6 Colo. Code Regs. § 1014-3-1-5.0

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, June 10, 2024

Section 6 CCR 1014-3-1-5.0 - Decontamination and Removal Procedures

No person other than a Contractor in good standing may conduct decontamination or removal of contaminated materials. Decontamination and removal must be overseen at all times by a Decontamination Supervisor. Decontamination Supervisors, Decontamination Workers, and Ventilation Contractors shall use appropriate personal protective equipment during decontamination activities. The property owner, in consultation with the Contractor, may choose to have the Contractor remove and properly dispose of materials at a solid waste landfill, in accordance with Section 5.13 of this Part 1, in lieu of decontaminating them. The Contractor shall conduct decontamination to reduce the concentration of all contaminants on the subject property to or below the levels specified in Section 7.0 of this Part 1. Decontamination shall employ techniques that result in the physical removal of contamination. The use of decontamination products, including, but not limited to, corrosives and caustic agents that chemically treat or alter contaminants, rather than physically remove the contaminants, is prohibited. The Contractor shall conduct decontamination in accordance with procedures designed to protect workers, future occupants, neighbors and the general public, including, but not limited to, the following:

5.1 In multi-unit buildings and buildings with common access hallways, install a negative air unit equipped with a HEPA filtration system and operate it throughout the decontamination process to minimize dispersal of airborne particulates caused by decontamination.

5.2 If there is visible dust present, vacuum the entire area using a HEPA vacuum.

5.3 Wash and rinse all surfaces that are (or are reasonably expected to be) contaminated. The Contractor shall use detergent water solution for washing and potable water for rinsing.

5.4 All contaminated material that will not or cannot be decontaminated to cleanup standards specified in Section 7.0 of this Part 1 shall be removed and disposed of properly. If clearance sampling cannot demonstrate that cleanup standards have been met, the material must either be re-cleaned until cleanup standards are met or the material must be removed and disposed of properly.

5.5 Encapsulation of surfaces may only be conducted after clearance sampling has demonstrated that cleanup standards have been achieved, as specified in Section 7.0 of this Part 1, and as may be required by the governing body as defined in § 25-18.5-101(7), C.R.S.

5.5.1 Painted-over surfaces (as defined in Section 2 of this Part 1) that, following decontamination, fall in between the cleanup standards of Sections 7.1 and 7.1.2 of this Part 1 shall be encapsulated or removed. Encapsulation shall be performed by applying a coat of oil-based paint using a spray-on method of application. Painted-over surfaces that have been decontaminated and are below the cleanup standard of Section 7.1 of this Part 1 do not have to be encapsulated.

5.6 Ventilation systems shall be decontaminated or removed by a Ventilation Contractor, Decontamination Worker, or Decontamination Supervisor who is trained, certified, and equipped to comply with the following protocol for ventilation system decontamination:

5.6.1 Decontamination of the ventilation system shall either take place after an initial gross decontamination of the structure or after complete decontamination of the structure.

5.6.2 At a minimum, the Ventilation Contractor, Decontamination Worker, or Decontamination Supervisor shall perform the following actions, or an alternative decontamination procedure that has been approved by the Department, pursuant to Section 10 of this Part 1:

5.6.2.1 Perform a walk-through of the structure prior to initiation of the project to establish a specific plan for decontamination of the ventilation system, and to identify components that will be removed.

5.6.2.2 Except as provided in 5.6.2.8, remove and dispose of all porous components, flexible ducting, glass-lined ducting, and any ducting that has been damaged or compromised.

5.6.2.3 Place protective coverings in areas where work is being performed, including plastic or drop cloths around each area where the duct is penetrated. Utilize controlled containment practices to ensure that debris is not dispersed outside the air conveyance system during cleaning.

5.6.2.4 Perform a visual inspection of plenums, interior ductwork surfaces, and internal components. Inspect all points where lateral lines are attached at the boot (vent) and trunk line in attics and crawl spaces for sufficient integrity to successfully create negative pressure. Seal or remove breaches as necessary to maintain pressure.

5.6.2.5 Place critical barriers over any hole where ducting has been removed immediately upon removal to prevent cross contamination and/ or migration of contamination.

5.6.2.6 Shut off and lock out all air handler units before working on each air conveyance system.

5.6.2.7 Remove and clean or dispose of all return air grills, registers and miscellaneous non-porous components.

5.6.2.8 If structural components such as wall cavities are used as duct runs decontaminate the duct run or install a new duct run.

5.6.2.9 Remove any large debris that has accumulated inside the system and HEPA vacuum the inside of ducting from each vent.

5.6.2.10 Draw a negative pressure on the entire ductwork, using HEPA-exhausted vacuum filters, throughout the cleaning process. Establish an appropriate pressure to ensure removal of all loose debris. Commence vacuuming at the furthest vent from the heating and/or cooling unit, and proceed toward the unit.

5.6.2.11 Clean the ventilation system, including the outside air intake, supply ductwork, and return air plenums, using pneumatic or electrical agitators to agitate debris into an airborne state. Additional equipment may be also be used in the cleaning process, such as brushes, air lances, and air nozzles.

