In-Situ: Dual Phase Extraction (DPE)

Thursday, September 9, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

The in-situ remediation technology of dual phase extraction (DPE) is also known as multi-phase extraction or vacuum-enhanced extraction. During DPE, the following occurs:

  • DPE uses vacuums to remove contaminated groundwater, free-phase product and contaminated vapors from soils.
  • Extracted liquids and vapor are treated and collected for disposal.
  • DPE pulls air through pore space in contaminated soils and pulls contaminated groundwater and free product from the same well location.
  • Requires permits for discharge of water into POTW or back into the ground.
  • May require permits for the discharge of treated vapors to the atmosphere.
  • DPE requires regularly-scheduled O&M and sampling.
  • Effectiveness depends on type of soils and depths of groundwater.
The advantages of DPE are the following:
  • Minimal disturbance to site operations.
  • Medium length treatment timeframes.
  • Flexible applications.
  • Can aid in the continuous removal of free product.
  • Can be utilized underneath of structures.
  • Proven performance.
  • Agency-accepted cleanup technology.
  • Containment technology.
The disadvantages of DPE are the following:
  • Requires extensive knowledge of subsurface conditions (pilot test).
  • Above-grade equipment and associated noise.
  • Requires continual O&M and sampling.
  • Extracts a large volume of groundwater.
  • Treatment techniques for vapors removed from soil may be expensive.
  • Seasonal temperature changes may affect performance.

For more information on DPE, contact one of the environmental assessment and remediation specialists at August Mack Environmental at 800.579.0770.

How Clean is "Clean"?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by August Mack Environmental

In today’s economic condition, an abundance of commercial and industrial properties have been surfacing in the marketplace. While the list of availability grows, the environmental stigma associated with past business at these facilities has continued to rise and continues to be one of the largest deterrents for perspective buyers.  It seems unless the property is “clean”, no one wants to assume “the environmental skeletons” that may reside in the property’s proverbial closet. But “How clean is ‘clean’?” remains the underlying question.   

The advent of risk-based closures has helped define “clean” and the ultimate goal of any cleanup program is a “No Further Action” (NFA) status letter. While this has helped alleviate some buyers’ concerns, unless the words “No Further Action” were uttered by a regulator, the presence of contamination still added a stigma to a property causing most investors, developers and bankers to shy away.

To learn more, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental assessment and remediation experts at August Mack Environmental.

Lead in Construction - Limiting Exposure

Monday, September 6, 2010 by August Mack Environmental
In 1977, the U.S. government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead-based paint (LBP). Though banned more than 30 years ago, LBP is still prevalent throughout residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Therefore, it is important to recognize and protect against potential occupant and employee exposure hazards associated with lead.

It is very likely painted surfaces in structures built prior to 1978 contain LBP and the older the structure; the more likely LBP is present. Even if lead-containing paint has been painted over and encapsulated, lead dust can still become airborne during renovation or restoration activities. It is common for companies doing renovation work fail to recognize the potential for LBP on the surfaces they are impacting. This potential lead exposure can be avoided with general awareness.

To learn more about lead in construction, click here to read an article written by an environmental assessment consultant at August Mack Environmental.

Asbestos Management Requirements

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

Building owners and managers should keep in mind the following asbestos management requirements:

  • Training - Maintenance and custodial (housekeeping) personnel must be trained regarding asbestos if they will be working adjacent to asbestos or asbestos dust
    • 2-Hour Asbestos Awareness Training - Required for maintenance and housekeeping personnel that will be working adjacent to asbestos at no cost to the employee.
    • 16-Hour Asbestos O&M Training - Required for maintenance personnel that perform Class III work (repair and maintenance where asbestos will be disturbed.
  • Exercise due diligence to identify asbestos containing materials (ACMs) before disturbing any potential ACMs
  • Always investigate the possibility of ACM which may included testing. Do not rely on the word of any person regarding the presence or absence of asbestos.
Learn more about asbestos management requirements from an environmental assessment consultant at August Mack Environmental. Call 800.579.0770.

Components of an Asbestos Survey

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

An asbestos inspection conducted by a licensed state asbestos inspector usually entails the following:

  • Visual Inspection
  • Bulk Sample Collection
  • Asbestos Laboratory Analysis
To learn more about asbestos surveys, contact one of the environmental assessment consultants at August Mack Environmental at 800.579.0770. 

"But Do I Have To...."

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Cassie Anderson
We've all said these five little words at some point in our lives...maybe not recently, maybe not even since we were five years old. 

But when a client asks, "But do I HAVE to do a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment?"  My answer is always the same..."You don't HAVE to do one, but you don't HAVEto wear a parachute when you jump out of an airplane either." 

