Environmental Site Characterization & Remediation

Despite your best efforts, releases to the environment can occur. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, GeoServices is here to help with site characterization and remediation services. GeoServices, Ltd. has extensive experience in site characterization and remediation from regulatory mandated tasks to voluntary cleanup actions. We understand that the cost of characterization and remediation cuts into your bottom-line. At GeoServices, we use the most timely and cost effective cleanup methods available. We never compromise when it comes to ensuring that the environment and your property are protected and that your liability is minimized.

Environmental Site Characterization and Remediation Services

We offer a broad range of environmental site characterization and remediation services including:

      Site Characterization

      Before site remediation can begin, a thorough site characterization must be completed to determine the extent, magnitude, and chemistry of the contamination along with the physical setting of the site. Since every site is unique, GeoServices uses a phased approach to ensure that the necessary data is collected efficiently. We have been involved with many projects in which other consultants have collected massive quantities of data apparently without integrating the data to develop a useful conceptual model of the conditions and data requirements. The extensive experience and education possessed by GeoServices’ staff provides the necessary basis to effectively integrate varied types of data required by an effective site characterization.

      Site Characterization Data Integration

      The types of data and data integration techniques required for site characterization may include:

      • History of site operations
      • History of site releases and nearby releases
      • Geologic setting
      • Media impacted
      • Distribution of contaminants in the different media
      • Characteristics of the individual contaminants
      • Impacts of activities in the surrounding area, such as pumping wells
      • Pathways for contaminant migration
      • Pathways for exposure to contaminants
      • Development of a site conceptual model
      • Fate and transport modeling
      • Risk assessment

      GeoServices has over twenty years of experience collecting these types of data and integrating them into a meaningful understanding of the site. We also have a great deal of experience integrating data collected by others both to complete projects and for litigation support.

      Pennsylvania's Act 2 Remediation

      aIn the 1990s, a shift in approach began on the State and Federal levels which resulted in regulations and policies that stressed voluntary cleanup actions rather than a punitive approach affecting site remediation. It become apparent that development was focusing on previously undeveloped properties in order to avoid the liability associated with contaminated sites. This trend had numerous undesirable consequences including: urban decay, sprawl, and most importantly, the failure to investigate or remediate sites that had been previously developed. The new approach was generally termed Brownfields, as it was designed to encourage development of previously developed sites rather than virgin “Greenfields.”

      The regulations and policies encouraged Brownfield development by offering financial incentives, through the use of Risk-based cleanup standards and by offering liability protection upon completion of satisfactory site remediation rather than the “No Further Action” (NFA) letter previously issued. Federal Brownfields programs focus on financial incentives, while State programs tend to encourage brownfield development through flexible remediation goals and legal assurances that protect property owners in addition to providing financial incentives.

      aPennsylvania’s Land Recycling and Remediation Standards Act (Act 2)

      Pennsylvania Brownfields Legislation includes the following:

      • The Pennsylvania Land Recycling and Remediation Standards Act (Act 2)
      • The Economic Development Agency, Fiduciary and Lender
      • Environmental Liability Protection Act (Act 3)
      • The Industrial Sites Environmental Assessment Act (Act 4)

      The legislation promotes voluntary partnerships among local businesses, government, financial institutions, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The cornerstones of these Acts are based on evaluation of health and environmental risks, relief of liability and financial assistance. The legislation directs that cleanup options be based on the risk that contamination poses to public health and the environment, including emphasis on current and future uses of the site and potential for off-site contaminant migration.

      GeoServices works closely with the DEP and our clients to evaluate current site conditions and potential future uses of the property. The complete evaluation of a site’s situation assists parties seeking liability release in selecting the appropriate and most cost-effective remedial approach.

      Parties seeking liability release for a site may utilize the following cleanup standards:

      • Statewide Health Standard
      • Site-Specific Standard
      • Background Standard

      GeoServices understands the processes necessary to satisfy the requirements for each of these cleanup standards, and provides the technical expertise to collect and evaluate the data necessary to reduce risks posed by contamination.