5.6.2.12 Open and inspect air handling units and clean all components in the air pathway.

5.6.2.13 After decontamination of the system, take photographs as necessary to document that the system has been cleaned and is free of debris. Install new/clean critical barriers at each access point, and leave in place until the cleanup standards in Section 7.0 of this Part 1 are achieved throughout the subject property.

5.6.2.14 Bag and label all debris and other items removed from the ventilation system, including any filters, and properly dispose of at a solid waste landfill, in accordance with Section 5.12 of this Part 1.

5.6.2.15 Decontaminate or package for proper disposal all equipment used in the cleaning of the ventilation system before removing from the property.

5.6.3 The introduction of any materials or chemicals into a central heat system that are not approved by the EPA on the product label for that specific use is prohibited. The use of oxidizers or corrosives is also prohibited. EPA approved sealers shall not be used until after clearance sampling indicates the cleanup standard has been met in the ventilation system.

5.6.4 Other heating systems, such as electric in-wall heaters, gas wall heaters, and baseboard heaters, shall be thoroughly decontaminated or removed and disposed of properly.

5.7 Attics determined to be contaminated above the cleanup standard for limited exposure areas, as specified in Section 7.1.1 of this Part 1, shall either have contaminated materials and surfaces removed or decontaminated. If the property owner chooses to decontaminate the attic, the Contractor shall use the following procedure, at a minimum:

5.7.1 Remove all insulation and debris in the attic, and remove all ducting associated with bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents.

5.7.2 Establish critical barriers on the lower side (ceiling side) of the vent openings. All critical barriers must be maintained in good condition until the entire structure has been decontaminated to meet cleanup criteria.

5.7.3 Thoroughly HEPA vacuum the attic.

5.7.4 Decontaminate attic surfaces using a detergent water wash followed by rinsing. Control and contain excess decontamination liquids in a manner that will prevent the build-up of free liquids or cause damage to building materials.

5.7.5 Following decontamination, the Consultant shall sample the attic area in accordance with the clearance sampling requirements of Section 6 of this Part 1 to determine if the residual contamination levels exceed the cleanup standard for limited exposure areas.

5.7.6 If the clearance sampling indicates the area is still above the cleanup standard, the Contractor shall either conduct additional decontamination as provided above, or remove the contaminated material. If additional decontamination is conducted, the Consultant shall repeat clearance sampling. Decontamination is not complete until contaminated materials have either been removed or decontaminated to meet the standard.

5.8 Crawl spaces determined to be contaminated above the cleanup standard for limited exposure areas, as specified in Section 7.1.1 of this Part 1, shall be decontaminated using the following procedure, at a minimum:

5.8.1 Remove all insulation and debris.

5.8.2 Remove existing vapor barrier, if present, using dust control measures to prevent cross contamination.

5.8.3 If no vapor barrier is present, or following removal of an existing vapor barrier, install a layer of 6 mil polyethylene sheeting or equivalent during decontamination to capture decontamination fluids. Excess decontamination liquids shall be collected, containerized and disposed of in accordance with Section 5.12.3 of this Part 1. The polyethylene sheeting shall be removed and disposed of after the decontamination process is complete.

5.8.4 If the ducting for the central heat system is removed, install critical barriers on the upper side (floor side) of the vent holes. All critical barriers shall be maintained in good condition until the entire structure has been decontaminated and meets cleanup criteria.

5.8.5 HEPA vacuum all surfaces except for dirt floors.

5.8.6 Decontaminate all surfaces, other than dirt floors, using a detergent water wash followed by rinsing.

5.8.7 If it is determined that chemicals have been disposed of onto the dirt floor, remove all contaminated soil and dispose of offsite, in accordance with Section 5.12 of this Part 1. The extent of soil removal shall be based on the visual observations and field screening in accordance with Section 6 of this Part 1.

5.8.8 After completing steps 1 through 7, sample surfaces, other than dirt floors, in accordance with the clearance sampling requirements of Section 6 of this Part 1 to determine if contaminant concentrations exceed the cleanup standard.

5.8.9 If the clearance sampling indicates the area is above the cleanup standard, conduct additional decontamination. Decontamination is not complete until contaminated material is removed or clearance sampling indicates the cleanup standard has been met.

5.8.10 If the vapor barrier was removed, a new barrier shall be installed above the dirt floor unless determined by the Consultant, in consultation with the owner, to be unnecessary.

5.8.11 If there was no vapor barrier, but the crawlspace was contaminated above the cleanup standard, remove the top 2 inches of dirt and dispose of in a solid waste landfill.

5.9 Flush plumbing systems connected to the sanitary sewer with potable water to eliminate any residual chemicals.

5.10 If assessment sampling demonstrated that methamphetamine lab wastes have been disposed of into an OWTS, pump the system and characterize and dispose of the wastes in accordance with Sections 5.12, and 6.6.4 of this Part 1.

