Demolition project will create noise, dust and diesel exhaust conditions at TA-3

The demolition of the Scyllac and the former Public Affairs Office buildings west of the Administration Building at Technical Area 43 will cause some short-term undesirable conditions, including loud engine and demolition noise, vibration, dust and exhaust fumes, according to project managers. The demolition project, part of the ramp-up for construction of the National Security Sciences Building, is scheduled for completion by mid-January 2004.

The National Security Sciences Building will replace the current Administration Building. Ground was broken last month and the new building is expected to be completed in 2006.

The primary source of the problems from the demolition project are associated with the use of diesel-powered generators, the largest of which has been situated next to the west wing of the Administration Building. This particular generator is required for powering the elevator in the Scyllac building and has provided additional power for lighting and equipment. The Scyllac elevator is being utilized for materials removal during the preliminary phase of demolition, which includes interior asbestos abatement and salvageable materials removal.

In order to reduce the vibration, noise pollution and diesel exhaust this large generator has been supplemented by a smaller generator, located further away from the Administration Building to provide power for lighting and equipment. The large generator will be run on a limited basis, for no more that two hours per day, to power the elevator. Once the interior phase of demolition is complete, which should be about two more weeks, and the elevator is no longer needed, the large generator will no longer be used.

Employees with offices on the western face of the west wing of the Administration Building are encouraged to keep their windows closed and to make sure any window-mounted air conditioners are set to "recycle," not "outside air intake." Lab workers who believe their health is being adversely affected by the side effects of the demolition project should not hesitate to be checked out at Occupational Medicine (HSR-2) also at TA-3.

Demolition project managers are exploring a variety of mitigation efforts, including schedule changes that would add weekend and evening hours to the project, responding to spot complaints, monitoring for carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and particulates and potentially holding regular informational meetings for the affected population in and around the Administration and Otowi buildings, the J. Robert Oppenheimer Study Center, Nonproliferation and International Security Center, the Nicholas Metropolis Center for Modeling and Simulation and any other affected buildings in and around TA-3.

For more information about the Scyllac and former Public Affairs Office buildings demolition project, contact Facilities and Waste Operations (FWO) Division at 7-6131.

-- Kevin Roark

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