- Client: Confidential (Demo Contractor)
- Location: Midwest United States
- Industry Sector: Construction / Building Renovation
- Project Type: Ammonia Removal, Refrigeration Unit Purge, Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Contractor: ERG Environmental Services
Project Overview
ERG Environmental Services was contacted by a demolition contractor in urgent need of a solution after discovering a large ammonia refrigeration unit in the basement of a building undergoing renovation. The presence of ammonia posed a significant hazard to onsite personnel and threatened to stall the entire renovation schedule. Despite calling around, the contractor was unable to locate a qualified firm to safely purge and remove the ammonia—until connecting with ERG.
ERG responded swiftly, deploying a certified environmental response team to assess and remove the ammonia during a single afternoon shift, minimizing disruption to the other contractors on-site and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Project Challenges & Client Needs
The site presented a complex and active construction environment, with multiple subcontractors from different trades (electrical, plumbing, structural) working simultaneously. The general contractor emphasized the need to:
- Minimize Site Downtime: Avoid extended work stoppages due to hazardous material removal.
- Ensure Safe Handling of Ammonia: Address the chemical hazard without endangering workers or delaying construction.
- Meet Aggressive Renovation Deadlines: Prevent delays to the general contractor’s delivery timeline to their client.
ERG’s Environmental Response Solution
1. Onsite Assessment & Plan Development
ERG mobilized a certified field technician to survey the ammonia refrigeration unit and quickly developed a customized purge and removal strategy tailored to the site’s schedule constraints and safety protocols.
2. Ammonia Purge & System Decommissioning
ERG executed the full ammonia removal during a single afternoon shift. This included:
- Safely pumping out ammonia from the refrigeration system.
- Using specialized containment and venting procedures to ensure worker safety.
- Decommissioning the unit to allow its safe removal from the site.
3. Certified Waste Handling & Disposal
- Full documentation and manifest tracking were provided for regulatory compliance.
- All ammonia waste was securely containerized under ERG’s hazardous waste management protocols.
- ERG transported the material using DOT-certified vehicles and disposed of it at a licensed treatment facility.
Certifications & Quality Credentials
ERG brought industry-leading environmental and safety credentials to the project:
- HAZWOPER-Certified Technicians for hazardous chemical handling
- DOT-Certified Transport Vehicles for compliant waste movement
- In-House Waste Profiling Experts to ensure correct classification and documentation
These qualifications ensured the safe, legal, and efficient completion of a high-risk task in a dense construction environment.
Value Delivered to the Client
| Key Benefit | Outcome Delivered by ERG |
| Project Continuity | Ammonia removed with zero impact to broader site operations |
| Downtime Minimization | Full purge completed during a single afternoon shift |
| Hazard Elimination | Immediate removal of a chemical hazard from a public-facing building |
| Regulatory Peace of Mind | All waste handled under full environmental compliance |
| Turnkey Service | Survey, purge, transport, and disposal completed by one provider |
Summary
ERG Environmental Services enabled a smooth continuation of a sensitive building renovation project by rapidly and safely removing a large ammonia refrigeration unit discovered during demolition. By delivering a certified, same-day purge and turnkey hazardous waste solution, ERG eliminated the environmental risk, helped the client avoid costly delays, and protected the safety of all personnel on site.