipment, and other contents in the main viewing room and projection booth.

In the El Portalito men’s and women’s restrooms, minor moisture and mold damage occurred that affected a few ceiling tiles in each room.

In the El Portalito information booth moisture and mold damage occurred on the circular wood desk.

In the El Portalito gift shop, minor moisture and mold damage was observed from the exterior that affected a few ceiling tiles; however, a full inspection could not be completed due to inaccessibility.

In the El Portal fee booth, the main desk had minor water damage although it is suspected that additional hidden mold damage exists on the backside of the desk.

2.0 PRE-REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

2.1 Contractor Qualifications and Submittals

The Contractor should provide copies of the following with their bid package:

Mold remediation worker and supervisor training certification from ACAC, IICRC, or a State mold licensing program.

Proposed schedule to complete remediation activities.

The Contractor shall submit the following to URS for review prior to starting work.

Respirator training and fit testing documentation.

Physician’s written opinion that employees are physically capable of wearing respirators.

Site specific Health and Safety Plan.

2.2 Initial Walk-Through

URS will conduct an initial walk-through with the Contractor prior to the start of work activities to review the scope of work and verify that the referenced areas are ready for work to begin.

2.3 Building Conditions

The HVAC system shall be shut down or isolated from each work area throughout the work.

2.4 Furnishings and Contents

Prior to the commencement of remediation activities, all furniture, equipment, contents and/or moveable items located within each room or area where mold remediation will be performed must be pre-cleaned using vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and/or wet wiping with a mild detergent. Additional areas at the Site may also require content cleaning; refer to Section 3.0 for additional information. The cleaned items must be stored in a clean area or sealed with plastic sheeting inside the work area. Any items that are relocated for storage outside the work area must be inventoried and labelled to identify the location of origin.

Following cleaning, any furniture, fixtures, equipment, or contents that are unable to be restored to a clean condition shall be relocated to a storage area and recommended for disposal.

Any personal items, high value items, or items that will require access during remediation activities will be identified by Owner prior to commencement of work so that they are properly handled. Contractor shall perform pre-cleaning of any such items prior to removal from the work area. Replacement of furniture, equipment, contents and/or moveable items is not the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be performed by others.

2.5 Work Schedule

The work must be performed during normal working hours Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm unless extended working hours are approved by Owner. All remediation work must be completed within 20 work days including post-remediation testing and demobilization.

3.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Building Disruption

The unaffected portions of the Site may remain active in some areas and must be isolated from each work area where applicable. Contractor employees shall minimize disruption to facility operations and shall be courteous to occupants and visitors at all times. Contractor employees shall not block pathways or other areas at the facility and shall maintain a low profile. Any contractor employee who does not abide by these or any other requirements of this work plan will be subject to removal from the Site.

3.2 Access Restrictions

Access to the work area shall be restricted to authorized employees of the Contractor, URS, and authorized employees of Owner. No other visitors shall be permitted without prior approval from URS and Owner. Warning signs shall be posted at the entrance to each work area to communicate the nature of the hazard(s) that exists and the requirement to wear personal protective equipment before entering the work area.

3.3 Containment Preparation

A negative pressure enclosure (NPE) shall be constructed to isolate remediation areas from non-remediation areas. The NPE shall be constructed utilizing 6 mil polyethylene (poly) sheeting to cover all surfaces except those being remediated. Critical barriers consisting of 6 mil poly sheeting shall also be placed around openings in the work area including: doors, windows, A/C vents, power outlets, utility boxes, and any other penetrations that lead outside the NPE.

A single-stage decontamination chamber (decon) shall be constructed at the entrance to each NPE to allow workers to change out of their personal protective equipment. The decon shall contain overlapping curtain flaps or a zipper mechanism at the entrance. The poly sheeting shall be sealed with painters tape to avoid damage to building finishes. Additional support (e.g. poles, wood strips, etc.) shall be used if necessary to maintain the integrity of the NPEs. The Contractor shall take precautions to avoid damage to building finishes and shall be responsible for repairing such damage to the satisfaction of the Owner. The Contractor shall notify URS immediately of any damage that does occur.

3.4 Electrical & Fire Safety

Electrical power shall be disconnected if it is possible to do so without disrupting active/occupied areas of the building. Any modifications to the electrical service lines (e.g. connection of temporary electrical panels) shall be performed by a licensed electrician. Electrical equipment used by the Contractor shall be connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) at the power outlet. Electrical cords shall be grounded and neatly organized to prevent tripping hazards. A minimum of two fire extinguishers shall be maintained at each NPE for the duration of the remediation work.

