Hazardous Materials Survey
Hazardous materials surveys may include a combination of asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-based paint (LBP), PCB-containing materials, mold, universal waste, hazardous waste, mercury-containing materials, and other regulated building materials depending on the project scope, building age, construction type, occupancy conditions, and anticipated disturbance areas. Surveys are tailored to the specific project and may include bulk sampling, XRF testing, laboratory analysis, moisture assessment, waste characterization coordination, regulatory reporting, and documentation of impacted materials and environmental conditions. These investigations are designed to identify environmental concerns that may impact renovation, demolition, maintenance, environmental compliance, worker safety, waste disposal, permitting, project scheduling, and construction activities.
ASBESTOS SURVEYS
Projects involving renovation, demolition, or disturbance of existing building materials typically require asbestos surveys prior to construction activities.
CORE performs asbestos inspections in accordance with applicable NYSDOL Industrial Code Rule 56, EPA AHERA requirements, EPA NESHAP regulations, OSHA asbestos standards, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Survey services may include identification and assessment of:
- Thermal system insulation
- Floor tile and mastic
- Ceiling materials
- Roofing materials
- Wall systems and joint compound
- Pipe insulation
- Duct sealants
- Fireproofing materials
- Exterior building materials
- Miscellaneous suspect ACMs
LEAD-BASED PAINT INSPECTIONS
Projects involving renovation, demolition, or disturbance of painted or coated surfaces may require lead-based paint inspections prior to construction activities.
CORE performs lead-based paint inspections in accordance with applicable HUD Guidelines, EPA lead regulations, OSHA lead standards, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Inspection services may include identification and assessment of:
- Walls and ceilings
- Doors and frames
- Windows and trim
- Structural steel
- Railings and piping
- Mechanical equipment
- Interior painted surfaces
- Exterior painted surfaces
- Miscellaneous painted or coated components
LEAD RISK ASSESSMENTS
Projects involving residential properties, child-occupied facilities, occupied renovations, or deteriorated painted surfaces may require lead risk assessments to evaluate potential lead exposure hazards.
CORE performs lead risk assessments in accordance with applicable HUD Guidelines, EPA lead regulations, OSHA lead standards, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Risk assessment services may include identification and evaluation of:
- Deteriorated lead-based paint
- Lead-contaminated dust
- Lead-contaminated soil
- Friction and impact surfaces
- Chewable surfaces
- Interior painted surfaces
- Exterior painted surfaces
- Child-occupied areas
- Potential occupant exposure pathways
PCB SURVEYS
Projects involving renovation, demolition, or disturbance of existing building materials may require evaluation for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) prior to construction activities.
CORE performs PCB surveys in accordance with applicable EPA TSCA regulations, OSHA standards, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Survey services may include identification and assessment of:
- Caulks and sealants
- Window glazing compounds
- Expansion joint materials
- Electrical equipment
- Light ballasts
- Hydraulic equipment
- Miscellaneous suspect PCB-containing materials
- PCB-impacted building materials
- PCB waste streams
MOLD ASSESSMENTS
Projects involving water intrusion, moisture damage, visible microbial growth, or disturbance of impacted building materials may require mold assessments prior to renovation, demolition, or remediation activities.
CORE performs mold assessments in accordance with applicable New York State mold regulations, industry guidance documents, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements. Assessment services may include identification and evaluation of:
- Visible mold growth
- Water-damaged materials
- Moisture intrusion conditions
- Impacted drywall and insulation
- Ceiling systems
- Flooring materials
- HVAC systems
- Interior building finishes
- Potential microbial contamination areas
UNIVERSAL WASTE INVENTORIES
rojects involving renovation, demolition, maintenance, or facility upgrades may require identification and inventory of universal waste materials prior to construction activities or disposal.
CORE performs universal waste inventories in accordance with applicable EPA regulations, NYSDEC requirements, OSHA standards, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Inventory services may include identification and assessment of:
- Fluorescent lamps
- Mercury-containing devices
- Ballasts
- Batteries
- Thermostats
- Electronic waste
- Lamps and lighting components
- Miscellaneous universal waste materials
- Regulated recyclable materials
FAQ
When is a hazardous materials survey required?
Hazardous materials surveys are commonly required prior to renovation, demolition, maintenance, or disturbance activities involving existing building materials. Surveys are often performed as part of SEQR review, regulatory compliance investigations, violation response actions, property transfer due diligence, or pre-renovation and pre-demolition compliance requirements. Many projects require surveys to comply with asbestos, lead, PCB, OSHA, environmental, and waste disposal regulations before construction activities begin.
