Research Building Remediation

About the James A. Haley VA Hospital

The James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, FL was originally activated in 1972 and is one of the largest Veteran’s Health Administration hospitals in the United States. Among its facilities is a three-story research building that Simpson Environmental was called upon to perform asbestos abatement and interior demolition for remodeling. This work included 16,000 sq ft of ACM spray-on fireproofing and interior demolition on the third floor, completely “gutting” the building down to nothing but the original concrete slab and exterior walls. A large hole had to be cut into the side of the building for the removal of hazardous materials and debris to help protect stairwells and elevators from possible contamination.

Due to the tight time frame, JAHVH required this work to be completed, Simpson Environmental teamed up with two other leading remediation firms in the area to split the work into thirds. Simpson Environmental was responsible for the third floor, while the other two firms completed the equal-sized second and first floors simultaneously. All three firms had to maintain constant and careful coordination to share resources like heavy machinery, trucking, and disposal of materials to maximize efficiency and keep the project on time and within budget.

The COVID-19 pandemic went into full effect in the duration of this work, offering new challenges to Simpson Environmental and their fellow remediation firms while providing their services in a medical facility. During this time, special training and badges had to be obtained and held at all times to make sure the abatement teams were safe and the project remained on schedule.