August Mack Environmental, Inc. is a full-service environmental consulting firm specializing in environmental, health and safety; environmental due diligence; closure, investigation and remediation; and sustainability services to the industrial, legal, financial, government and health care sectors throughout North America. On this blog, August Mack's team of experts will share their insights and experience on various EH&S topics. Check back for frequent updates!August Mack Environmental, Inc. is a full-service environmental consulting firm specializing in environmental, health and safety; environmental due diligence; closure, investigation and remediation; and sustainability services to the industrial, legal, financial, government and health care sectors throughout North America. On this blog, August Mack's team of experts will share their insights and experience on various EH&S topics. Check back for frequent updates!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.
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.
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.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation of fugitive volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, or leaks, arose out of the research projects conducted between the 1950s and 1980s at several facilities throughout the United States. The research concluded the cumulative effect of all the leaking components may present environmental and health problems to the surrounding area. The research also concluded when most components leak, they do so at very low levels, thus a majority of fugitive emissions come from a very small percentage (not exceeding 10 percent) of high leaking components. The need for fugitive VOC emissions was also necessitated by the fact that approximately 70 percent of total VOC emissions from facilities engaging in processing of gases and light liquids arose from uncontrolled emissions.
To learn more about LDAR, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental compliance specialists at August Mack Environmental.
Managing safety for a single facility can be a challenging and daunting task. To complicate things, if your company has multiple facilities you could be facing additional, less obvious risks. The good news: knowing what to watch for and having a good system in place allows you to carry "lessons learned" from one facility to another. If your company operates multiple facilities this webinar will discuss how to minimize your costs and risks associated with multiple facilities.
Register here for the Environmental Compliance Assistance recorded webinar on Compound the Solution, Not the Problem - Safety Management at Multi-Facility Companies.
In the environmental world, closure generally means the point of the project where no additional investigation or remediation activities are required and the regulatory agency has provided a letter to that affect. However, the strength of the regulatory closure instrument varies among programs in Indiana, and other states have a similar situation. In this webinar, find out what closure means to sites in the various clean-up programs in Indiana and other states. We will also discuss common “post-closure requirements” and the potential for “re-openers” of closed sites.
Register here to learn more from the recorded webinar presented by one of August Mack's Environmental Remediation Specialists.
Register here to learn more from the recorded webinar presented by one of August Mack's Environmental Remediation Specialists.
It is estimated leaking components in facilities nationwide emit more than 40,000 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) each year. Recent EPA audits suggest that actual facility leak rates are over five times as much as what had been previously reported. The EPA is increasing enforcement and more facilities are becoming applicable to Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program requirements through the Clean Air Act via New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations.
This informative webinar will detail applicability requirements of facilities subject to LDAR program from NSPS and NESHAP regulations. The webinar will also explore implementation options that facilities have to fully execute LDAR.
Click here to view this recorded webinar presented by an August Mack Environmental Compliance Consultant.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations and fines can be time consuming to correct, expensive and bring a negative light to a company’s overall reputation. Repeat violations, or willful or knowing violations, will compound these issues exponentially. OSHA views repeat violations as a company’s indifference to safety in general and can put you in a high risk category. In fact, OSHA has a clear set of programs and procedures designed to concentrate resources on companies with repeat violations.
To learn more about OSHA violations, click here to read an article written by an Health & Safety Compliance expert at August Mack Environmental.
On May 13, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule to address air permitting of six greenhouse gases (GHGs). This final rule “tailors” the Clean Air Act (CAA) permitting program to limit which facilities are required to obtain a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and/or Title V operating permit. The EPA will phase in the Clean Air Act (CAA) permitting requirements in two initial steps.
To learn more about the Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule, click here to read an article written by an environmental compliance specialist at 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.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed two regulations related to industrial boilers and process heaters which are intended to reduce the emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). The proposed rules include:
- Major Source Boiler & Process Heater Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT): National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters; and
- Area Source Boiler & Process Heater MACT: NESHAPs for Area Sources: Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters.
To learn more about Boiler and Process Heat MACT, click here to read an article written by an environmental compliance specialist at August Mack Environmental.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the definition of “hot work” is riveting, welding, flame cutting or other fire or spark-producing operations. A wide range of industries require their employees to perform hot work activities in order to reduce downtime and keep their businesses thriving through the maintenance of equipment. Along with these actions comes the risk to the health and safety of the workers.
To learn more about hot work, click here to read an article written by Health & Safety Compliance expert at August Mack Environmental. Click a title below to register for the recorded webinar.
Current Trends in Vapor Intrusion
Current Trends in Vapor Intrusion
Vapor intrusion (VI) - the migration of contaminant vapors from subsurface soils and groundwater into buildings - has become a leading concern for regulatory agencies across the country and in Indiana. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and other states have implemented vapor intrusion programs. In addition, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) released a VI standard (ASTM E 2600-08) in 2008 for evaluating this exposure pathway as part of the site assessment/property transaction process. The guidance documents put forth by these agencies continue to evolve. August Mack will provide an overview of VI and then discuss changes to Indiana's VI guidance, upcoming changes to the ASTM VI standard and other current information regarding this important topic.
Vapor Intrusion Screening for Real Estate Transactions
The question of how to address the risk posed by vapor intrusion (CI) has become a popular topic in real estate transactions, especially with the development of the ASTM VI Standard, "Standard Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Strcutures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions" (ASTM E 2600-08). This webinar will consist of an overview of this ASTM standard and its four-tiered process. We will discuss why this standard was developed, what a VI assessment involves and when this standard should be used.
