Environmental

The Earth Systems group of companies conducts a full range of environmental services.  Small business owners, property owners, manufacturers, lending institutions, real estate developers, and petroleum companies are among our clients. We provide liability-reducing and cost-effective solutions to issues that may affect their properties. 

PRIMARY AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
• Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (Site Characterization Studies)
• Preliminary Endangerment Assessments
• Remediation of Soil and Groundwater
• Underground Storage Tank Assessment and Monitoring Services
• Landfill Investigations and Monitoring

Federal and State environmental regulations with which we are experienced include:

• CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
• RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
• TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act
• SARA Superfund Re-authorization Act
• CCR Title 14 Natural Resources, Division 2, Department of Conservation
• CCR Title 22 Social Security, Division 4, Environmental Health
• CCR Title 23 Waters
• Title 26 Toxics
• LUFT Leaking Underground Fuel Tank Regulations

PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS

The purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is to evaluate areas of potential environmental concern which may be a result of past use, storage, or release of hazardous materials on or near a site. This level of assessment can be pivotal in circumventing potential environmental liabilities for all concerned parties.

Our Phase I ESAs are based on the guidelines of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standard E-1527-05 and the All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) standards promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  They are performed, evaluated, and signed by a Registered Environmental Assessor, Professional Geologist, Certified Hydrogeologist, or Professional Engineer. 

A Phase I ESA entails a review and analysis of the following information:

• past and present site uses,
• client provided information and on-site interviews,
• title information,
• building permits,
• aerial photographs,
• insurance and land use maps,
• oil & gas production maps and records,
• local agency files,
• regulatory agency records,
• owner/tenant interviews,
• environmental cleanup liens (ECL),
• activity and use limitations.

The ESA report includes findings regarding past land use on and around the site, and presents an opinion regarding the potential for soil contamination and groundwater contamination.  If one is deemed appropriate and warranted, recommendations for a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (Site Characterization Study) are included.

PHASE II ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT (SITE CHARACTERIZATION STUDIES)

When a Phase I ESA indicates a significant potential for environmental impairment at a site, a Phase II environmental site assessment may be implemented.  The Phase II ESA, or Site Characterization Study, employs the following exploratory techniques to identify the nature and extent of contamination:

• surface and subsurface soil sampling,
• geologic logging of exploratory borings,
• groundwater monitoring well installation, development, and sampling,
• geophysical surveying and profiling,
• piezometer well installation and sampling,
• soil-gas surveys,
• organic vapor analysis,
• vadose zone monitoring,
• hydraulic conductivity testing (pumping tests),
• groundwater modeling,
• chemical testing.

During the Site Characterization Study, the geologic and hydrogeologic properties of a site are defined; this step is integral in evaluating the source, distribution, and migration pathways of the contaminants.  Additionally, information acquired from the surface and subsurface explorations is utilized to select the appropriate remedial method for the site.

PRELIMINARY ENDANGERMENT ASSESSMENTS 

Earth Systems group of companies performs Preliminary Endangerment Assessments (PEA) to evaluate the likelihood of health risks posed by the presence of, and exposure to, contaminants found at a site.  The PEA process is based on guidance from the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC). PEAs are currently required to be performed at California school sites where construction activities will involve the use of State funding, and where the potential for contamination is identified in Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments.

The Earth Systems group of companies has been assisting school districts to comply with the requirements of the DTSC since those requirements took effect in 2001.  As our services include Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, we can be involved from the beginning of a project, ensuring a smooth transition into the PEA process.

Typically, a PEA will involve the following tasks:

• initial meeting with the DTSC,
• development of a draft Work Plan, submission of draft to DTSC,
• revision of the work plan to address DTSC’s comments,
• field investigation activities,
• laboratory analyses,
• quality control/quality assurance review of the analytical results,
• human health screening evaluation based on the data collected,
• preparation of a draft PEA report, submission of draft report to DTSC,
• preparation of final PEA report, revised to address comments of the DTSC.

REMEDIATION OF SOIL AND GROUNDWATER

The Earth Systems group of companies has designed, implemented, and completed a variety of soils and groundwater remediation programs.

Once the Site Characterization Study is complete, a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study is conducted, the purpose of which is to determine the most efficient and cost effective plan for remediation.  Our studies typically consist of regulatory analysis, liaison with governing agencies, treatment system design, permit preparation, and preparation of Health and Safety Plans. Before remedial action is implemented at the site, a Remediation Plan is prepared and submitted for regulatory approval, and the necessary permits are obtained.  

Following are some of the remediation technologies we have implemented for the treatment of soil and groundwater. 

Soil Remediation

• Operation and maintenance of treatment systems
• Vacuum extraction
• Carbon adsorption
• Chemical oxidation
• Thermal oxidation
• Bioremediation/bioenhancement land farming
• In situ remediation
• Chemical fixation
• Incineration
• Off-site treatment and disposal

Groundwater Remediation

• Hydraulic barriers
• Sedimentation basins
• French drains
• Product recovery/pump and treat
• Carbon adsorption
• Air stripping

During site remediation, remedial methods are monitored to verify the process is working as intended, and we provide operation and maintenance of the treatment systems. Site remediation continues until samples indicate that contaminant levels are below the “action levels” set by the regulators.  Our personnel then prepare and submit a report of our findings to the appropriate regulatory agency, and request closure of the site.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING SERVICES

The Earth Systems group of companies provides services for businesses involved in the production, storage, and dispensing of fuel.  We can assess, characterize, and remediate contamination resulting from leaking underground fuel tanks (LUFT).

Investigation

• Leak detection
• Tank removal or abandonment
• Exploratory subsurface borings
• Soil sampling and analysis
• Groundwater sampling and analysis

Monitoring

• Monitoring well installation, maintenance, and sampling
• Piezometer well installation and sampling
• Groundwater monitoring and sampling

Remediation

• Development of remedial action plans
• Soil excavation and on-site or off-site treatment
• Vapor extraction and treatment
• Groundwater extraction and treatment

LANDFILL INVESTIGATIONS AND MONITORING

Due to the wide range of hazardous materials that are frequently disposed of at landfill facilities, thorough investigations of soil and groundwater conditions are often warranted.  Contamination of soil and groundwater can occur if toxic substances remain in place and subsurface conditions are conducive to leachate migration.  

The Earth Systems group of companies’ personnel are experienced at evaluating the potential for migration of toxic substances into public water supplies, or other areas where adverse impacts upon public health and safety could result. Typically, a landfill investigation and subsequent monitoring program will comprise the following tasks:

• soil vapor surveys,
• air monitoring,
• installation of upgradient and downgradient groundwater monitoring wells,
• collection of soil pore fluids,
• soil sampling,
• laboratory analysis of soil and groundwater samples,
• hydrogeologic studies - including the evaluation of subsurface permeabilities and groundwater characteristics,
• geologic studies involving the evaluation of the geologic features of the site and surrounding vicinity,
• geophysical surveys,
• lysimeter installation and sampling,
• routine, long-term monitoring.