contamination assessment and remediation
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Sometimes you may need to know if there are hazardous substances or petroleum products that may have adversely impacted a site. Often this information is useful when a property is being refinanced or purchased by a new buyer. In this instance, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is conducted. The Phase I evaluation determines if there are Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) associated with the subject property. The Phase I scope includes a site walk, interviews, and review of historical information. The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is mainly a desktop investigation. Learn more about Phase I ESAs here.
If Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) are identified, an intrusive investigation may be considered appropriate. This Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) may consist of sampling of soils, sediment, groundwater or vapors from the property. The samples collected are sent to a laboratory certified by NELAP for analysis of constituents of concern. The scope of the Phase II is based upon information obtained from the Phase I investigation and provides additional information about the condition of the property. |
If contaminants of concern are detected above the Cleanup Target Levels (CTLs) determined by the State regulatory agency, or Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), or Maximum Contaminant Limits (MCLs) as regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a Discharge Notification Form (DNF) may be required. Subsequently, a Site Assessment may be prepared under applicable federal, state and local guidelines. The Site Assessment will determine the horizontal and vertical extent of the contaminants detected in the soil, sediment, groundwater or vapors. Site Assessment activities often include the installation of soil borings and monitoring wells. This formal Site Assessment is a larger document with regulatory requirements dictating the scope and deadline for submittal. Confirmatory samples collected in accordance with all federal and state standard operating procedures is of critical importance to obtaining quality and reliable data.
Federal agencies go one step further with their assessment as they are required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This may require submittal of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluation per the specific federal agency requirements. These assessments include specific components in excess of the requirements for a non-Federal facility.
If impacts are identified that exceed State or Federal regulatory criteria, as applicable, active remediation may be required for site cleanup. Often concerned responsible parties choose to pursue remediation even if levels are below regulatory mandated cleanup concentrations. In situ methods where the contamination is treated in place or ex situ methods where the contamination is removed are evaluated with the responsible party and regulatory agency. A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study or Remedial Action Plan (RAP) is drafted by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and submitted for approval by the regulatory agency. Prior to implementation, a Remedial Action (RA) Approval Order will be issued by the appropriate regulatory agency. Remediation is one of our core services. Learn more at our dedicated webpages for remediation or operation and maintenance.
Federal agencies go one step further with their assessment as they are required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This may require submittal of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluation per the specific federal agency requirements. These assessments include specific components in excess of the requirements for a non-Federal facility.
If impacts are identified that exceed State or Federal regulatory criteria, as applicable, active remediation may be required for site cleanup. Often concerned responsible parties choose to pursue remediation even if levels are below regulatory mandated cleanup concentrations. In situ methods where the contamination is treated in place or ex situ methods where the contamination is removed are evaluated with the responsible party and regulatory agency. A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study or Remedial Action Plan (RAP) is drafted by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and submitted for approval by the regulatory agency. Prior to implementation, a Remedial Action (RA) Approval Order will be issued by the appropriate regulatory agency. Remediation is one of our core services. Learn more at our dedicated webpages for remediation or operation and maintenance.
