1409_Watson_Street_ACM_Inspection_Report_September_2025.pdf

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Attached to
City of Scranton 2025 Demolition Projects Round 3
Solicitation number
2025-ITB-093
Issued by
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania

About this file

This document is a Limited Asbestos Containing Materials Inspection report prepared by Quad Three Group, Inc. for the Scranton Office of Economic and Community Development, focusing on a property located at 1409 Watson Street in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The inspection was conducted on September 12th, 2025, with the primary objective of identifying and assessing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) prior to a planned demolition. The inspection was limited due to structural concerns and debris, with access restricted primarily to the exterior of the structure.

The laboratory analysis identified a black mastic on the exterior concrete foundation containing 7% chrysotile asbestos. The report emphasizes that if this mastic becomes friable during demolition, it must be handled and removed by a certified abatement contractor in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. The samples were analyzed using Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), and the results indicate that while most concrete samples were non-asbestos, the black mastic requires special handling. The report includes a disclaimer that the findings are specific to the conditions present at the time of inspection and recommends independent verification of material quantities for any removal cost estimates.

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LIMITED ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS INSPECTION

Throughout:

1409 WATSON STREET

SCRANTON, PA 18504

Prepared for:

SCRANTON OFFICE OF ECOMONIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

340 NORTH WASHINGTON AVENUE (MUNICIPAL BUILDING),

SCRANTON, PA 18503

Attention:

Mr. Andrew Connors

Prepared by:

QUAD THREE GROUP, INC.

37 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET

WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA 18701

PH. (570) 829 - 4200

FAX (570) 829 - 0302

PROJECT # 13030.04.39

SEPTEMBER 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………….1.

II. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………..1.

III. SURVEY AREA AND DISCUSSION……………………………....2.

IV. MATERIALS SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL…………………...2.

V. INSPECTION FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS…………3.

VI. ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS ABATEMENT………..3.

COST

VII. INSPECTION DISCLAIMER………………………………………..4.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A ASBESTOS ANALYSIS RESULTS

APPENDIX B SITE PHOTOS

APPENDIX C CERTIFICATIONS

LIMITED ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS INSPECTION

Prepared for:

Scranton Office of Economic and Community Development 340 North Washington Avenue (Municipal Building), Scranton, PA 18503

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An Asbestos Containing Materials Inspection was conducted on September 12th, 2025 within the planned demolition site located at 1409 Watson Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if asbestos containing materials exist within the structure. Mr. William Sterling (PA Asbestos Inspector #057069) of Quad Three Group, Inc. conducted the inspection in conjunction with demolition scheduled at the structure.

As part of this asbestos inspection, the quantities and conditions of asbestos containing materials were identified. A total of six (6) layers of material samples were collected and analyzed.

Asbestos containing materials (ACM) were identified through lab analysis on the accessible areas of the structure located at 1409 Watson Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The laboratory identified a black mastic on the exterior concrete foundation. This black mastic was not identified during the inspection and therefore could not be quantified. If during the demolition process a black mastic is identified and rendered friable it should be handled and removed following all Local, State, and Federal regulations by a certified abatement contractor.

Materials that were non-suspect or were sampled and through analysis found to not contain asbestos include concrete foundation. Descriptions of all the material samples collected can be found in Appendix A.

The conclusions presented in this report are the result of the coalition, compilation and analysis of samples and other information obtained during the inspection. The results presented in this report represent the conditions present at the time of the inspection. Quad Three Group has no control over conditions or events that occurred following the date of inspection.

II. INTRODUCTION

On September 12th, 2025 a limited asbestos inspection was performed within 1409 Watson Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the inspection was to visually locate, identify and quantify asbestos containing materials (ACM) as they exist within the structure scheduled for demolition. The survey / inspection process included:

A. Inspecting the area to identify representative “suspected” asbestos-containing materials, types and sampling sites.

1.

B. Collecting representative samples from any suspect material in order to identify all

Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM). Examples of these materials include Pipe insulation, plaster, sheet-rock, floor tiles, linoleum, etc.

C. Sampling was performed by experienced, licensed personnel utilizing semi -destructive sampling techniques in an attempt to locate asbestos containing materials.

D. Laboratory analysis of the materials sampled was performed at an accredited laboratory using the EPA recommended method of polarized light microscopy (PLM) for friable samples.