Although they are not legally required, Phase 1 Site Assessments protect your liability as a potential purchaser.  See some of my past posts for applicable liability protections. But keep in mind that if you choose to jump without a parachute you assume all the risk and responsibility for that choice.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Building Owner?

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

While building owners have many responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the building, below are their asbestos-related responsibilities:

  • Identify asbestos containing materials (ACM) in buildings – Surveys or Presume
  • Labeling / Signs
  • Develop asbestos operations and maintenance plan
  • Conduct periodic assessments of ACM
  • Abate ACM prior to renovation or demolition projects
  • Asbestos abatement
  • Training
  • Record keeping

When is Asbestos Dangerous?

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

Asbestos-containing material (ACM) is not generally considered harmful unless it is releasing dust or fibers into the air. When asbestos dust or fibers are released into the air, many of the fibers will become trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat where they can then be removed, but some may pass deep into the lungs. Once they are trapped in the lungs, the fibers can cause health problems.

To learn more about asebestos, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental assessment consultants at August Mack Environmental.

August Mack Announces Promotion of Employee to Ohio Office Manager

Monday, July 19, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

August Mack Environmental, Inc., a full-service environmental, health and safety (EH&S) consulting firm, is pleased to the promotion of Bennett Thayer to Office Manager for the Dublin, Ohio office. Since joining August Mack in 2004, Thayer has served as a field scientist, staff scientist and project manager.

With more than eight years of experience, Thayer specializes in local, state and federal environmental compliance; environmental, health and safety (EH&S) servicing and reporting; environmental management program development and implementation; biological assessment and environmental investigations; groundwater monitoring; subsurface investigations; underground storage tank (UST) closure; environmental site assessments; wetland determinations and delineations; remedial system operations and maintenance; work plan design and implementation; asbestos surveys; Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) preparation and implementation; and Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan preparation and implementation. In his new role as an office manager, Thayer will be responsible for managing the office’s daily operations, providing technical oversight for projects and managing the office’s growing staff. According to Bryan Petriko, vice president and principal environmental engineer for August Mack, “During the past six years at August Mack, Ben has shown exemplary strength in leadership, technical knowledge, resource management and client management. These qualities made him an excellent choice for the Office Manager position of our Ohio office. I am confident that our Ohio office will continue to flourish under his leadership.”

 

Thayer received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science from Otterbein College.

 

August Mack Environmental, Inc. is a full-service environmental, health and safety (EH&S) consulting firm specializing in regulatory compliance; environmental due diligence and risk management; site investigation/remediation/closure; and sustainability services to the industrial, legal, financial, health care and government sectors throughout North America. August Mack has offices in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For more information on the company’s products and services, call 317.916.8000 or visit www.augustmack.com.

Closure - We All Strive for it, But What Does it Really Mean?

Saturday, July 17, 2010 by August Mack Environmental

Spills, or other releases of hazardous constituents to the environment, can have many forms including emergency response situations like fuel releases to a ditch during an accident, a release of petroleum from an underground storage tank (UST) or a release associated with waste storage. Regardless of the nature of the release, once a release has been identified, the responsible party must take actions to prevent further release, investigate the nature and extent of impacts and if warranted, conduct remediation prior to achieving “closure” of the incident.

To learn more about environmental assessment and remediation, click here to read an article written by an environmental remediation specialist at August Mack Environmental.

Protect Your Investment!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 by Cassie Anderson
With the first half of 2010 officially behind us, we are forced to look ahead.   While transactions in the commercial real estate are still seemingly depressed and lenders are still looking at the future with "cautious optimism," people should still understand their environmental due diligence during the limited number of transactions taking place.  Now more than ever, the Phase One Environmental Site Assessment is a must! 

Until someone invents a money tree...Investors and loan officers should be looking at a property from all angles in order to protect themselves. From appraisals to Phase 1 Environmental Assessments; Property Condition Assessments to land surveys...Valuing a property from every direction is growing ever more important in order to get the most "bang for your buck" during a property transaction!

View Recorded Webinars on Regulatory Closure for Releases in Indiana

Thursday, July 1, 2010 by August Mack Environmental
Current Issues Related to Regulatory Closure of Contaminated Sites in Indiana
The Midwestern States Environmental Consultant Association (MSECA) was formed in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2009. Mr. Michael Schutz of August Mack Environmental is the first President of MSECA and has been instrumental in establishing and communicating the vision of the association. MSECA is a technical association with two primary aspects in its mission: to educate members on environmental cleanup and closure and build a respectful relationship with the environmental agency and help them develop policy and guidance related to environmental cleanup and closure.

This webinar will present information on MSECA and how August Mack Environmental's involvement with the association is helping our clients. Current issues related to cleanup and closure will be presented along with how MSECA is achieving the primary aspects of its mission.

