Project Overview
A commercial real estate owner was considering a large-scale renovation of a commercial high-rise office building in downtown Houston. Prior to interior demolition, modernization, and roof replacement, the redevelopment team needed a comprehensive asbestos survey that met stringent local, state, and federal compliance requirements. The building’s age, size, and numerous mechanical floors created a complex assessment environment requiring detailed coordination and multi-day fieldwork.
ESE Partners was engaged to conduct a full-building asbestos survey across all interior levels and accessible roof areas. The survey was performed in accordance with Texas Asbestos Health Protection Rules (TAHPR), NESHAP requirements, and the EPA Model Accreditation Plan (MAP).
Scope of Work
ESE completed a structured, multi-floor asbestos investigation that included a full walkthrough and inspection of all floors, basement and mezzanine levels, and accessible mechanical spaces. During the assessment, the team identified suspect asbestos-containing materials across architectural, mechanical, and utility systems and collected bulk samples from defined homogeneous areas, including pipe insulation, mastics, flooring, wall systems, fireproofing, and HVAC components. All samples were analyzed under strict chain-of-custody protocols using NVLAP-accredited polarized light microscopy (PLM). To support renovation planning, ESE also developed detailed maps of ACM locations through diagrams, photography, and material designation tables.
Key Findings
ESE’s assessment identified asbestos-containing materials in several building systems, representative of mid-20th-century construction. ACMs were confirmed in the following categories:
• Spray applied fire proofing
• Pipe insulation on multiple mechanical floors and vertical chases
• HVAC mastics and penetration sealants
• Floor tiles and residual mastics in localized areas
• Fire door insulation
• Sink undercoating, cork/mastic, and wall mastics in specialty rooms
These findings were documented in a comprehensive summary table with precise locations, descriptions, and regulatory classifications, enabling the client to clearly understand abatement requirements and prioritize renovation sequencing.
Challenges
The size and complexity of the structure required careful planning to maintain survey efficiency and quality. Multiple basement and mezzanine levels housed dense mechanical infrastructure, and limited accessibility within pipe chases, duct shafts, and historic construction assemblies added to the challenge. The team also navigated daily coordination with building operations and contractors while maintaining strict methodological consistency across hundreds of samples and dozens of homogeneous areas. Despite these constraints, ESE remained aligned with the project schedule and delivered complete findings within the client’s required timeline.
Outcome
ESE delivered a permitting-ready, renovation-supportive asbestos survey that included a complete inventory of ACMs with quantities, conditions, and classifications, along with laboratory reports, diagrams, photo logs, and clearly defined homogeneous areas. The team also provided guidance for appropriate abatement, handling, and contractor notification, supported by full compliance documentation aligned with TAHPR, NESHAP, and U.S. EPA MAP requirements. This comprehensive deliverable enabled the redevelopment team to proceed confidently into pre-construction planning, contractor bidding, and City of Houston permitting with a clear understanding of all asbestos-related obligations.
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