FAQs

• How can DAS help me determine if there may be PCBs in the building materials at a State Owned Property or Facility?+
  Answer:

  • DAS has developed a policy regarding the identification, abatement, and disposal of PCBs in building materials (see 1170 DCS PCBs in Caulk Policy). 

  • The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has learned that caulk products that were used in many buildings during construction, renovation, or repair projects from the 1950s through the late 1970s may contain PCBs.  PCBs were often added to caulk products to enhance flexibility of the caulk.  PCBs are federally regulated by EPA in Part 761 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), promulgated under section 6(e) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). 

  • DAS can discuss solutions and options for the project if it must be investigated and/or abated for PCBs, including assistance with testing for PCBs in building material and interaction with regulatory agencies and consultants.  Agencies should feel free to contact DAS to assist with providing guidance to Consultants.
• How can DAS help me inspect and/or abate hazardous materials in a State Owned Property or Facility?+
  Answer:

  • DAS provides assistance in the identification, abatement, and disposing of hazardous materials for state agencies.
  • Hazardous materials are defined as asbestos, lead paint, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in building materials, mold, fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, mercury, PCB ballasts, lead-acid battery electrolytes, fluorocarbons, equipment coolant, hydraulic fluids, and petroleum products.
  • Some asbestos services are funded by the DAS statewide asbestos fund.
  • Licensed professionals are on-call to do immediate surveys and project design.
  • Licensed contractors are available on-call for emergency work.
  • All work is performed in accordance with all State and Federal regulations, statutes, and laws.
• How do I determine if my project is above or below the $10,000 threshold for Environmental Consultant services under Contract 19PSX0120?+
  Answer:

  • The $10,000 threshold is determined by the cost of the consultant services only and does not include the cost of any anticipated remediation or abatement costs. If the consultant services are close to the threshold, the applicant should consider implementing the higher bidding standards in the event that unanticipated cost increases push the cost of services over the $10,000 threshold.
  • In instances where the total project costs exceed, or will exceed, $500,000 then the project is not eligible for DAS HazMat Funds and will need to use project funds for all environmental consultant and abatement services. Limited exceptions will be made for emergencies, or with special approval from the DAS Deputy Commissioner.
• For abatement contracting services under Contract 20PSX0154 how do I determine if my total project costs are less than $500,000?+
  Answer:

  • As used in this section, total project costs include the combined total of all construction costs associated with the project, inclusive of any abatement work. This applies if it is a large construction project with a small abatement component, a single large abatement project, or any other combination.
  • In instances where the total project costs exceed, or will exceed, $500,000 then the project is not eligible for DAS HazMat Funds and will need to use project funds for all environmental consultant and abatement services. Limited exceptions will be made for emergencies, or with special approval from the DAS Deputy Commissioner.
• When is air monitoring, inspection and clearance testing required during asbestos abatement?+
  Answer:

  Any of the following will generally require the services of a consultant under Contract 19PSX0120 during abatement activities:

  • Any abatement projects exceeding 3 square feet or 3 linear feet of asbestos containing materials (ACM), including any approved alternative work practices (AWP);
  • In an occupied building, monitoring is typically performed during abatement to document the integrity of the negative pressure enclosure and verify fiber levels outside the containment do not exceed CTDPH and OSHA criteria; or
  • Whenever required by any abatement work plan prepared by a qualified consultant.
  • If monitoring is required, the client agency should include the cost and scope of such services as part of the same 1165 request as for the abatement services.
• Can HazMat Funding be used to supplement new or existing Capital Projects?+
  Answer:

  • The HazMat Program and DAS/CS staff may provide technical assistance as needed, but HazMat Funding will not be available. Funding for hazmat-related work for new or existing Capital Projects should be planned for and included as part of the project funds. In very limited circumstances, the DAS Deputy Commissioner may authorize the use of HazMat Funds in response to an emergency, but only after a project has exhausted other project funds, such as contingency funds.
• Can I use HazMat Funds for mold testing?+
  Answer:

  • The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) does not recommend air testing for mold if visible mold growth is present. Instead, they recommend repairing any underlying moisture problems contributing to mold growth and then remediating the mold (Contract 20PSX0154).HazMat Program funding shall not be used for the long-term monitoring or abatement of mold, or for the repair of any underlying moisture issues contributing to mold growth. DAS/CS may reject an application for mold remediation if the agency determines that problem is likely to persist due to an underlying and incorrected moisture problem.
• Can HazMat Funds be used for demolition?+
  Answer:

  • In general, HazMat Funds shall not be used for demolition, except in limited circumstances where demolition is directly related to the removal and abatement of the hazardous materials.
• Can HazMat Funds be used for repairs?+
  Answer:

  • No. HazMat Funds shall not be used for repairs, even if the needed repairs are a result of hazardous materials investigation or abatement activities. Repairs are the not permitted under the services of Contracts 19PSX0120 and 20PSX0154 and are the responsibility of the Client Agency.
• Can HazMat Funding be used for the investigation or removal of Underground Storage Tanks (UST)?+
  Answer:

  • No. Investigation and/or removal of USTs or soils contaminated by USTs is not covered under Contracts 19PSX0120 or 20PSX0154, and are not an eligible use of DAS HazMat Funds.
• Can HazMat Funds be used for the investigation or removal of soils contaminated by pesticides?+
  Answer:

  • No. Investigation and/or removal of soils contaminated by pesticides is not covered under Contracts 19PSX0120 or 20PSX0154, and is not an eligible use of DAS HazMat Funds.