Institutional
Various Air Quality / Safety and Industrial Hygiene Projects
BCE has completed a variety of health and safety consulting services at the University of Ottawa, working around the schedule and challenges a public institution presents. Routine services include designated substance surveys, inspection & air monitoring services during asbestos abatement projects, mould assessments/sampling, and completion of potable water sampling. BCE has also worked in tandem with the University’s Health & Safety team to complete in depth investigations regarding odours associated with chemical laboratories using various sampling methods as well as an asbestos in settled dust investigation, legionella sampling and the development of the University’s potable water management program. BCE recently completed a data gap analysis of safety programs available to staff at the university to ensure compliance with provincial legislation and identify opportunities for improvement.
Various Industrial Hygiene Services
Through a standing offer with Carleton University, BCE completes various industrial hygiene services across approximately 40 buildings. The majority of work completed at Carleton pertains to the development of both large scale and small designated substances assessment and removal projects. This work involves the identification of designated substances, developing specifications for removal, and completing all the associated inspections and air monitoring services during the removal process. BCE also completed an extensive fume hood inspection/testing program (over 200 units) throughout laboratories in the science buildings. This project included visual assessments for any damage, airflow visualization using smoke tests, and face / capture velocity testing.
Government
Complete Rehabilitation – Hazardous Materials Abatement
In 2017 WSP Canada (WSP) invited Buller Crichton Environmental to join their team as a subconsultant on the Centre Block Rehabilitation project. The two companies formed an alliance to provide all Hazardous Materials consulting services for the project. The scope of the Centre Block Rehabilitation project, over the course of several years, includes the comprehensive restoration of Centre Block and the Peace Tower, along with the completion of the Parliament Welcome Centre Complex.
Together with WSP, BCE developed a Designated Substances Investigation Plan to address data gaps in the existing Designated Substance Report for Centre Block. The Investigation Plan was executed over the course of a year, during which time staff had the opportunity to explore and collect samples in some very unique and historical settings: testing the House of Commons linen ceiling, surveying the only slanted elevator in Canada found within the Peace Tower, testing various coats of arms, and testing within the Peace Tower Bells Room all required specialized procedures and limited access. Executing these investigations required intensive coordination between the Construction Manager, the Heritage Team and WSP / BCE. Information gathered and knowledge gained during the investigation work was then used to prepare tender documents for the rehabilitation project.
BCE currently has six staff who are involved at various capacities with the rehabilitation project. Work continues in the form of abatement inspections and air monitoring during asbestos, lead and silica disturbance, attendance at weekly meetings and assistance with contract administration. During the current construction phase, the team works diligently with all stakeholders to identify and proactively mitigate challenges on this large-scale hazardous materials abatement project.
Major Demolition and Renovation
BCE completed and extensive project with Demolition Plus to provide oversight for the large-scale asbestos abatement of what is known as The Booth Street Complex. The project involved the removal of various building materials during the renovation and demolition of fourteen buildings and various underground heating tunnels known as The Booth Street Complex. To ensure the safety of the workers, adjacent building occupants, general public, and to meet regulatory requirements, BCE completed daily site inspections and air monitoring for asbestos fibres during the abatement process. BCE was also responsible for the completion of bi-weekly dust monitoring at five locations around the perimeter of the site representing wind and downwind locations. Dust samples were monitored for three particulate sizes (PM 2.5, PM10 and Total Particulate). BCE provided recommendations, where required, to improve air quality, with respect to dust, surrounding the Site.
Auditorium/Conference Room
Major Renovation
Buller Crichton Environmental Inc. (BCE) was commissioned to investigate specific areas of the Lester B. Pearson building, located in Ottawa Ontario. A regulated asbestos-containing spray applied fireproofing was identified on structural steel assemblies within previously concealed areas of the building and it was determined that removal of the material was to be completed. Over the course of a year, BCE executed air quality testing, the design of the abatement tender package as well as contractor procurement assistance and abatement oversight on a daily basis.
The initial assessment included targeted destructive investigations to determine the full extent of the material, as well as precautionary air quality sampling for airborne fibre concentrations to ensure all regulatory requirements were met. The destructive investigations successfully prevented unnecessary extra costs by gaining a solid understanding of the extent of the fireproofing.
Using the information gained from the project design phase and using our extensive knowledge of the applicable Standards, Regulations and Codes, BCE prepared asbestos abatement specifications and a comprehensive scope of work, all in collaboration with stakeholders and the client. To ensure the safety of the workers and building occupants, and to meet the strict regulatory requirements, BCE conducted daily inspections and air monitoring during the abatement phase.
