Demolition Community Exposure Assessment

Client: Josephine County

Location: Grants Pass, Oregon

MFA was selected as the consulting firm representing Josephine County for construction oversight, data management, and quality assurance during the demolition of the 60,000 square foot, 5-story Dimmick Tower of the former Josephine County Memorial Hospital in Grants Pass, Oregon. Some members of the community were justifiably concerned about potential exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos and lead during the building demolition. MFA developed a sampling and analysis plan, oversaw abatement activities, and assessed the effectiveness of abatement controls through air sampling, as part of the quality assurance program for the county.

Josephine County, with MFA’s assistance, was able to:

• Ensure safe, timely demolition of the blighted structure
• Answer questions and communicate results to people in the community
• Maintain a positive relationship with neighborhood residents throughout the demolition process