The Independent Closure Process - A New Way of Obtaining Regulatory Closure in Indiana
Are you struggling obtaining regulatory closure on a State Cleanup Site in Indiana? Is your closure languishing due to a lack of agency attention? Is the Closure holding up a property transaction, site development or re-financing? The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has established a new process that may help you in these situations.

This webinar covers the Indiana Independent Closure Process (ICP) including:
 
  • When does ICP apply?
  • What is necessary to complete the ICP?
  • How long will the ICP process take?
  • What closure document is offered by ICP?
  • What are ICP limitations?

The Basics of Mold

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 by August Mack Environmental

Mold is naturally-occurring, microscopic fungi that are found almost everywhere. In nature, mold break down organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. But indoors, and at high concentrations, mold can affect the health of certain individuals. Exposure to mold and the mycotoxins they can produce, can lead to adverse health effects in sensitive individuals including rash, fever, headache, fatigue and asthma.

Exclusions from AAI Scope (ASTM E 1527-05)

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 by Stephanie Cox
The following are excluded from All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) scope:
  • Asbestos
  • Lead in drinking water
  • Lead-based paint
  • Radon
  • Wetlands
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Cultural and historic resources
  • Semi-public water supply
  • Industrial hygiene
  • Health and safety
  • Ecological resources
  • Endangered species
  • Indoor air quality
  • Biological agents
  • Mold
  • High Voltage Transmission Lines
To learn more about Phase One Environmental Site Assessment non-scope considerations, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental due diligence experts at August Mack Environmental.

Upcoming July Webinars

Monday, June 28, 2010 by Brooke Lock
Environmental Tenant Assessments - Take Control of Your Liability
Thursday, July 8th, 2010 - 10:00 am EST
Owning a commercial or industrial building can present unexpected environmental liabilities. A property owner is ultimately responsible for the environmental condition of the property which includes contamination caused by past or current tenants. Most of these environmental concerns and potential liabilities are unknown until a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is performed. Unfortunately, a Phase I ESA is typically driven by a property transaction and not by an expired lease. An Environmental Tenant Assessment can provide some valuable information and puts the control of environmental liability back into the property owner’s hands.
 
EPA Issues Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 - 10:00 am  EST
On October 30, 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Rule in the Federal Register. The EPA has developed this rule in accordance with the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act in an effort to obtain accurate and comprehensive data on GHG emissions. The EPA anticipates this new rule will apply to more than 10,000 facilities.

So...What's the Status of the Boiler MACT?
Thursday, July 15, 2010 - 10:00 am EST
The NESHAP for Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters, 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart DDDDD (the “Boiler MACT”) was vacated in June 2007. This web seminar will provide updated information on the status of EPA’s development of a revised Boiler MACT. Information will be provided on new requirements, compliance dates, submittal requirements, and deadlines. In addition, information regarding the development of any source-specific MACT standards by state regulatory agencies will be discussed.

Proposed Changes to the Michigan Superfun Rules
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 - 10:00 am EST
The Michigan Legislature along with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) have drafted legislation for consideration to amend Michigan's Superfund rules. Key points of change will be addressed.

Is OSHA Targeting Your Facility?
Thursday, July 22, 2010 - 10:00 am EST
Are you one of the 15,000 facilities that OSHA has on their radar screen? What should you do if you are on this list? What you should really want to know is how to lower the chances of being on one of these lists in the future. Join us for this informative webinar to learn more.
 
Universal Waste: What is it and What are the Associated Rules?
Thursday, July 29, 2010 - 10:00 am EST
Join us for this informative 30 minute webinar that explains what universal waste is and how to properly manage it. This often overlooked or neglected area of waste management can lead to regulatory violations if not properly managed. Make sure your facility is doing the right thing.

Environmental Tenant Assessments - Take Control of Your Liability

Monday, June 28, 2010 by August Mack Environmental

Owning a commercial or industrial building can present unexpected environmental liabilities. A property owner is ultimately responsible for the environmental condition of the property which includes contamination caused by past or current tenants. Most of these environmental concerns and potential liabilities are unknown until a Phase One Environmental Site Assessment is performed. Unfortunately, a Phase 1 Site Assessment is typically driven by a property transaction and not by an expired lease. That does not mean an evaluation of your tenant’s hazardous material handling practices cannot be performed. This can be done quickly and in a cost-effective manner by having an Environmental Tenant Assessment performed. This assessment can be performed prior to leasing a space to a tenant in order to evaluate the environmental risks associated with that tenant and their operations or towards the end of a lease term prior to the tenant vacating the premises to evaluate what environmental liabilities have been left behind. This will provide the valuable information you need to take control of your environmental liability.

To learn more about environmental tenant assessments, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental assessments consultants at August Mack Environmental.