HVAC Clean House

We’re proud to announce that BBJ Environmental Solutions and specifically Bob Baker has been awarded the Phoenix Award by the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) for his work in redesigning and airflow management of the HVAC system at the Detroit Airport Tower and Air Traffic Control.Robert Baker was part of an eight-organization team that was honored by the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) with their Phoenix Award.

The presentation was unlike anything the RIA had ever done before, as it represents the first time that this most prestigious industry accolade for restoration services has ever gone to a group rather than a single company. The Phoenix Award validates the concept of assembling a cadre of industry experts to plan and implement one of the most complex and challenging mold remediation projects ever undertaken.

In 2011 eight organizations, dubbed the Integrated Team, completed a two-year effort focused on the remediation of pervasive mold contamination throughout the air traffic control tower at the world’s 25th busiest airport. This work included the removal and replacement of approximately 115,000 square feet of gypsum wallboard material, and nearly 20,000 square feet of 1″ thick elevator shaft liner board. Remediation of the water-damaged/contaminated wallboard was accomplished even as this critical use facility remained operational. The efforts of the Integrated Team involved work around myriad pieces of equipment that were both sensitive and critical to the safety of the flying public. Due to the extensive nature of the fungal contamination, the entire shaft of an 18-story elevator was disassembled under controlled conditions and then rebuilt-all while the elevator remained functional! In a similar fashion, the fire rated walls of the 223-foot-high exit stair shaft were also completely remediated and replaced, while maintaining the stairwell as an emergency egress path. While remediation was underway, contractors completely rebuilt the HVAC Systems serving the complex under the direction of Mr. Baker, maintaining a satisfactory indoor environment without disrupting air traffic.

The effort by the members of the Integrated Team at Detroit Metropolitan Airport represent not only the best in technical excellence in the remediation field, but demonstrates a new approach to addressing complex situations by meshing a wide variety of skill sets and working in a truly cooperative and collaborative fashion.

Following the award presentation, Vincent Sugent, a Controller at the facility, provided an emotional testimony about the positive impact of the project on the health of those who work at the facility.