      Environmental Evaluation and Remediation

      Our approach is to document site-specific conditions and clearly identify overall project goals and development schedules. The environmental evaluation/remediation is conducted in phases to optimize the investigation and control project costs. The technical work is guided by the DEP’s Pennsylvania Land Recycling Program Technical Guidance Manual, common industry standards such as those described by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), as well as years of experience working with a variety of sites, clients and regulatory agencies.

      Environmental evaluation is only one part of the overall land recycling process. We work with our clients throughout the entire Act 2 process to assure that the selected remedy is not only in compliance with the legislation, but compatible with the client’s goals and limitations. Throughout this process, GeoServices keeps our clients abreast of investigative activities, provides status updates, and works hard to determine which remedial alternatives are best suited to the site and clients budget.

      Since cleanup of a site under Act 2 is based upon the present and future risk associated with the property, there are numerous options for obtaining Act 2 Final Closure in addition to complete remediation. Contamination may be left in place if remediation is impractical or excessively costly. Protection against risk when contaminants remain is commonly assured by one of the following:

      • Uniform Environmental Covenants – such as deed restrictions or deed notices
      • Environmental Institutional Controls – such as asphalt capping, fencing, and vapor barrier
      • Post Remedial Care Plans – to address the maintenance of institutional controls

      Brownfields

      Pennsylvania Act 2/Brownfields Remediation

      aIn the 1990s, a shift in approach began on the State and Federal levels which resulted in regulations and policies that stressed voluntary cleanup actions rather than a punitive approach affecting site remediation. It become apparent that development was focusing on previously undeveloped properties in order to avoid the liability associated with contaminated sites. This trend had numerous undesirable consequences including: urban decay, sprawl, and most importantly, the failure to investigate or remediate sites that had been previously developed. The new approach was generally termed Brownfields, as it was designed to encourage development of previously developed sites rather than virgin “Greenfields.”

      The regulations and policies encouraged Brownfield development by offering financial incentives, through the use of Risk-based cleanup standards and by offering liability protection upon completion of satisfactory site remediation rather than the “No Further Action” (NFA) letter previously issued. Federal Brownfields programs focus on financial incentives, while State programs tend to encourage brownfield development through flexible remediation goals and legal assurances that protect property owners in addition to providing financial incentives.

      aPennsylvania’s Land Recycling and Remediation Standards Act (Act 2)

      Pennsylvania Brownfields Legislation includes the following:

      • The Pennsylvania Land Recycling and Remediation Standards Act (Act 2)
      • The Economic Development Agency, Fiduciary and Lender
      • Environmental Liability Protection Act (Act 3)
      • The Industrial Sites Environmental Assessment Act (Act 4)

      The legislation promotes voluntary partnerships among local businesses, government, financial institutions, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The cornerstones of these Acts are based on evaluation of health and environmental risks, relief of liability and financial assistance. The legislation directs that cleanup options be based on the risk that contamination poses to public health and the environment, including emphasis on current and future uses of the site and potential for off-site contaminant migration.

      GeoServices works closely with the DEP and our clients to evaluate current site conditions and potential future uses of the property. The complete evaluation of a site’s situation assists parties seeking liability release in selecting the appropriate and most cost-effective remedial approach.

      Parties seeking liability release for a site may utilize the following cleanup standards:

      • Statewide Health Standard
      • Site-Specific Standard
      • Background Standard

      GeoServices understands the processes necessary to satisfy the requirements for each of these cleanup standards, and provides the technical expertise to collect and evaluate the data necessary to reduce risks posed by contamination.

      Environmental Evaluation and Remediation

      Our approach is to document site-specific conditions and clearly identify overall project goals and development schedules. The environmental evaluation/remediation is conducted in phases to optimize the investigation and control project costs. The technical work is guided by the DEP’s Pennsylvania Land Recycling Program Technical Guidance Manual, common industry standards such as those described by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), as well as years of experience working with a variety of sites, clients and regulatory agencies.

      Environmental evaluation is only one part of the overall land recycling process. We work with our clients throughout the entire Act 2 process to assure that the selected remedy is not only in compliance with the legislation, but compatible with the client’s goals and limitations. Throughout this process, GeoServices keeps our clients abreast of investigative activities, provides status updates, and works hard to determine which remedial alternatives are best suited to the site and clients budget.

