The tension fabric structure’s sturdy, modular aluminum frame is high-strength and lightweight, making it easy to transport to a remote site like Saranac Lake. Skip to main content

What we cover in this post:

The scenic Village of Saranac Lake, New York required a localized environmental cleanup at the nearby site of a former gas plant. The residual contamination in this localized zone, if not removed, threatened the lake, tributary streams, sediment, and soil, as well as presented the risk of volatilized contaminants that could be inhaled, endangering people and wildlife. The project required the removal of contaminated materials that included dredging the bottom of the lake. Preparing the site for the project required the remediation team to build soil and sediment containment facilities and processing areas to carry out the work.

Allsite Structures was called in to provide a temporary environmental remediation shelter that would permit the project to safely contain, offload and prepare the dredged contaminants for transport from the site. Since the work would include dredging areas of the lake, the structure would be required to provide ample interior space, enough to allow a barge to enter the shelter where a team would carry out the unloading of the dredged debris into sealed containers. The barge was used to collect the materials as they were dredged up, after which it was steered into the remediation shelter. Lifts were placed on top of the barge in order to access the portion of the structure that was over the water, where the debris was safely offloaded in the enclosed space, protecting the surrounding environment and community.

Allsite Structures Remediation Structure Solution

Allsite’s remediation structure solution for this project included an enclosed, high-clearance tension fabric structure that was installed to partially extend over the lake surface. This aquatic installation provided a large area for use by the barge that delivered the contaminated materials. The contaminated soil was dropped in containment units safely inside the structure which was then removed from the site for appropriate processing and disposal. This enclosed containment area meant that contaminated materials were isolated from the outdoor environment, preventing the debris from becoming volatilized into the environment during the unloading process.

Key Features of Environmental Remediation Structures

saranac leake exterior tension fabric structure

The project at Saranac Lake presented challenges that often accompany cleanup operations. First, the project involved working over water, in this case, a lake. The structure needed to be firmly anchored in and at the edge of the lake. It needed extra high clearance to allow for the unloading of the dredged materials from a barge within the structure. The portion of the building over the water was secured to steel piers lined up with the structure’s baseplates. For this project, the building was built on legs to increase the overall height of the building, allowing equipment inside the tent to pick up the contaminated soil from the barge and place it underneath the tent. Installation of the structure was aided by the lightweight, modular design that allowed the installation team to quickly build out the structure over the lake shore.

Modular Aerodynamic Design

Allsite’s highly engineered extruded aluminum frame assured that the temporary remediation structure stood tall over the aquatic worksite. The structure was designed to be fully enclosed and included a custom fabric door to allow the barge to enter. The aerodynamic design and interlocking modular components made sure it would stand up to weather such as wind, rain or snow. The high roof peak design would allow the structure to shed winter snows that are common in an upstate New York winter.

High Strength, Durable Structure

The tension fabric structure’s sturdy, modular aluminum frame is high-strength and lightweight, making it easy to transport to a remote site like Saranac Lake. The aluminum alloy is rust and corrosion-resistant, making this structure a good choice for use in mud, water, snow, or similar wet conditions.

The structure’s durable fabric cover is industrial grade PVC that is antimicrobial, antibacterial, mold and mildew resistant, and fire resistant. It stands up in wet or dry conditions as well as extreme heat and cold. The fabric is UV resistant and its white exterior keeps the interior cooler by reflecting the heat of the sun. The fabric’s modular panels were laid across the frame in 5-meter (15 ft) segments, making it easy to customize the building length to meet customer needs. Anchorage solutions for wet or water installations include stakes and concrete ballast.

Customizable for Flexibility and Usability

exhaust fans for tension fabric structure

Allsite’s tough and durable temporary fabric structures are easy to install on any terrain and leave no footprint, making them ideal for environmental remediation sites. They are open spans, meaning no interior columns, poles, or other impediments, making them perfect for the movement of large equipment or vehicles in and out of the structure. Accessory options include lighting, ventilation, and a variety of doors including open-end, clamshell hangar doors, bi-fold or full-panel hydraulic doors, and personnel and freight doors. Allsite structures are built for use in almost any environmental condition and are virtually maintenance-free.

Fast Delivery and Installation

An Allsite structure can usually be delivered within weeks of order. Once on-site, it can be quickly assembled and disassembled to be up and running within a few days. It’s also easily moved around the remediation site if needed in more than one location, either by crane lift or by wheel system.

Allsite is the leading provider of environmental remediation structures in North America. Learn more about them here or contact us for more information.

Author Beth Karikari

Beth holds an MBA, Master of Marketing and Bachelor of Business from Griffith University, Australia. Read more about Beth and the rest of our team at https://allsitestructures.com/about/

More posts by Beth Karikari

Leave a Reply

Request A Quote

Request A Quote