MnDOT steel structure paint removal program
About
MnDOT's steel structure paint removal program helps ensure that paint removal operations are conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations, and provides information necessary for planning a paint removal operation with methods that are practical and cost effective. It also helps protect the environment from potential releases of lead-containing material and other particulate matter.
While the majority of paint removed on MnDOT projects takes place on bridges, this program information can be applied to paint removal from other steel structures such as radio towers.
Objectives
- Ensure that paint removal operations are conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations
- Provide information necessary in planning a paint removal operation with methods that are practical and cost effective
- Protect the environment from potential releases of lead and PCB containing materials and other particulate matter
Process
Contractors
- Contractor paint removal operations process
- When using contractors performing paint removal operations on MnDOT projects
- Pertains to dry, abrasive blasting methods
MnDOT
- MnDOT personnel paint removal operations process -
When removing paint in-house using MnDOT personnel.
- Quick reference guide
- MnDOT personnel may remove any amount of non-lead paint or a total surface area of less than 500 square feet of lead-based paint. Projects larger in size or frequency will require authorization from the Bridge Engineer.*
*Under MNRule 7025.0240 additional reporting restrictions and notifications will be required for work areas greater than 500 sf.
- Lead
- Under an agreement between the MnDOT Bridge Office and the Office of Environmental Stewardship, MnDOT maintenance crews may use dry blasting product Blastox™ to remove lead-containing paint from bridges or other structures. This process is intended to produce non-hazardous blasting waste (mixture of blasting media and paint particles following blasting application).
- Confirmatory sampling may be required to demonstrate waste generate is non-hazardous prior to disposal.
- Analysis requirements of waste material will be determined by disposal landfill/facility.
- When using alternative blasting media to remove lead-containing paint from structures, material will be managed as hazardous material waste.
- Under an agreement between the MnDOT Bridge Office and the Office of Environmental Stewardship, MnDOT maintenance crews may use dry blasting product Blastox™ to remove lead-containing paint from bridges or other structures. This process is intended to produce non-hazardous blasting waste (mixture of blasting media and paint particles following blasting application).
- Non-lead
- Maintenance crews may use other approved methods to remove non-lead-based paint.
- PCBs
- Paint containing PCBs will be managed on a case-by-case basis. This work is often best handled by a licensed contractor. Please contact the Regulated Materials Unit for assistance.
- Blastox treatment does not mitigate PCB content.
Statewide studies
These studies were conducted to determine requirements to manage paints containing PCB's or chromium.