CORE Environmental Consultants, Inc. was engaged to conduct a full pre-renovation hazardous materials survey for the redevelopment of a three-story, historically significant building in the heart of downtown Wellsville. Constructed circa 1881 with a rear addition dating to approximately 1900, the building is being adaptively reused for mixed commercial and residential occupancy as part of a broader revitalization effort funded under Empire State Development’s New York Forward initiative.
As a contributing structure in a historic district, the building’s renovation was subject to oversight from the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). This required that environmental surveys be conducted in a manner that was technically robust yet minimally invasive, preserving original architectural features while satisfying state and federal environmental requirements.
CORE’s work played a pivotal role in advancing the project by ensuring environmental due diligence was completed early in the design process, equipping the development team with the information necessary to plan safe and compliant rehabilitation work—without compromising the historic integrity of the structure.
Lead-Based Paint Inspection
CORE’s certified inspectors performed a comprehensive lead-based paint (LBP) inspection of the building’s interior and exterior painted surfaces using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology. Given the age of the historic masonry structure and the potential for original coatings, the inspection was designed to thoroughly evaluate lead hazards while preserving sensitive architectural features.
The inspection was conducted in accordance with EPA and HUD standards, as well as New York State protocols under 40 CFR Part 745. XRF testing allowed for non-destructive analysis of painted surfaces, making it ideally suited for historic preservation contexts where physical sampling could damage original materials. No paint chip sampling was conducted, in keeping with the goal of minimizing disturbance to the building’s character-defining elements.
The resulting Lead-Based Paint Inspection Report provided a detailed room-by-room inventory of LBP findings, which supported regulatory compliance, SHPO review, and informed renovation planning to ensure safe occupancy and long-term management of any identified hazards.
“When revitalizing historic structures, environmental due diligence must go hand-in-hand with preservation. CORE ensures that compliance never comes at the cost of character.”
Asbestos Survey and Material Characterization
In compliance with NYSDOL Industrial Code Rule 56 (ICR 56), CORE conducted a pre-renovation asbestos survey to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) throughout the building. Given the structure’s age, asbestos was expected in legacy construction materials including pipe insulation, floor tiles, adhesives, plaster, and roofing components.
Certified inspectors used minimally invasive methods to access suspect materials, working closely with the project architect to avoid damaging decorative finishes or historically significant construction details. Suspect materials were sampled and submitted to an ELAP-accredited laboratory for analysis via polarized light microscopy (PLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) where applicable.
CORE compiled all findings into an Asbestos Survey Report that included detailed material descriptions, sample locations, laboratory results, friability and accessibility assessments, and regulatory implications under local, state, and federal asbestos management guidelines. The survey was essential for planning safe renovation practices and meeting environmental funding requirements.
PCB Sampling and Analysis
As part of the hazardous materials scope, CORE also investigated the potential presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in caulking, electrical equipment, and building sealants—common in pre-1978 construction. Select bulk material samples were collected and analyzed at an ELAP-accredited laboratory in accordance with EPA regulations under TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act).
PCB sampling was conducted with minimal disturbance to historic elements and carefully documented to support both future remediation planning and coordination with SHPO requirements. While PCBs are less visually evident than asbestos or lead-based paint, their presence can pose significant regulatory and health risks if not properly identified and addressed.
CORE’s findings and recommendations were consolidated into the final Hazardous Materials Inspection Report, ensuring the project team had full awareness of all regulated materials on-site and could incorporate appropriate remediation or management strategies into the renovation schedule.
