Methane Mitigation System with Cupolex & VIMS Integration

Project Overview:

Summit's Remediation Division was contracted to install a complex methane mitigation system (MMS) for a new 7-story building in Charlotte, NC. The system was designed by a global environmental consulting and engineering firm to address methane intrusion concerns caused by an adjacent historic landfill. Summit's work included the installation of more than 15,000 square feet of Cupolex domed forming system, a perimeter vapor barrier, sub-slab extraction piping, and a fully integrated telemetry-based methane monitoring and alarm system.

Challenge/Conditions:

This project required the precise assembly of a highly engineered vapor intrusion mitigation system (VIMS) on an active construction site. The Cupolex domed forming system acts like a structural "puzzle," requiring accurate placement, interlocking, and sequencing to create a continuous under-slab air space for methane collection. Additionally, the system had to integrate vapor barriers at all critical penetrations, elevator pits, and perimeter foundations, while incorporating a perforated extraction network capable of pulling vacuum through the Cupolex system and discharging vapors above the seventh floor roof line.

Services Provided:

• Installation of the Cupolex methane mitigation forming system (approx. 15,920 sq. ft.)
• Installation of perimeter vapor barriers, membrane seals, and protection for all sub-slab penetrations
• Installation of perforated extraction piping throughout the Cupolex system for methane capture
• Construction of a sub-slab depressurization system designed to vent to the roof of a 7-story building
• Integration of elevator pit and foundation vapor protection
• Supply and installation of a methane monitoring telemetry control panel
• Coordination with electrical team for rooftop sensors, differential pressure sensors, and power supply
• Planning and installation support for 24-hour methane monitoring with telemetry

Solutions/Approach:

Summit coordinated closely with their customer's design report and construction drawings to sequence Cupolex installation with the broader building foundation schedule. The Cupolex system was installed in interlocking sections to create a continuous under-slab ventilation plenum. The team integrated vapor barrier materials at all vertical and horizontal penetrations, ensuring a sealed system that forces methane toward the designed extraction network. A perforated piping manifold was installed within the Cupolex air space, allowing a vacuum system to draw vapors upward for safe discharge above the roofline. Summit's control panel specialist installed the MMS telemetry panel, configured PLC logic, wired sensors, and commissioned the 24-hour methane alarm system.

Outcome/Results:

Summit successfully installed an integrated methane mitigation system that meets all design and regulatory expectations for vapor intrusion protection. The completed system provides full sub-slab methane capture via Cupolex and extraction piping, long-term vapor barrier protection across the building footprint, remote continuous monitoring and alarm capability, and a safe foundation system for a multi-story residential development adjacent to a landfill.