3.5 Personal Protective Equipment

Contractor shall develop and present for Forest Service and URS review a formal employee health and safety plan (HSP) prior to commencement of the work. No work shall begin until the HSP has been reviewed. Acceptance of the HSP shall in no way imply approval or adequacy by Forest Service or URS. At a minimum, half-face air purifying respirators with NIOSH approved P-100 filters must be worn by the remediation workers and personnel entering the containment areas. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that their employees utilize respirators in accordance with a written respiratory protection and medical surveillance program.

Remediation workers shall be properly instructed on the use of respirators and at minimum shall receive annual fit-testing with the appropriate respirator and filters.

Disposable protective clothing which covers the body, from head to toe, must be worn by personnel entering the containment areas. Additional PPE must be worn including gloves, safety goggles (non-vented), work boots, and hard hats where applicable. Protective clothing and equipment used by remediation workers and personnel within the containment areas must be properly decontaminated or disposed of prior to exiting the decon chamber. At no time may the Contractor leave the work area wearing respirators or protective clothing.

3.6 Pressure Differential

Once the NPEs are constructed, a negative pressure differential shall be created inside each containment area utilizing air filtration devices (AFDs) with HEPA filters to filter and collect airborne particles. A sufficient number of AFDs must be utilized in order to achieve at least (4) air changes per hour and must be exhausted outside the building away from walkways and areas utilized by occupants and visitors using 6-mil reinforced plastic tubing. A negative air pressure differential of at least negative -0.02 inches of water with respect to the air pressure outside of the containment must be maintained during removal activities. A negative pressure recorder (manometer) must be used to establish and monitor a required negative pressure level of at least -0.02 inches of water during remediation activities, within each containment area. The pressure differential recorder must be set-up and in full view at all times for URS personnel to observe and monitor.

3.7 Dehumidification

Dehumidification is not required for this project.

4.0 REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

4.1 Removal of Affected Building Materials

Removal of affected gypsum board building materials shall be conducted inside NPEs. Upon verifying the integrity of the NPEs, URS will authorize the Contractor to proceed with removal of affected building materials as described in Section 5.0 Scope of Work. The removal shall be conducted in a careful and controlled manner to minimize release of dust and mold spores.

Mold impacted gypsum board should be removed to approximately two feet beyond signs of visible mold growth. Waste materials should be immediately placed in 6 mil poly disposal bags upon removal. The work areas shall be kept reasonably clean and free of clutter at all times.

The remaining wall and ceiling materials shall have a smooth and even cut to facilitate reinstallation work.

4.2 Cleaning Procedures

Following gross removal of impacted building materials, the containment areas shall be thoroughly cleaned using HEPA vacuums, damp cloths, and a mop with a mild detergent solution. No biocides may be used on this project. All work areas must be left dry and visibly free from visible contamination and debris. Any portions of the NPE that are no longer contained following gross removal shall be sealed to prevent air leakage. The NPE repairs shall be performed in such a manner that the affected areas shall remain exposed to the maximum extent possible for inspection and sampling purposes.

4.3 Inspection of Removed Materials

Upon removal of the water-damaged and/or contaminated materials as previously outlined, URS will inspect the remediated area. The work area shall be in a clean dust-free condition for the inspection to be deemed satisfactory. If evidence of additional fungal growth and/or water damage is observed that extends beyond the areas outlined, URS will advise Contractor to continue removal of additional materials and the areas will be re-inspected. This process will be repeated until damaged and/or contaminated materials are no longer observed.

4.4 Disposal

Building materials must be removed and discarded utilizing sealed double-bagged 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting or bags sealed with duct tape. Remediated materials must be discarded on a daily basis by the remediation Contractor and transported outside the building for disposal. There are no special requirements for the disposal of water-damaged/mold contaminated materials. The Contractor shall coordinate the placement of any dumpsters with URS and/or the Owner’s representative.

5.0 SCOPE OF WORK

A summary of mold remediation activities to be completed is presented below. The quantities provided below are approximate only; prospective contractors are responsible for verifying all dimensions and Site conditions prior to submitting bids. Refer to the Figures 1 and 2 for specific locations of mold-impacted building materials.

5.1 Main Building Mid-level USDA FS Offices

1. Install AFDs equipped with HEPA filters inside each work area while containment preparation work is in progress and operate in recirculation mode.

