Honoring the Past While Protecting the Future – Asbestos Abatement
Just steps from the iconic Plymouth Rock and the mouth of Town Brook, Banner Environmental Services was called in to safely remove hazardous materials from one of Plymouth’s most storied buildings—14 Union Street, part of the historic Plymouth Iron Foundry complex dating back to the 1840s.
The client, Safe Harbor Marinas, is planning a waterfront redevelopment project that blends public access with modern marine infrastructure. Before any construction could begin, Banner was tasked with an essential first step: comprehensive asbestos abatement throughout the aging structure.
A Building Steeped in History
The building at 14 Union Street has served many roles over nearly two centuries—from 19th-century foundry to mid-century Ford dealership, and most recently, a marine service center. Once producing stoves, boiler mouths, and lantern irons, this industrial complex grew into a U-shaped structure still used for boat storage today.
With future plans to renovate and improve the marina, including new walkways and public access features, ensuring a safe and asbestos-free environment was the top priority.
Comprehensive Asbestos Removal on a Historic Site
The project involved the removal of several asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) throughout the building, particularly on the second floor, which formerly housed office, kitchen, shop, and bathroom areas. Our team conducted the removal of:
- 300 sq. ft. of asbestos floor tile and mastic in the wood shop
- 250 sq. ft. of pebble sheet flooring in the office
- 150 sq. ft. of sheet flooring in the kitchen
- 40 sq. ft. of sheet flooring in the bathroom
- Asbestos glazing from ~20 wood window sashes
- 80–90 window frame units and residual caulk
- 4,500 sq. ft. of asbestos roofing and 400 linear feet of flashing
- Presumed asbestos-containing electrical breakers
- Asbestos undercoating from a kitchen sink
All removals were conducted using negative-air HEPA filtration systems, poly containment enclosures, and engineered controls in full compliance with MassDEP and MassDLS regulations.
Historical Sensitivity and Environmental Precision When Removing Asbestos
Working on a structure with such deep ties to American history meant adhering to strict environmental safety practices while minimizing disruption to the integrity of the site. Our team took extra precautions to:
- Protect original finishes when possible
- Securely contain and transport ACMs for offsite disposal
- Coordinate with third-party industrial hygienists for independent clearance testing, ensuring total compliance and occupant safety
Preserving heritage while eliminating hazards is a responsibility we take seriously—and our work at this site is a testament to that commitment.
Asbestos Abatement Coordination and Compliance
As part of our standard protocol, we submitted all required asbestos notifications (ANF-001) to the MA DEP and worked closely with the general contractor to meet site-specific requirements. Banner also coordinated the independent third-party clearance monitoring, performed by a certified hygienist, to confirm that the site was safe for re-occupancy and future development.
Despite challenges typical of aging buildings—including confined spaces, layered materials, and limited access—Banner’s experienced team executed the work efficiently, with no safety incidents or environmental violations.
Asbestos Abatement that Supports Responsible Redevelopment
The asbestos abatement was a critical first step in enabling Safe Harbor Marinas’ vision of a modernized waterfront space that respects the historical significance of the property while providing expanded public access.
From its days as a foundry to its future as a vibrant part of Plymouth’s shoreline, 14 Union Street represents the kind of transformation Banner is proud to support—with safety, compliance, and precision at every stage.
Need Asbestos Removal Near a Historic Site or Public Building?
Whether you’re managing a public park, municipal facility, or historic property, trust the team with over 25 years of experience in safe, compliant, and thorough asbestos removal.
Contact Banner Environmental Services today to request a free estimate or learn more about our asbestos abatement capabilities.
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Plymouth’s Former Iron Foundry Asbestos Abatement Images
