What is the schedule for this work?
The university obtained permits for the demolition project. The decommissioning phase of work was completed in February 2021. Demolition has started in March and will continue through July 2021.
What kinds of activities are included in the decommissioning phase of work?
This includes activities necessary to ready the site and building for demolition. Things like, removing planting and fixtures on the exterior of the building that will be salvaged, disconnecting all primary services to the building like, electric service, water service, gas service and etc. In addition, this work includes removing all excess materials and furniture inside the building. Hazardous materials located within or around the building will also be removed at this time.
Can you explain how asbestos containing materials will be removed from the Arlington Original Building?
Before the building is demolished, all identified asbestos materials will be removed by a licensed abatement contractor using mandatory work practices designed to prevent the release of asbestos fibers. All waste material from the abatement will be secured in sealed bags for disposal at an approved waste facility. Air monitoring will be conducted during abatement to verify that there is no release of asbestos fibers to areas outside the removal area, and also at the end of abatement to confirm that no residual asbestos contamination exists inside the removal area itself.
Throughout the asbestos abatement, building demolition and new construction phases of the project, the Environmental Health and Safety Office will continue to work with Mason’s project team to prevent safety and health risks to the GMU community.
How will the building be demolished? When do you think nearby neighbors will start hearing noise from the activity?
The building will be demolished using a high reach excavator that will crush and separate demolished materials to maximize recycled materials. We do anticipate noise during the demolition phase. The contractor will work with the university on noise and dust restrictions, including quiet hours and daily work hours.
During demolition the storm water culvert that carries county stormwater across our site, will be protected until it is re-routed in a future building project.
What will the site look like after the building is demolished?
There is about 14 to 15-foot change of elevation between Fairfax Drive and Founders Way. As a result, there will be a grassy slope on the south and west sides of the site and a flat pulverized concrete area on the north east corner.
The site will remain with fencing and safety lighting until work commences to relocate the box culvert as a part of the demolition project. It is the university’s intent to commence construction on the box culvert relocation as soon as a development partner is selected in early 2021.