III. SURVEY AREA DISCUSSION

The property was comprised of a single structure at 1409 Watson Street The interior of the structures offered limited access at the time of the inspection due to unknown structural concerns. Debris throughout the property blocked safe entrance and exits to the remaining areas of the structure. The Inspection was limited to the accessible areas of the exterior of the structure. Major structural components include concrete, brick, stone, block, and wood.

IV. MATERIALS SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY

The building inspection was conducted by an inspector, qualified by experience, education and training in the recognition of suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACM). An initial walk through was conducted to identify suspect asbestos containing materials and to group them into homogeneous sampling areas.

Following the walkthrough, the number of samples required to determine the presence of ACM in the study areas was determined. Sample collection was performed with the intent to identify and locate asbestos containing materials and to group them into homogeneous material categories. This grouping allowed the inspectors to identify like materials within the facility to avoid over sampling or mischaracterization of an asbestos containing material.

The majority of the ACM samples were located utilizing non-destructive techniques. Some areas of ACM may still exist in areas that could not be accessed until complete interior demolition is completed.

Representative samples of each “suspect asbestos containing material” were collected utilizing approved federal and state methods. When samples were collected, the locations were noted. Measurements were taken to determine the approximate quantity of suspect material. The condition of the material was also documented at that time.

All material samples were analyzed via Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) as per EPA/600R- 93-116, July 1993.

The analytical results and locations for all samples collected can be found in Appendix A.

2.

The samples were analyzed by EMSL Analytical of Cinnaminson, New Jersey. E M S L has developed and implemented an intra laboratory quality assurance/quality control program to ensure accuracy and consistency of results.

Asbestos is present if the material analyzed is greater than one percent (>1.0%) by weight.

This stipulation is outlined in the EPA Publication EPA 500/5-85-024, Section 2.2.2.2.

V. INSPECTION FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The laboratory identified a black mastic on the exterior concrete foundation. This black mastic was not identified during the inspection and therefore could not be quantified. If during the demolition process a black mastic is identified and rendered friable it should be handled and removed following all Local, State, and Federal regulations by a certified abatement contractor.

Asbestos containing materials are categorized as containing asbestos concentrations greater than one percent (>1.0%) by weight. Asbestos fiber concentrations less than one percent (<1.0%) by weight are still regulated under OSHA standard 1926.1101.

Below are the results of the building inspection. The results indicate the sample location, sample numbers, material and condition. Some of the materials were homogenized for sampling purposes. For example, once a homogeneous material was sampled, the sample result could be considered representative for that material throughout the residence. If one sample of a homogeneous material tested positive for asbestos, then the entire homogeneous material was classified as asbestos containing in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines.

The conditions of the materials are designated as good, damaged or significantly damaged.

The following materials were found to contain more than one percent (>1.0%) asbestos by weight:

The laboratory identified a black mastic on the exterior concrete foundation. This black mastic was not identified during the inspection and therefore could not be quantified. If during the demolition process a black mastic is identified and rendered friable it should be handled and removed following all Local, State, and Federal regulations by a certified abatement contractor.

Analytical results for the materials sampled are located in Appendix A.

Friable materials are materials that can be crushed by applying hand pressure. Non-friable materials are materials that typically cannot be crushed by hand pressure (floor tiles/mastics). If grinding or pulverization were to occur during demolition, non-friable materials can be rendered friable.

Asbestos containing materials (friable and non-friable) located on the interior / exterior of a building, which will be disturbed during renovations / demolition, must be removed and disposed of by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

3.

VI. ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIAL ABATEMENT COSTS

As part of this report, cost estimates have been provided to help assist the Scranton Office of Economic and Community Development to evaluate the costs associated with a renovation or demolition project. The cost estimates have been arrived at independently and have been inserted in this report solely for the use of the Scranton Office of Economic and Community Development. The following estimate has been prepared for budgetary purposes. All measurements are approximate. Contractors should independently verify the quantities of materials when preparing a cost estimate for removal.

The following applies:

The laboratory identified a black mastic on the exterior concrete foundation. This black mastic was not identified during the inspection and therefore could not be quantified. If during the demolition process a black mastic is identified and rendered friable it should be handled and removed following all Local, State, and Federal regulations by a certified abatement contractor.

