OVERVIEW
CM3 was engaged to address a challenging mould remediation project during the renovation of a municipal hockey arena in Ontario. The project required meticulous planning and execution to safely remove mould-impacted materials, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a safe environment for workers and the public. This case study highlights CM3’s expertise in managing complex environmental challenges and showcases its commitment to safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility.
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KEY CHALLENGES
The arena’s renovation revealed significant mould growth on wall and ceiling finishes, spanning multiple locations, some of which were further complicated by the presence of asbestos-containing materials. Our team was challenged to maintain air quality in an operational public facility throughout the remediation process while adhering to industry standards, including those from the Canadian Construction Association.
OUR APPROACH
CM3 implemented a structured and methodical approach to address the challenges, focusing on safety, compliance, and long-term prevention. Throughout the entire assessment and remediation process our team followed strict health and safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), dust suppression techniques, and regulated waste handling.
To begin the process, our team conducted a thorough evaluation of mould growth across multiple areas, including the walls and ceiling finishes to identify locations where mould had infiltrated drywall materials containing asbestos. Asbestos abatement procedures took priority in accordance with regulatory guidelines prior to addressing mould remediation.
CM3 implemented robust engineering measures to ensure the safety of workers and the public during the asbestos abatement process by installing containment barriers to isolate affected areas, established negative air pressure systems to prevent cross-contamination and provided decontamination facilities for safe worker entry and exit. Each control was periodically inspected to verify compliance with provincial environmental regulations and overall effectiveness to protect workers and the public.
To ensure complete decontamination, CM3 utilized abrasive blasting with sodium bicarbonate to safely remove mould from impacted materials. The process ensured all surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next stages of the renovation.
Maintaining air quality in a partially operational public facility was a key focus. CM3 ensured that continuous air monitoring was conducted during the demolition and confirmed that airborne asbestos concentrations remained well within regulatory thresholds. Non-viable spore trap air samples were collected during and after remediation. Laboratory analysis confirmed that mould spore levels were within acceptable industry standards.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To prevent recurrence, CM3 emphasized addressing the root cause of the mould growth. Recommendations included repairing structural components to prevent water accumulation and implementing moisture control strategies.
CM3 successfully addressed a complex environmental challenge by safely removing all mould-impacted materials, including asbestos-containing components, while adhering to industry and regulatory standards. Through continuous air quality monitoring and laboratory analysis, CM3 ensured compliance with safety guidelines. Additionally, they provided actionable long-term recommendations to help the facility prevent future moisture and mould issues, ensuring a sustainable and compliant environment.
The analytical results and field observations confirmed that indoor airborne mould and asbestos concentrations were within acceptable levels, ensuring a safe environment for continued public use.