Throughout the project, BCE provided abatement estimates, contract administration services, as well as, attended weekly and as needed meetings placing significant care into the communication of the project goals, schedule and methods. BCE successfully helped to the full extent that the asbestos-containing material was removed while ensuring occupant and worker safety.
Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP)
/Energy Service Modernization (ESM) Project
Buller Crichton Environmental Inc. (BCE) was commissioned to be the prime environmental consultant to accommodate the Energy Services Acquisition Program (ESAP)/Energy Service Modernization (ESM) project within the National Capital Area. The project involves abatement of asbestos-containing materials as well as the removal of other designated substances and hazardous materials including lead, mercury, silica, and PCBs. This project will modernize the heating systems within 80 buildings and the cooling systems of 67 buildings by converting the heating and cooling plants to cleaner technology – from steam to an electric system for cooling, and low-temperature hot water for heating. Throughout the project, BCE completed gap analysis on existing designated substance and hazardous material inventories, abatement specifications, abatement estimates and inspection /air monitoring services for all removals During the abatement process, BCE will also be conducting site inspections with PCM air monitoring to ensure the work is completed in accordance with the Occupation Health and Safety Act, the PSPC Asbestos management Standard as well as the Canada Labour Code.
Mining / Manufacturing
Large Scale Mould Removal
BCE was responsible for the detailed assessment of mould contamination and oversight during remediation within several buildings/areas across an entire facility in Ontario. Through in-depth surface, bulk and air sampling as well as visual assessment, BCE was able to outline a procedure for successful remediation of more than 250,000 square feet of mould remediation. Some buildings were occupied with employees while others housed food preparation facilities and air handling units. These complicated facilities demanded a unique approach while working with Health Canada to ensure contamination was not spread throughout food production areas. This project required BCE to complete over six-months worth of inspections, air monitoring and contractor oversight to document a safe working environment for employees working within the facility as well as a successful remediation.
Masterloy Products Company
BCE was hired by Masterloy to conduct a two-day comprehensive worker exposure assessment at their manufacturing facility in Ottawa, Ontario. The goal of the assessment was to identify worker exposure to various chemical and physical agents for comparison against limits outlined in Ontario Regulation 833 – Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents. The assessment included airborne sampling of silica, vanadium, molybdenum, general dust, vanadium pentoxide and aluminum within several locations of the site. In addition, BCE completed a comprehensive noise map of the site using type 2 sound level meters as well as personal dosimetry to understand worker exposure to noise, based on what department they worked within. Following receipt of analytical data, BCE provided a final report and discussed recommendations for improved air quality and reduced sound pressure levels, where required.
Buildings and Real Estate
Minto Indoor Air Quality
BCE completes Indoor Air Quality assessments each year for the Minto Commercial Towers located in downtown Ottawa. BCE works with the client to ensure air quality concerns are addressed, while conducting testing with minimal impact to the tenants occupying the space. Parameters tested for include temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), respirable and total suspended particulates, and non-viable airborne mould. BCE also completes an assessment of the air handling units to ensure good maintenance practices are used and that there are no obvious deficiencies that would impact the quality of air being delivered into tenant spaces. Measured results are compared against ASHRAE Standards and Health Canada guidelines. BCE understands the importance of quick and clear communication; all interim results are communicated to our client in advance of the report to ensure the client can take action where appropriate.
Potable Water Sampling
BCE is currently under contract to provide BGIS with semi-annual potable water sampling services at 11 large-scale government office buildings located at the BGIS Tunney’s Pasture Complex in Ottawa, ON. Each year as part of the sampling program, BCE collects water from over 400 points of consumption across these buildings, reviews the data against Health Canada Guidelines, and provides recommendations to improve drinking water quality where necessary. As part of the contract agreement, BCE is also responsible for completing emergency water sampling services on an as and when needed basis.
Complete Building Rehabilitation
Buller Crichton Environmental Inc. (BCE) was retained by the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-est during the design phase of the Deschâtelets Building Rehabilitation Project, which required a comprehensive Designated Substance Survey (DSS) to comply with Ontario regulations. Building upon the detailed site surveys and analytical results, BCE developed the scope of work for the abatement of hazardous building materials, as well as the tender documents to retain a qualified abatement contractor. The specifications provided in National Master Specifications (NMS) format, define the practices and procedures required for the safe handling and disposal of the materials, to ensure our Client is compliant with relevant regulations, guidelines, and standards. During the abatement process, BCE will also be conducting site inspections with PCM air monitoring, to ensure the work is completed in accordance with the Occupation Health and Safety Act.