< Back to Articles

Case Study: Transforming the Air Force Academy Fieldhouse

October 7, 2024

The Problem

In 2019, Colorado Hazard Control (CHC) was contracted to undertake a major renovation project at the Air Force Academy (AFA) Fieldhouse. The project involved significant demolition and hazardous material abatement, including asbestos, lead-based paint, and mercury-containing materials. Each phase of the project required meticulous planning and execution to ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations.

The Solution

Phase 1 (March 2019 - March 2021):

• Scope: Selective demolition and asbestos abatement in various areas, including bathrooms, mechanical systems, and flooring.
• Methods: Implemented HEPA-filtered work areas to control dust, maintained clean walkways from the work zone to the waste dumpster, and ensured the safe shutdown and capping of utilities before beginning demolition. Controlled demolition debris through effective housekeeping practices, while utilizing cross-trained personnel to ensure proper testing of all known materials during the process. The asbestos was removed using wet methods through facility component removal within secondary containment to effectively manage asbestos risks.
• Outcome: Pipe fittings and non asbestos flooring materials were removed without incident. The renovation was completed successfully and on time, with minimal disruption to facility operations while ensuring the safety of CHC employees. Unforeseen materials were properly tested and safely removed without any issues.

Phase 2 (March 2021 - May 2023):

• Scope: Demolition of the basketball court and gutting of six locker rooms for basketball and hockey players were completed, including the removal of ceiling tiles, grid work, light fixtures, and ductwork throughout the area. Window removal and lead-based paint abatement were performed at the building's front entry. Beneath the wood basketball court, a rubberized gym floor initially assumed to be asbestos containing was found to contain mercury and after further testing was determined to be non asbestos containing.
• Methods: HEPA-filtered work areas were established for dust control, with clean walk paths maintained from the work zone to the waste dumpster. Utilities were safely shut down and capped before demolition began, and demolition debris was managed with good housekeeping practices. Cross-trained personnel ensured the proper testing of all known materials during the demolition process. Asbestos was removed using wet methods through facility component removal within secondary containment to ensure safe management. Mercury was safely removed from 8,000 sq. ft. of flooring using fully engineered negative pressure containment controls. Lead paint was abated using a paint stripper and the same negative pressure containment system for safe removal.
• Outcome: The project included effective management of hazardous materials and installation of new flooring. The renovation was completed successfully and on schedule, with minimal disruption to facility operations while ensuring the safety of CHC employees. Unforeseen materials were properly tested and safely removed without incident. Hazardous materials were continually tested and managed efficiently throughout the project.

Phase 3 (May 2023 - Present):

• Scope: The largest phase of the project involved the demolition of 42 exhaust fans and air handling units, along with associated ductwork and piping located 80 feet above the basketball court, hockey arena, and field track. The scope of work also included the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing pipe fittings. Additionally, selective demolition of concrete stands in the hockey rink were performed. During the project, it was discovered that the 33,000 sq. ft. rubberized layer on the track, designated for demolition by another company, contained mercury.
• Methods: HEPA-filtered work areas were established to control dust and maintain clean walkways between the work area and the waste dumpster. Prior to demolition, we ensured utilities were safely shut off and capped. Demolition debris were managed through effective housekeeping practices. Cross-trained personnel arranged for thorough testing of any identified materials throughout the demolition process. During the project the vibration dampeners and material on the pipe hangers were tested and determined to be asbestos containing. The asbestos was removed wet via facility component and glove bag removal methods within secondary containment. Full containment engineering controls were used for the removal of the track, involving seven separate contaminants. The asbestos removal was performed after the mercury flooring work was complete.
• Outcome: The renovation was completed successfully and on schedule, with minimal disruption to facility operations and a strong focus on safety for CHC employees. Unforeseen materials were tested and removed without incident. Hazardous materials were managed and tested effectively throughout the project. The most challenging and extensive phase was finished, with 90% of the work complete and finalization of the project expected shortly.

The Results

CHC's work on the Fieldhouse project has been marked by high standards of cleanliness and efficiency. Feedback from Perini Management, the general contractor, has been overwhelmingly positive. They praised CHC for setting a high bar for cleanliness and reliability.

Notably, the team completed the last phase ahead of schedule, handling a significant increase of the project which was upwards of 25% of the total project scope of work while maintaining the original timeline. The Corps of Engineers has also commended CHC for the excellent work.

Our work with the AFA, which has involved multiple phases over the past ten years, demonstrates CHC's capability as a turnkey contractor. Our team has consistently delivered selective demolition, mechanical demolition, and hazardous material abatement while adhering to schedules and budgets.

Phase 3 is the final phase for the Fieldhouse, but CHC's extensive work at the Air Force Academy, including phases 4 through 7 of the Cadet Gym, underscores our long-standing and successful partnership with the Academy.

< Back to Articles