Sway logo

Methane Mitigation Contractors

Share This Post

Methane Mitigation Contractors

Methane Mitigation Construction is a specialty trade that is required in certain locations depending on historical oil drilling, landfills, or other methane producing sites. This work cannot be completed by a general contractor, it needs to be completed by a certified installer approved by a methane barrier material manufacture.

Sway Features recommends asking the below list of questions when requesting a Methane Mitigation Construction bid:

Methane Mitigation Construction – Important Questions!

  • What Methane Barrier Manufacturer do you install?
  • Does the barrier you are installing have an LARR Certification?
  • Is your company a manufacturer approved applicator for this Methane Barrier?
  • What is included and excluded in the Construction Bid?

Methane Barrier Approved Applicator

When hiring a Methane Mitigation Contractor, it is important to request and confirm that the company is an approved applicator. The certification process is extensive and requires years of experience along with knowledge of vapor intrusion prevention for new construction.

The application of Vapor Barriers is sensitive, minor mistakes may affect the functionality of the Methane Mitigation system. For this reason, barrier manufactures implement strict and selective applicator certification processes. As a result of these quality control measures, it is common to have just a few approved applicators within a region.

Methane Mitigation Contractors

LARR – Los Angeles Research Report

Methane Mitigation Designers are required to specify an LARR approved Methane barrier within the Methane Plans. LARR stands for Los Angeles Research Report, which is a material certification that is issued by the city of Los Angeles Building and Safety. The LARR approval certifies that the Methane Barrier meets the testing requirements of the City of Los Angeles.

Inexperienced contractors may unintentionally implement non-LARR approved methane barriers or may not meet the LARR installation techniques. LADBS has implemented a Methane Deputy Inspection program to ensure that Contractors do not inadvertently cut corners during the installation of methane mitigation systems. It is important that General Contractors and Owners are aware of these possible issues, if work is not completed according to the Los Angeles Research Report, your LA City Building Inspector may not provide the certificate of occupancy for your project.

The current list of LARR approved product can be found on the LADBS website.

Methane Mitigation and Waterproofing

Depending on the Design Features of your project, you may be required to implement below grade waterproofing within your structure. In the case, the Methane Barrier also acts as the waterproofing barrier, and your Methane Mitigation Contractor will be responsible for the waterproofing aspects of your structure.

These membrane applications can be installed on planters, poured in place retaining walls, block wall retaining walls shoring walls, and more. Each application has a different installation technique which will be outline dby the material manufacture and specified in the LARR.

In these circumstances, it is important to confirm that the Methane Barrier that is being used has the LARR approval for waterproofing. Not all Methane Barriers are designed to act has waterproofing membranes, and not all waterproofing systems have the certification to be used as a methane barrier.

Sway Features is a methane mitigation contractor who is approved to install various methane barriers and waterproofing systems.

What if there is an oil well on my property?

Methane Mitigation Designers

Over 100 years ago, the Los Angeles area flourished with oil drilling. Thousands of oil wells were drilled to take advantage of the prosperous and profitable oil fields that live beneath the grounds of the Southern California area. Fast forward 100 years later, these same oil wells caused the destructive Ross explosion, which has prompted the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety to enforce the Methane Mitigation requirements. Looking at the Cal gem site, you can find the thousands of oil wells that are located in Los Angeles. On occasion, an oil well can exist below a property that you own. You want to make sure that this specific oil well is properly abandoned. In this case, it’s crucial to carefully observe the guidelines established by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and the Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure that all of the documentation verifying the appropriateness of the abandonment are provided.

The city of LA does not have restrictions in regards to building over the Oil Wells, but it is ultimately the property owner’s responsibility at the time if any issues related to an oil well will occur. For example, if it is proven that an oil well is leaking, it is the responsibility of the property owner to provide access to the fire department and department of building and safety for the testing of this oil well. If it is confirmed that there is a problem with the oil well, the property owner will take on the financial responsibility to resolve the issue. The company that owned the oil well and the contractor they hired to install it wouldn’t be burdened by this anymore since the transition of ownership of property was already made.

Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Email

More To Explore

Green Hydrogen: Advancing Green Technology

The development of green technology has become crucial in our efforts to combat climate change and transition to a sustainable future. One promising innovation gaining traction is green hydrogen.  This clean energy source has the potential to revolutionize various sectors. It ranges from transportation to power generation. The significance of green hydrogen, its production methods,

Tesla Diner and Drive-In : Charging Station Tourism

Consumers require persuasion on why electric cars are becoming the better buy in the pressure to switch vehicles from gas to electric. One element is the fuss about charging stations. There is a need to redesign the infrastructure to make charging stations different from gas stations. Leading the charge in this revolution is Tesla, with

Green Technology : Sustainable Homes

The growing awareness of environmental issues has become the catalyst for developing green technology. By integrating sustainable practices and innovative solutions, green technology transforms our homes into more eco-friendly and energy-efficient spaces. From renewable energy sources to smart home systems, these advancements reduce our carbon footprint and enhance our quality of life. Sustainable Energy Sources

DTSC: Restoration Program

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Restoration Program is an essential initiative to safeguard our environment from the harmful effects of toxic substances. With a focus on cleaning up contaminated sites, monitoring hazardous waste facilities, and promoting sustainable practices, this program plays a crucial role in protecting public health and preserving natural resources. This

Soil is Alive!

Do you ever think about soil? Soil is alive! Soil helps filter our water,  air and produce agriculture and products. One spoonful of soil holds more organisms than people living on Earth. It is one of the planet’s most critical natural resources. The main components are bacteria, fungi, minerals,, and living and dead microorganisms. When

Low Impact Developments in Los Angeles

Integrating Low Impact Development (LID) requirements into the Los Angeles building regulation shows the city’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility. Through effectively managing stormwater runoff and incorporating green infrastructure elements, LID practices contribute to improved water quality, enhanced urban resiliency, reduced urban heat island effect, and increased community engagement. This is vital; as