Preparing Sites for Winter: Environmental Hazards Contractors Overlook
Overlooked Winter Hazards Contractors Should Address
As winter creeps in, construction sites across the region face more than cold temperatures and snow. There are environmental hazards that often go unnoticed—risks that can compromise safety, compliance, and site integrity. Contractors who proactively prepare for these seasonal issues can avoid costly delays, regulatory fines, and environmental damage.
Frozen & Contaminated Water Pools
What to watch for: After rain, runoff, or dewatering operations, puddles or pools can accumulate and freeze. If those waters are contaminated (with oils, sediments, or chemical residues), they can trap pollutants, burst containment systems, or release hazardous materials when thawing.
Why it’s a problem in winter: Freezing expands water, which can damage liners, tanks, and containment structures. When thawing occurs, large volumes of polluted water might suddenly discharge.
How MP Environmental suggests preparing: Install proper drainage, inspect and maintain liners/tanks ahead of freezing temperatures, and ensure temporary water holding areas are covered or pumped out. Monitoring and treatment plans should account for seasonal freeze/thaw cycles.
PCB-Containing Caulks, Sealants, Paints & Hidden Materials
What to watch for: Older buildings often include PCB-containing caulks or sealants (from mid-20th-century and pre-1979 materials), masonry joints, expansion joints, flashing, and older paint/ballast systems. MP Environmental’s “Understanding Where PCBs Hide” article highlights how materials like caulk and certain paints from earlier construction still pose risks when disturbed.
Why winter increases risk: Cold weather can cause brittleness and cracking, which may cause hidden materials to deteriorate or dislodge. Also, repair or removal work (cutting, sanding, sealing) done in winter may inadvertently release PCBs if not handled carefully.
What to do: Conduct a thorough inspection before winter sets in, especially of joints, seals, and materials around door/window openings. If PCB‐containing materials are present, plan for safe removal or encapsulation, ensure containment, and follow regulatory compliance as MP Environmental advises.
Hidden or Old Tanks & Underground Storage
What to watch for: Abandoned or inactive underground tanks, fuel/oil storage, or chemical storage that may have gone unmonitored. In winter, frozen ground can crack or shift, possibly damaging buried tanks or plumbing. Corrosion or previous minor leaks may worsen when water expands.
Why winter makes them riskier: Freezing ground movement can lead to fractures. Ice formation within or around tank components can stress welds, joints, and connections. Thaw cycles may create flooding or runoff that draws leaked contaminants into groundwater.
What to do: Inspect all tanks and storage before freeze‐up. Verify integrity (no rust, leaks, weak seams), ensure secondary containment is functioning, and that drains/pumps are operational. Decommission unused tanks properly, or schedule their remediation while the weather allows.
Winter presents a set of environmental challenges that contractors commonly underestimate—from frozen contaminated water to deteriorating PCB-bearing materials and aging storage tanks. By using MP Environmental’s expertise—inspecting early, managing known hazards proactively, and following best practices—teams can protect their sites, stay compliant, and avoid costly surprises.
✅ Ready to Winter-Proof Your Site?
Don’t let hidden hazards disrupt your project this season. Partner with MP Environmental for expert inspections, remediation, and compliance solutions.
Contact our team
today to schedule your winter site assessment.
Here are some frequently overlooked hazards for winter, with guidance from MP Environmental, and how to manage them:
