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​​​​​​​​Decommissioning with Jake Deal​

​Jake Deal is the Remediation Team Lead in the Environmental Compliance Branch of the Division of Environmental Protection. He specializes in decommissioning projects, which aim to properly prepare NIH facilities targeted for closure or renovation. This preparation includes taking extensive measures to completely vacate, survey, and decontaminate these targeted spaces.

“Being a decommissioning officer is great; we get to meet tons of people at NIH and learn a lot about the unique, interesting and incredibly important research that happens at NIH.” Jake also mentioned, “Plus, it’s nice to not be tied down to a desk. There is always something you can go out and look at, some new building to explore.”

From Dr. Fauci’s office in the Building 31 executive suites to the sub-basements of old research buildings, Jake has seen his fair share of historic and important buildings on the NIH Bethesda campus. For someone who enjoys meeting new people and discovering new locations, decommissioning can be the perfect profession. But despite all its exploration and adventure, there are still challenges to overcome.

“Aside from the inherent challenges of dealing with environmentally hazardous materials, often finding those hazards and documenting the extent of contamination can be very challenging.” Hazardous materials like asbestos and lead-based paint can be buried under several layers of paint or flooring due to renovations over the years. However, even trace amounts of these substances can have significant adverse health effects for those exposed and to the local ecosystem. Jake believes flexibility is the answer to mitigating the difficulties that come with uncovering these hazardous materials.

“I am keenly aware flexibility is often hard to write into government contracts and government documents. But when we are dealing with hazardous materials that have been accumulating and festering for years or decades, understanding the extent of contamination and how we’re going to abate/remediate them requires flexibility.”

Looking forward to the future, Jake hopes that the decommissioning process will naturally become easier and more efficient. As more decommissioning happens, more hazardous materials should be addressed and cataloged as known contaminants. This knowledge should help reduce decommissioning surprises and new contaminant discoveries. Maintaining easily accessible records of chemical use is a way every NIH staff member can contribute to making the decommissioning process smoother.

Jake leaves us with the highlight of his work:

“I find the most satisfying part of the job the walkthrough at the very end of the decommissioning process. Seeing a totally clean space that will soon be turned into a state-of-the-art research lab is incredibly satisfying. That’s what keeps us all going – knowing that we are helping to facilitate the research.”

For the full transcript, click here.​

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​How Does the Decommissioning Program Protect the NIH?​​ ​ ​​Decommissioning is the process by which the NIH properly vacates, surveys and decontaminates facilities targeted for closure or renovation. Completing the decommissioning process is a vital preventative measure to protect against human exposure to hazardous substances, environmental contamination and regulatory violations. Read the full article to learn more!​ ​​LEA​RN MORE​​​​​

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​​Decommissioning Tips for Lab Moves​​​ ​ At the NIH, research is always changing and improving. This constant state of improvement is why it is critically important to understand what is required for the decommissioning process.​ Following these five tips will make the decommissioning process as smooth as possible for your vacated space.​​ ​ LEARN MORE​​

NEMS Training                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Did you know? ​Decommissioning projects can range in size from a single room to an entire building. To learn more about decommissioning at the NIH, please visit the NEMS T​raining webpage to view a short (20 minute) NIH environmental awareness training video.​