Vapor Intrusion Screening for Real Estate Transactions
The question of how to address the risk posed by vapor intrusion (CI) has become a popular topic in real estate transactions, especially with the development of the ASTM VI Standard, "Standard Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Strcutures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions" (ASTM E 2600-08). This webinar will consist of an overview of this ASTM standard and its four-tiered process. We will discuss why this standard was developed, what a VI assessment involves and when this standard should be used.
Same Level Falls - Slips and Trips
Injuries due to falls are one of the fastest growing safety issues in our workplaces today. Falls can occur anywhere from industrial facilities to office settings and even home-based businesses. Falls are often categorized into two groups; elevated falls and same level falls. Even though elevated falls generally result in more serious injuries, they tend to make up less than 40 percent of work-related fall injuries. The reduction of same level falls or slips and trips can be accomplished through comprehensive auditing, identification of potential fall hazards and the implementation of short and long term countermeasures.
During this webinar, we will discuss fall injuries statistics, who is at risk for fall injuries, identification of fall hazards in the workplace and ways to reduce fall injuries through program implementation.
Confined Space Entry - Don't Find Yourself Stuck
Did you know, on average, 92 workers die each year in confined spaces? One third of all confined space fatalities are individuals acting as supervisors and 60 percent are would-be rescuers. Did you ever wonder if you have confined spaces in your workplace? During this webinar, we discuss the requirements of a Confined Space Program, the dangers of entering a confined space, entry procedures and rescue/emergency services.
Injuries due to falls are one of the fastest growing safety issues in our workplaces today. Falls can occur anywhere from industrial facilities to office settings and even home-based businesses. Falls are often categorized into two groups; elevated falls and same level falls. Even though elevated falls generally result in more serious injuries, they tend to make up less than 40 percent of work-related fall injuries. The reduction of same level falls or slips and trips can be accomplished through comprehensive auditing, identification of potential fall hazards and the implementation of short and long term countermeasures.
During this webinar, we will discuss fall injuries statistics, who is at risk for fall injuries, identification of fall hazards in the workplace and ways to reduce fall injuries through program implementation.
Confined Space Entry - Don't Find Yourself Stuck
Did you know, on average, 92 workers die each year in confined spaces? One third of all confined space fatalities are individuals acting as supervisors and 60 percent are would-be rescuers. Did you ever wonder if you have confined spaces in your workplace? During this webinar, we discuss the requirements of a Confined Space Program, the dangers of entering a confined space, entry procedures and rescue/emergency services.
Material Safety Data Sheets & GHS - What do I need to do?
In the late 1980s, the Federal Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200, better known as the "Hazard Communications" or "Right-to-Know" standard, was proposed and adopted into law. This regulation stood for more than 20 years with only small tweaks here and there. Due to the global economy where it is common place to conduct business in multiple countries, OSHA has proposed the first significant change to the Hazard Communication regulation. The tidal wave of change is about to come crashing down. This webinar will review the changes relative to the Material Safety Data Sheets or Safety Data Sheets (SDS). What changes need to be considered? How will the Global Harmonization Standard (GHS) regulation affect the management of my SDS?
Click here to register for one of these recorded webinars.The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notified 15,000 workplaces nationwide that their injury and illness rates are higher than the national average. Two of the criteria OSHA used to identify these workplaces are the facility’s Days Away, Restrictions and Transfers (DART) rate and Days Away from Work Injury and Illness (DAFWII) case rate.
To learn more about whether or not OSHA is targeting your facility, click here to read an article written by August Mack Environmental.
It is too soon to claim that the issue of global warming has come and gone; we are just getting started. However, it is never too early to anticipate the next big issue on the horizon. According to a global opinion poll recently made public by GlobeScan, an international public and stakeholder opinion research firm, and SustainAbility, a think tank and business strategy consultancy, water scarcity will prompt global industrial transformation.
To learn more about what comes after global warming, click here to read an article written by one of the triple bottom line experts at August Mack Environmental.
To learn more about what comes after global warming, click here to read an article written by one of the triple bottom line experts at August Mack Environmental.
Have you ever seen a package on your receiving dock and wondered what all those labels, codes and markings mean? Believe it or not, all those markings serve a purpose. If you know how to read them, you can determine what is in the package and what hazards are associated. This webinar will broadly describe the purpose of these labels, what information the labels convey as well as the labeling requirements for RCRA and US DOT compliance.
Click here to view this recorded webinar given by one of the health & safety compliance experts at August Mack Environmental.
Click here to view this recorded webinar given by one of the health & safety compliance experts at August Mack Environmental.
In 1987, vandals broke into a closed facility in Dayton, Ohio and caused a release of PCB oils that took years and $8 million to address. Because Ohio recognizes facility abandonment as a precursor to the creation of a Superfund site, the State created the Cessation of Regulated Operations (CRO) Program in 1996. Today, perhaps because of an increase in facility closings related to the economy, the Ohio EPA appears to be bringing an increased focus to this program. Find out who is regulated or what the regulations require if you close your facility either permanently or temporarily.
Register here to learn more in this recorded webinar presented by one of the Environmental Remediation Specialists at August Mack Environmental.
Register here to learn more in this recorded webinar presented by one of the Environmental Remediation Specialists at 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:
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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) universal waste rules are set forth in 40 CFR Part 273. These regulations streamline hazardous waste management standards for federally designated “universal wastes.” Although other wastes have been mentioned for inclusion into the universal waste rules at the federal level, the current universal wastes include batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment and bulbs (lamps). States can modify the universal waste rule and add additional universal waste(s) to individual state regulations.
To learn more about Universal Waste, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental compliance consultants at August Mack Environmental.
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