VII. INSPECTION DISCLAIMER

Data and other information in this report are only valid for the prevailing conditions identified during this investigation and will be kept confidential. Any information contained in this report will not be released to third parties without the expressed written consent of the client except where required by law.

The conclusions expressed within this report are intended to advise the client of the potential regulated environmental hazards within the subject property. It is the responsibility of the client to comply with current regulations relating to the hazards identified in this report. The burden for financial or health consequences for action or lack of action taken by the client or the client's agent is the responsibility of the client.

Dated : 11/22/2016 3:17:57 PM Page 7 of 11

4.

APPENDIX A

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

200 Route 130 North Cinnaminson, NJ 08077

Tel/Fax: (800) 220-3675 / (856) 786-5974 http://www.EMSL.com / cinnasblab@EMSL.com

042518870EMSL Order:

Customer ID: QUAD30

Customer PO:

Project ID:

Attention: Phone:William Sterling (570) 829-4200

Fax:Quad 3 Group, Inc. (570) 829-0302

Received Date:37 N. Washington Street 09/19/2025 9:30 AM

Analysis Date:Wilkes Barre, PA 18701 09/22/2025

Collected Date: 09/12/2025

Project: 1409 Watson Street, Scranton

Test Report: Asbestos Analysis of Bulk Materials via AHERA Method 40CFR 763 Subpart E

Appendix E supplemented with EPA 600/R-93/116 using Polarized Light Microscopy

Sample Description Appearance % Fibrous % Non-Fibrous

Non-Asbestos Asbestos

% Type

001-Concrete

042518870-0001

None DetectedNon-fibrous (Other)100%Gray

Non-Fibrous

Homogeneous

Exterior Foundation -

Concrete

001-Mastic

042518870-0001A

7% ChrysotileNon-fibrous (Other)93%Black

Non-Fibrous

Homogeneous

Exterior Foundation -

Concrete

001-Concrete 2

042518870-0001B

None DetectedNon-fibrous (Other)100%Gray

Non-Fibrous

Homogeneous

Exterior Foundation -

Concrete

002-Concrete

042518870-0002

None DetectedNon-fibrous (Other)100%Gray

Non-Fibrous

Homogeneous

Exterior Foundation -

Concrete

002-Mastic

042518870-0002A

Positive Stop (Not Analyzed)Exterior Foundation -

Concrete

002-Concrete 2

042518870-0002B

None DetectedNon-fibrous (Other)100%Gray

Non-Fibrous

Homogeneous

Exterior Foundation -

Concrete

Analyst(s)

Hunter Kelly (2)

Trinh Tran (3)

Samantha Sweeney, Laboratory Manager or Other Approved Signatory

EMSL maintains liability limited to cost of analysis . Interpretation and use of test results are the responsibility of the client. This report relates only to the samples reported above, and may not be reproduced, except in full, without written approval by EMSL. EMSL bears no responsibility for sample collection activities or analytical method limitations . The report reflects the samples as received.

Results are generated from the field sampling data (sampling volumes and areas, locations, etc.) provided by the client on the Chain of Custody. Samples are within quality control criteria and met method specifications unless otherwise noted. The above analyses were performed in general compliance with Appendix E to Subpart E of 40 CFR (previously EPA 600/M4-82-020 “Interim Method”) but augmented with procedures outlined in the 1993 (”final”) version of the method. This report must not be used by the client to claim product certification, approval, or endorsement by NVLAP, NIST or any agency of the federal government. Non- friable organically bound materials present a problem matrix and therefore EMSL recommends gravimetric reduction prior to analysis . Unless requested by the client, building materials manufactured with multiple layers (i.e. linoleum, wallboard, etc.) are reported as a single sample. Estimation of uncertainty is available on request.

Samples analyzed by EMSL Analytical, Inc. Cinnaminson, NJ NVLAP Lab Code 101048-0, AIHA LAP, LLC-IHLAP Lab 100194, PA ID# 68-00367, LA #04127

Initial report from: 09/23/2025 02:16:46

Page 1 of 1ASB_PLM_0008_0002 - 2.31 Printed: 9/23/2025 2:16 AM

APPENDIX B

PHOTOS

APPENDIX C

Report
APPENDIX A
042518870_001
APPENDIX B
PHOTOS
APPENDIX C
2025 ACM CERT
Q3G Back Page

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