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Projects

1. Contaminated Site Remediation

After a homeowner noted that their fuel oil needed to be refilled more quickly than normal, they discovered that there was a leak associated with the above ground storage tank. KCI was retained to conduct an investigation to satisfy the TSSA requirements to assess whether the underlying soil and groundwater regimes had been adversely impacted with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs). Based on field observations and analytical laboratory results, it was concluded that a subsurface investigation and remediation was considered warranted. KCI drilled boreholes and installed groundwater monitoring wells to delineate the subsurface soil and groundwater impacts. Due to the nature of the site and the presence of contaminated soil underneath the residence, the structure had to be demolished and significant excavation had to be completed to depths exceeding 10.5m. Over the course of the next year, KCI monitored and guided the remedial efforts until the extents of the PHC impacts had been remediated.

2. Mould Assessment

A two-storey residence sustained extensive water damage and associated mould as a result of an ongoing hot water tank leak that went unnoticed for an extended period of time. As a result, extensive mould growth was present throughout the basement and main floor. KCI provided consulting services to determine the extents of mould growth/water impacts with the use of field data and analytical results. A detailed scope of work for mould abatement was provided to the client, and once completed, KCI returned to the site to complete a final assessment to confirm mould growth was removed, building materials were dry, and airborne/surface mould spore concentrations were acceptable according to industry standards.

3. Forensic Investigation

After a rainwater ingress event occurred at a three storey office building, KCI was brought in to determine the water leakage ingress path and to provide recommendations for the client to control the water leakage. Water staining was visible on the third-floor vision area on the South curtain wall. Extensive investigation was conducted both inside the building and on the building exterior. With the help of thermal imaging, some thermal anomalies were identified on the curtain wall. This coupled with field observations, KCI was able to determine the likely source of the leak and provide the recommendations needed to solve the issue of water ingress.

4. Designated Substance Survey

When a fire destroyed a multi-unit residential building, KCI was retained to complete a Designated Substance Survey to identify any hazardous materials including asbestos that may be present in the building. The analytical laboratory identified Asbestos in the wall plaster in the building. Due to the close proximity to multiple commercial and residential buildings, KCI liaised with the Ministry of Labour to conduct and coordinate the demolition efforts. Additionally, air sampling for any airborne asbestos fibers was set along the perimeter to ensure that high concentrations of fibers did not migrate off site.

5. Soot and Chemical Migration Assessment

At a former multi-building government complex that was repurposed into a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential units, a chemical fire broke out and consequently damaged the complex. In order to determine the extents of the fire related particulate damages, KCI was brought in to complete soot testing, to comment on any potential chemical transport, and to complete a Designated Substance Survey. Over the course of three days, KCI staff collected airborne and surface samples of fire-related particulate to determine if fire‐related particulate was present, and if the fire‐related particulate present was associated with the source material provided. Based on the analytical results, fire-related particulate had migrated throughout the building. As such, KCI was able to provide cleaning recommendations to ensure a safe remediation. In addition, due to the nature of the fire, KCI staff also completed air sampling throughout the building, targeting specific chemicals that were impacted during the fire. Fortunately, all submitted samples were below occupational limits.

6. Drinking Well Water Sampling

In rural areas, homeowners depend on clean well water for their supply of drinking water. After a fire at a detached garage, KCI was retained to collect samples of the drinking well water to ensure it was safe for human consumption. Due to the nature of the property, during firefighting operations, the water and foam used to fight the fire flowed in the direction of the drinking water well. KCI targeted the parameters laid out in the Ontario Drinking Water Standards as well as Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs). These additional parameters were included due to the presence of fire foam and electrical components respectively. When the analytical laboratory results can back above criteria, KCI provided recommendations to rectify the issue. Once complete, KCI returned to complete confirmatory sampling as well as confirmatory sampling for the wells on the neighbouring properties to ensure contaminates did not travel off site.

7. Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessment

Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are an integral part of the process prior to development, as part of environmental due diligence, and prior to property transfers. KCI was hired to complete a Phase I ESA at a commercial shopping plaza in an area of commercial and residential use. KCI staff identified numerous Areas of Potential Environmental Concern (APEC) and Potentially Contaminating Activities (PCA) on or adjacent to the property. Based on the findings in the Phase I ESA, a Phase II ESA was required. KCI staff completed a subsurface investigation through the use of boreholes and monitoring wells to sample the soil and groundwater for any potential contaminates. Based on the analytical lab results, and field observations, KCI concluded that the current and historical activities on and off-site did not represent a high risk of potential environmental concern.

8. Indoor Air Quality Assessment

During a renovation in a multi-storey office building, a suspected asbestos containing material was disturbed. The occupants were concerned with the potential for airborne asbestos exposure. Additionally, concerns were raised by occupants regarding general indoor air quality within the building. To ensure the safety of the occupants, KCI worked after normal business hours to complete air sampling for asbestos and an assessment of numerous comfort parameters including temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and airborne particulate. All measured asbestos samples and comfort parameters were acceptable according to governing criteria therefore putting the occupants at ease.

9. Large Scale Mould Assessment

When the air drier associated with an ice rink in a sports complex malfunctioned, staff noted dark colourations of suspect mould growth on building materials associated with the ice rink. KCI was brought in to complete a mould assessment in the sports complex. Elevated mould spores and elevated relative humidity levels were identified in numerous areas throughout the complex. The extensive and complex nature of the project site required a significant amount of project management on the part of KCI to work with all involved parties including government officials to ensure that the project proceeded smoothly and safely.  Portions of the complex remained open to the public during the mould abatement. As such, KCI completed weekly airborne mould spore sampling to ensure public safety.  Once the abatement was complete, KCI staff returned to the subject site to complete post abatement assessment to confirm that that all mould-impacted building materials had been removed, building materials were dry, and that air and surface mould spore concentrations were acceptable according to industry standards.

10. Marijuana Grow Operation

A fire occurred in a multi-use commercial/residential building. The fire was associated with a burst light bulb in a legal marijuana grow operation within the building. KCI was retained to determine areas of moisture accumulation, asbestos sampling of affected areas, and also determine extents of smoke migration. This was done using forensic investigative techniques, coupled with field data and analytical laboratory results. This information aided the appraiser is devising a targeted scope of work for demolition and repairs. KCI also discovered and differentiated areas of historical water ingress and associated pre-existing mould growth which were separate from the fire-related damages. These areas were then excluded from the appraisers’ scope of demolition/repairs.