The economics of long-term corrosion mitigation are increasingly becoming an item of national importance. The collapse of the Minnesota I-35 Bridge and the explosion of the Con Edison steam pipe in Manhattan are examples of corrosion related deterioration, which resulted in unfortunate tragedies including the loss of life.

This past June, one of our staff joined the NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) Legislative Day in Washington DC to lobby the Bridge Life Extension Act which stipulates that a corrosion specialist be engaged in designing and approving new construction and rehabilitation bridge projects for infrastructure work through out the country. A corrosion management plan is part of the mandate, stipulating a long-term pro-active corrosion design. The technologies are available; the funding can be made available, but only with the support of local representatives and constituents.

How does this relate to historic buildings? Another aspect of the preventative corrosion mitigation activites on Capital Hills is the Corrosion Prevention Act, a Tax Credit for proactive owners seeking to mitigate corrosion risk on all structures. This would apply to any individual owner of a building with corrosion related deterioration. Should the owner choose a proactive approach to corrosion mitigation as part of their restoration scheme, they would be eligible for a tax credit, similar to a Historic Preservation Tax Credit.

Remember, corrosion is not just unsightly in buildings, it causes deterioration of the masonry, poses a risk to pedestrians, and if left untreated will eventually cause loss of structural integrity.

What can you do? Lobby your local congressman, talk to building owners and management companies, and address the corrosion problem on a building with a long-term repair strategy.