Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems in Industrial BuildingsFormer or current industrial manufacturing properties can be hotspots for vapor intrusion issues. The harsh chemicals used at these properties and the processes of disposing of them in the past can lead to massive amounts of contaminated soil and groundwater. The most common compounds that cause vapor intrusion issues in industrial properties are volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). VOC’s such as perchloroethylene, benzene, and more can be found in paints and thinners, industrial solvents, adhesives, cleaners and disinfectants, and fuels. These compounds can easily become vapors that have the ability to travel long distances through the soil and up into a structure above. Once inside of a building, the occupants inside may not even notice that they are being exposed, as many types of toxic vapors are odorless. Short term exposure to VOC’s can cause headaches, dizziness, and memory issues, while long term exposure can cause damage to the kidneys, liver and nervous system. Exposure to VOC’s can also ultimately cause cancer in humans, so it is vital that these issues are identified and resolved as soon as possible.
Fortunately, there are solutions to vapor intrusion issues in industrial buildings. With the implementation of active soil depressurization systems, toxic vapors can be vastly reduced inside of a structure and in some cases removed entirely. Lifetime Environmental Solutions has over two decades of experience in the mitigation industry and our knowledgeable commercial team is eager to help you with your industrial building. Give us a call today for a free vapor intrusion mitigation system quote! |
|
Active Soil Depressurization (ASD) Methods
Sub-slab depressurization (SSD)
The most widely used method to remove harmful vapors from a structure and keep them out is sub-slab depressurization. SSD works by coring a hole or multiple holes into the slab of the building and attaching a pipe with an in-line fan to continuously draw air out from the soil. SSD systems can be installed in new structures and existing structures. In new structures, steps can be taken to mostly hide the piping and fan units, and features that allow for maximum depressurization under the slab can be added prior to pouring the concrete. In existing structures, a collection point will need to be dug out from under each hole drilled into the concrete to get proper suction and field extension. Diagnostic testing is always performed before and after installation to ensure that the SSD system is properly covering the entire footprint of the structure. All sub-slab depressurization systems should be installed by a certified mitigator such as Lifetime Environmental Solutions because non-certified individuals may cause structural damage and further indoor air issues if they install the system improperly. Give us a call today for a free consultation! Sub-membrane depressurization (SMD) Some industrial buildings only have a partial slab covering the lowest level, or no slab at all. In this case, soil gasses are entering with ease through that area. These open areas need to be sealed down air tight in order for depressurization to work. Sub-membrane depressurization starts with laying down a vapor barrier over all open soil and sealing it down to the surrounding walls. After the vapor barrier is air tight to the soil, piping can be added to draw out the trapped gasses from underneath the barrier. Sub membrane depressurization is simply a part of sub-slab depressurization, so the rest of the system is run the same way a SSD system is with the piping and fan venting the soil gasses above the roofline to dissipate safely into the outdoor air. |
Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Cost
The cost of a vapor intrusion mitigation system depends on a few key factors. Unfortunately as with most commercial construction, there isn’t a one price fits all installation solution. However, if you work with Lifetime Environmental Solutions, you can be assured that the price we will charge is fair and competitive every time.
Price factors include:
Give Lifetime Environmental Solutions a call today to set up an in-person consultation, or receive a free over the phone consultation. Our experienced commercial team is eager to provide you with an incredibly detailed, customized, and competitive proposal. |