5.11 Personal Property

5.11.1 Personal property must either be:

5.11.1.1 decontaminated to the cleanup standards specified in Section 7.0 of this Part 1, as demonstrated through clearance sampling of the personal property;

5.11.1.2 decontaminated as provided in Sections 5.11.2 and 5.11.3;

5.11.1.3 properly disposed of in accordance with Section 5.12 of this Part 1; or

5.11.1.4 determined not to be contaminated as follows:

5.11.1.4.1 the personal property in question, or other personal property of similar material (non-porous, porous other than textiles/fabrics, and textiles/fabrics) and located in the same room, was sampled in accordance with the clearance level sampling protocols and other requirements of Section 6 of this Part 1, and determined to be below the cleanup standards specified in Section 7.0 of this Part 1; or

5.11.1.4.2 the personal property in question was located in a room that was determined to be below the cleanup standards specified in Section 7.0 of this Part 1 after being sampled in accordance with the clearance level sampling protocols and other requirements of Section 6 of this Part 1; and in the Consultant's judgment, the item is unlikely to have been contaminated from exposure elsewhere in the subject property, given the nature of the item, the time the item was introduced to the subject property (if known), and any other relevant factors or information.

5.11.2 Hard non-porous household goods (including ceramics, hard plastics, electronics, metals, and glass) that show no signs of having been used during the methamphetamine cooking process (e.g., are not etched, stained, or emitting odors) may be decontaminated by washing them at least twice using a detergent-water solution and rinsing after each washing with potable water. Only the exterior of electronic goods such as televisions, computers, or home audio and video equipment, must be washed unless such items are being recycled, in which case they must be dunk-washed in accordance with Section 5.12.2 . Eligible items decontaminated pursuant to this section do not require clearance sampling. As used in this section, the term "household goods" excludes major appliances such as ranges, cooktops, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators.

5.11.3 Clothing and linens that are not obviously contaminated may be decontaminated by being laundered on-site in accordance with the following conditions:

5.11.3.1 clothing and linens must be handled in a manner that prevents cross-contamination of uncontaminated areas and items;

5.11.3.2 clothing and linens must be washed at least three consecutive times with detergent using a standard washing machine, without being dried in between washes.

5.11.3.3 Clothing and linens that are decontaminated in accordance with this Section 5.11.3 do not require clearance sampling.

5.12 Waste management shall be conducted in accordance with the Colorado Hazardous Waste Regulations (6 CCR 1007-3) and the Colorado Solid Waste Regulations (6 CCR 1007-2).

5.12.1 Non-hazardous debris and contaminated material generated during decontamination of methamphetamine-affected properties shall be managed as solid waste.

5.12.2 Electronic devices that are banned from disposal under § 25-15-303, C.R.S. shall be recycled in accordance with the Colorado Solid Waste Regulations (6 CCR 1007-2). If the device to be recycled was stored in a room that is determined to be contaminated, the device shall be dunk-washed at least 3 times, or dismantled and HEPA vacuumed, prior to being recycled.

5.12.3 Wash water shall be containerized for offsite disposal, or may be disposed of to the sanitary sewer with prior approval from the POTW. A pH test shall be conducted to determine if neutralization of the wash water is necessary prior to disposal.

5.12.4 Wastes removed from OWTSs shall be disposed of as either solid or hazardous waste based on results of laboratory analysis as described in Section 6 of this Part 1.

5.12.5 Methamphetamine lab wastes and precursor chemicals discovered at the subject property shall be disposed of as either solid or hazardous waste based on results of laboratory analysis as required by 6 CCR 1007-3, Part 261.

5.13. Any demolition of all or part of a structure shall be conducted in accordance with all local, State and Federal requirements. All material from demolition or removal shall be disposed of in a solid waste landfill.

5.14 If sampling provides evidence that hazardous waste has been disposed of in the OWTS, an investigation of potential environmental contamination shall be conducted. The investigation and cleanup of soil, surface water and groundwater contamination resulting from disposal of methamphetamine lab wastes into an OWTS shall be conducted under an approved plan in accordance with either the Colorado Hazardous Waste Regulations (6 CCR 1007-3), or the Colorado Solid Waste Regulations (6 CCR 1007-2), as appropriate based on sampling results, and with Water Quality Control Commission Regulations 31 and 41 (5 CCR 1002-31 and 5 CCR 1002-41). Specific investigation requirements shall be determined through consultation with the Department's Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division. Guidance on soil and groundwater investigations can be found in the Department of Public Health and Environment, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division (May 2002), Corrective Action Guidance Document and the EPA Environmental Investigations Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance (EISOPQA) Manual (November 2001).

5.15 The investigation and cleanup of soil, surface water and groundwater contamination shall be conducted in accordance with either the Colorado Hazardous Waste Regulations or the Colorado Solid Waste Regulations, as appropriate based on sampling results, and in accordance with Water Quality Control Commission Regulations 31 and 41 (5 CCR 1002-31 and 5 CCR 1002-41). Occurrences of outdoor contamination shall be reported to the Department within 72 hours of discovery.

6 CCR 1014-3-1-5.0

37 CR 22, November 25, 2014, effective 12/15/2014