2. Isolate each work areas as described in Section 3.2 Access Restrictions.

3. Conduct pre-cleaning of surfaces throughout each work area to remove excess dust and dirt accumulation prior to installing plastic sheeting.

4. Construct up to three NPEs to contain the northside work areas as described in Section

3.3 Containment Preparation to remove and dispose of mold-impacted gypsum wallboard including any wall or ceiling cavity insulation in the areas listed below, refer to Figure 1 for additional information:

a. Coffee Station – remove cabinetry from south wall to inspect for damage on backside. Conduct removal of south wall from floor to ceiling approximately 10’ long x 12’ high. Remove and discard approximately two ceiling tiles. Conduct cleaning of all contents, equipment, and furniture in room.

b. Photo Media Office North – remove north wall from floor to ceiling approximately 10’ long x 12’ high. Also remove and discard approximately six ceiling tiles.

Conduct cleaning of all contents, equipment, and furniture in room.

c. Room south of Photo Media Office – Remove and discard approximately six ceiling tiles. Conduct cleaning of all contents, equipment, and furniture in room.

d. Conference Room – Remove cabinetry from west wall to inspect for damage on backside. Conduct removal of west wall approximately 16’ long x 8’ high.

Remove and discard carpeting approximately 16’ x 30’. Conduct cleaning of all contents, equipment, and furniture in room.

e. Northeast Hallway & Closet – Remove shelving unit from closet on north wall to inspect for damage on backside. If damage is confirmed by URS, conduct removal of north wall approximately 10’ long x 8’ high. Conduct cleaning of all contents in closet. Remove two bookcases installed on west for inspection of backside of bookcases and wall. Conduct cleaning of bookcases and all books.

Conduct removal of southeast wall by south conference room door (both sides) approximately 7’ long x 4’ high x 2 sides. Remove and discard approximately three ceiling tiles.

f. Manager 3 Office – Remove lower south wall approximately 10’ long x 4’ high.

g. Director Office – Remove lower north wall approximately 10’ long x 4’ high.

Remove lower south wall approximately 10’ long x 4’ high Conduct cleaning of all contents, equipment, and furniture in room.

h. Manager 4 Office – Remove lower north wall approximately 12’ long x 4’ high.

i. South Storage Room – Remove and discard approximately four ceiling tiles.

j. Remaining Southern Half of Office, Reception, Mechanical Room, & Lobby – Conduct cleaning of all remaining contents, equipment, and furniture, flooring and other horizontal surfaces including mounted pictures.

5. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within each NPE must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming.

5.2 Main Building Mid-level Fish & Wildlife Offices

preparation is in progress and allow to operate in recirculation mode.

2. Isolate work area as described in Section 3.2 Access Restrictions.

dirt accumulation prior to installing poly sheeting.

4. Construct NPE as described in Section 3.3 Containment Preparation to remove and dispose of mold-impacted gypsum wallboard including any wall or ceiling cavity insulation in the areas listed below, refer to Figure 1 for additional information:

a. Storage Room – Remove and discard approximately six ceiling tiles. Conduct cleaning of all remaining contents, equipment, and furniture, flooring and other horizontal surfaces including mounted pictures.

b. West Entrance Room – Remove lower west wall approximately 6’ long x 4’ high.

Remove lower north wall approximately 4’ long x 4’ high. Remove and discard approximately four ceiling tiles. Conduct cleaning of all remaining contents, equipment, and furniture, flooring and other horizontal surfaces including mounted pictures.

c. North Room – Remove lower south wall approximately 10’ long x 4’ high.

Remove and discard approximately 20 ceiling tiles. Conduct cleaning of all remaining contents, equipment, and furniture, flooring and other horizontal surfaces including mounted pictures.

d. East Room – Remove lower west wall approximately 6’ long x 4’ high. Remove and discard approximately four ceiling tiles. Conduct cleaning of all remaining contents, equipment, and furniture, flooring and other horizontal surfaces including mounted pictures.

5. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within each NPE must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming.

5.3 El Portalito Restrooms, Gift Shop, Information Booth

preparation is in progress and allow to operate in recirculation mode.

2. Isolate work areas as described in Section 3.2 Access Restrictions.

dirt accumulation prior to installing poly sheeting.