What materials are typically included in a hazardous materials survey?
Hazardous materials surveys may include asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint, PCB-containing caulks and sealants, universal waste, hazardous waste streams, mold, and other regulated building materials depending on project scope, building age, and construction conditions. Asbestos surveys are typically included at a minimum due to the strict regulatory requirements associated with renovation and demolition activities. Evaluation for lead-based paint and PCB-containing materials is often dependent on the age of the building or structure and the types of materials present within the project area.
What is the difference between a renovation survey and a demolition survey?
A renovation survey focuses on areas directly impacted by planned construction activities, while a demolition survey is intended to identify hazardous materials throughout the structure prior to full demolition. Demolition surveys are generally more comprehensive and may require destructive investigation methods.
How long does a hazardous materials survey take?
Survey duration depends on building size, accessibility, occupancy conditions, project scope, and the extent of sampling required. Smaller surveys may be completed within several hours, while larger institutional or industrial facilities may require multiple days of field investigation and reporting.
Are laboratory analyses required?
Asbestos surveys in New York State typically require bulk sampling and laboratory analysis utilizing PLM and, where applicable, TEM methodologies in accordance with NYSDOL, EPA, and ELAP requirements. Lead-based paint inspections commonly utilize XRF analysis, which is generally non-destructive, although paint chip sampling may also be performed where appropriate. PCB surveys typically involve bulk sampling and laboratory analysis of suspect caulks, sealants, glazing compounds, or other impacted materials. Mold assessments generally rely on visual assessment and moisture evaluation, as laboratory sampling is not typically required unless project-specific conditions warrant additional analysis. Universal waste assessments primarily consist of inventory and documentation of regulated materials and waste streams associated with the project scope.
Can surveys be performed in occupied buildings?
Yes. CORE routinely performs hazardous materials surveys within occupied facilities and coordinates with owners and occupants to minimize disruptions while maintaining safe sampling procedures.
What happens if hazardous materials are identified?
If regulated materials are identified, project teams may require abatement, remediation, specialized work practices, waste characterization, or additional environmental design services prior to construction activities.
Can CORE provide abatement design and environmental consulting services?
Yes. CORE provides environmental consulting and support services associated with asbestos abatement, lead disturbance, hazardous materials management, environmental compliance, and construction-phase coordination for projects throughout New York State.
Do hazardous materials surveys include cost estimates for abatement?
Survey reports may include general recommendations and quantity estimates; however, detailed abatement cost estimating and contractor pricing are typically developed separately during design and bidding phases.
What types of projects require hazardous materials surveys?
Hazardous materials surveys are commonly performed for schools, universities, healthcare facilities, municipal buildings, infrastructure projects, industrial facilities, commercial properties, residential redevelopment projects, and utility or transportation improvements involving existing structures.
Our Hazardous Materials Consultant Services.
Asbestos Surveys and Abatement designs
Our certified team conducts thorough surveys to identify asbestos-containing materials in buildings slated for renovation or demolition. We then develop customized abatement designs that meet regulatory requirements and support safe, cost-effective project execution.
Lead-Based Paint Inspections & Risk Assessments
We perform HUD-compliant surface-by-surface inspections using XRF technology, along with targeted risk assessments. Our reports identify lead hazards, provide clear next steps for remediation, and help clients comply with HPD and EPA standards.
Asbestos and Lead Abatement Air Monitoring
We provide real-time air monitoring and on-site oversight during asbestos and lead abatement projects. Our NYS-certified professionals ensure all work is performed safely and in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines—protecting workers and the public.
Mold and Indoor Air Quality Investigations
We investigate sources of moisture intrusion and perform visual and moisture meter assessments to identify mold presence. Our reporting includes remediation guidance to restore indoor air quality and protect the health of building occupants.
PCB Sampling and Analysis
Our team identifies and samples materials suspected of containing PCBs, such as caulk, paint, and transformers. We assist clients in meeting TSCA and local disposal regulations, reducing environmental liability and ensuring safe redevelopment of legacy sites.
Hazardous Materials Survey
CORE provides hazardous materials surveys, sampling, and reporting to identify asbestos, lead-based paint, PCBs, mold, universal waste, and other regulated building materials associated with renovation, demolition, maintenance, and environmental compliance activities.
Hazardous Materials Survey Services for Pre-Renovation & Pre-Demolition Projects
CORE Environmental Consultants provides hazardous materials survey services throughout New York State for renovation, demolition, maintenance, and environmental compliance projects. Our team performs asbestos, lead-based paint, PCB, mold, and universal waste investigations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations to support safe and compliant construction activities.
