We were recently performing a PCA at a multifamily property when we discovered an approximately 1.5 ton - 2-ton pile of coal (appears to be anthracite) stored in an old crawlspace. The crawlspace obviously is unoccupied and does not have ready access. The only building services running through the space are domestic hot and cold water lines (copper and galvanized) and hot water heating pipes (steel). The floor is dirt and the walls are masonry. The floor directly above the crawlspace is a flat-arch system of clay block and cast in place concrete beams. In other words, durable materials. There does not appear to be a water infiltration issue and there does not appear to be any openings to occupied areas above the crawlspace except incidental air seepage where the water lines might penetrate the floor.

Should we advise that something be done with the coal? Its obviously no longer needed to operate the building heating system. Are there any environmental concerns?

From a PCA standpoint, we have considered the fire/life safety concerns.

As an aside, I've reached out to a friend who is a train aficionado to see if he can determine if one of the historic railroads in the area might want to come and get it if that becomes something the Owner would agree to. Any ideas of what to do with it if they decide to remove it?

Our company is seeking a Subcontractor or Independent Representative with a Professional Engineer's License for occasional peer reviews of Property Condition Reports. We are not seeking to fill a fulltime position, only a P.E. for occasional peer reviews of Property Condition Reports on a per project / contract basis. If qualified and interested or if you have any questions whatsoever, please reply to this post or contact us via the link below.

Thanks!

Chris Rutledge

Rutledge Realty Solutions, LLC

This thread has been started for any commentary on BEPA a standard currently in the balloting process to formalize the procedure for collecting, normalizing and reporting on a property's energy use.

Read more here

To learn a little bit about the objectives of BEPA and the current issues within the industry, read Tony Buonicore's Blog.

I think this forum will be a great asset to our industry. Thanks EDR and commonground for initiating it. Let's get the word out to our colleagues and industry professionals!