4. Construct NPE as described in Section 3.3 Containment Preparation to remove and dispose of mold-impacted gypsum wallboard including any wall or ceiling cavity insulation in the areas listed below:

a. Gift Shop – Remove and discard approximately three ceiling tiles. Remainder of scope of work to be determined at a later date. Conduct cleaning of all remaining contents, equipment, and furniture, flooring and other horizontal surfaces including mounted pictures.

5. Remove and discard the following materials:

a. Men’s Room – Remove and discard approximately two ceiling tiles.

b. Women’s Room – Remove and discard approximately three ceiling tiles.

c. Information Booth – Remove and discard circular desk.

6. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within each NPE or work area must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming.

5.4 El Portalito El Teatro

1. Install AFDs equipped with HEPA filters inside work area and allow to operate in recirculation mode.

3. Construct NPE as described in Section 3.3 Containment Preparation to remediate the areas listed below:

a. Viewing Room – Remove fabric upholstered chairs.

b. Projection Booth – Remove and discard carpeting

4. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within the NPE must be fine cleaned by wet wiping with a mild detergent and/or HEPA vacuuming including flooring, walls, and other horizontal surfaces.

5.5 Pavilions 1, 2, 3

1. Install AFDs equipped with HEPA filters inside each work area and allow to operate in

3. Construct NPE as described in Section 3.3 Containment Preparation to remove and dispose of mold-impacted gypsum wallboard including any insulation materials in the areas listed below:

a. Pavillion 1 – Remove gypsum board installed around upper walls, beams, and columns, estimated to be approximately 3,500 square feet.

b. Pavillion 2 – Remove gypsum board installed around upper walls, beams, and

c. Pavillion 3 – Remove gypsum board installed around upper walls, beams, and

4. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within the NPE must be fine

5.6 El Portal Fee Booth

1. Install AFDs equipped with HEPA filters inside work area and allow to operate in

3. Construct NPE as described in Section 3.3 Containment Preparation to remove and dispose of the materials listed below:

a. Remove wood desk to inspect for damage on backside.

4. Following removal of impacted materials, all surfaces within the building must be fine

6.0 POST-REMEDIATION ACTIVITIES

6.1 Air-Scrubbing

Once the cleaning procedures in the containment areas have been deemed satisfactorily completed, the exhaust tubing shall be removed by Contractor and any make up air vents must be sealed. The AFDs with HEPA filters must be allowed to run for a period of approximately 24 hours to filter and collect residual airborne particles.

6.2 Final Air Sampling

Following the 24-hour air scrubbing process, post-remediation air sampling will be performed inside each NPE and in the outdoor air for comparison purposes. The following criteria will be used to evaluate the sample results:

The airborne fungal spore concentration inside the work area must be quantitatively similar to or lower than the fungal spore concentration in the outdoor ambient air. In addition, the types of mold spores identified inside the work areas shall be qualitatively similar to those identified in the outdoor ambient air based on the professional judgement of a CIH.

In the event that the post-remediation air sample results are deemed unsatisfactory (i.e. not lower or similar to outdoors) the Contractor will be requested to perform additional cleaning of the work area. Post-remediation air samples will then be recollected upon the completion of an additional 24-hour air scrubbing period. The laboratory results will be analyzed on a same day turnaround basis from the time the samples arrive at the laboratory. The sample results will be available within three working days after the samples are collected (Monday-Friday only).

6.3 Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the affected areas is not included in the scope of work. The cause(s) of water intrusion should be properly identified and repaired at the Site prior to reconstruction of the affected areas.

7.0 REFERENCES

1. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH); Bioaerosols, Assessment and Control, 1999.

2. Environmental Protection Agency; Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, 2001.

3. Industrial Hygiene Investigation Report – El Yunque National Forest Headquarters

Catalina Work Center & Forest Supervisor’s Office; URS Group, Inc.

4. American Council Of Accredited Certification; www.ACAC.org

5. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC); ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard and IICRC R520 Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation 2015, www.IICRC.org.

FIGURES

FIGURE:

N

MAIN BUILDING - MID LEVEL

EL YUNQUE NATIONAL FOREST HEADQUARTERS

EL PORTAL VISITOR CENTER

ROAD PR 191, KM 4.0

RIO GRANDE, PR 00745

FIGURE:

N

PAVILLIONS 1, 2 & 3

EL YUNQUE NATIONAL FOREST HEADQUARTERS

EL PORTAL VISITOR CENTER

ROAD PR 191, KM 4.0

RIO GRANDE, PR 00745