      Since cleanup of a site under Act 2 is based upon the present and future risk associated with the property, there are numerous options for obtaining Act 2 Final Closure in addition to complete remediation. Contamination may be left in place if remediation is impractical or excessively costly. Protection against risk when contaminants remain is commonly assured by one of the following:

      • Uniform Environmental Covenants – such as deed restrictions or deed notices
      • Environmental Institutional Controls – such as asphalt capping, fencing, and vapor barrier
      • Post Remedial Care Plans – to address the maintenance of institutional controls

      Remediation Services

      While there are many reasons to perform a site remediation, the ultimate goal is to take a property that has a reduced value due to a real or perceived environmental impact and to restore the value of that property. This understanding along with a desire to preserve undeveloped property is what has driven the Brownfields movement. There are still many sites at which clean up is driven by regulatory pressure, but in Pennsylvania much of the site remediation is voluntary, through the Act 2 program. Pennsylvania’s Recycling and Remediation Standards Act (Act 2), like Brownfields legislation in other states, uses a risk-based remediation goal. Given the flexibility of a risk-based standard, the greatest savings in a site remediation can be obtained through the selection of an appropriate standard and associated remediation strategy. Because GeoServices is not a remediation contractor, we have no inherent preference for a particular remedial strategy so we are in the ideal position to provide a creative, cost-effective approach to site remediation. We do not suffer from the “To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail” approach.

      Developing Remedial Strategies

      To develop a meaningful remedial strategy, a complete site characterization is required. Following completion of the site characterization, fate and transport modeling and risk assessment may be used to determine the most effective remedial strategy. GeoServices has extensive experience in developing efficient site remedial action plans and supervising the remediation. Often, the reduction of site contaminants is unnecessary, either because it can be shown that no unacceptable risk is present or by reducing the risk through Uniform Environmental Covenants (deed notice or deed restriction) or institutional controls.

      Contaminant Reduction

      When contaminant reduction is necessary, GeoServices has experience in a wide variety of remedial options. GeoServices has experience with a broad range of remedial techniques ranging from passive in-situ methods to dig and haul soil remediation.

      Water Quality Testing

      Water quality sampling is an integral aspect of our business. GeoServices’ staff of scientists routinely develops work plans or sampling plans to assess water quality for a variety of purposes, including:

      • Environmental characterization
      • Water supply quality assessment
      • Act 2 (Land Recycling)
      • Storage tank releases (LUSTs)
      • Litigation support
      • Natural gas investigations (stray gas assessment, baseline assessments, impact assessments)

      Developing a Hydrogeologic Sampling Plan

      Sampling may require vastly different methods and analysis. GeoServices’ expert hydrogeologists and scientists will design and implement a sampling plan that is appropriate for your site.

      Ground Water Modeling

      Ground Water Modeling and Fate and Transport Analysis

      The movement of water in the subsurface, while well understood conceptually, varies a great deal based upon site conditions. For this reason, several ground water models have been developed that use complex mathematical calculations in an attempt to account for conditions that can affect ground water movement. These models can vary from relatively simple one-dimensional flow to complex flow fields that incorporate numerous features of the subsurface and require extensive calibration and validation.

      Ground Water Model Applications

      Ground water models may be necessary for numerous purposes including:

      • Determining the direction and velocity of ground water flow.
      • Determining the impacts of changes in ground water withdrawal on the movement of ground water.
      • Evaluation of Well interference due to changes in ground water withdrawals and the proximity of wells.
      • Determining the impacts of changes to ground water recharge, such as increased impervious cover and stormwater systems.
      • Determining the movement of contaminants dissolved in ground water.
      • Determining potential exposure pathways to contaminants migrating with ground water.
      • Determining source(s) of ground water contamination based upon ground water flow direction and velocity.

      Contaminant Fate and Transport Modeling

      A commonly used extension of ground water modeling is the modeling of the fate and transport of contaminants. Fate and transport modeling addresses the migration of the contaminant in ground water as well as changes in contaminant concentrations due to dilution and degradation of the contaminant. Fate and transport modeling is commonly a regulatory requirement for determining exposure and associated risk. Fate and transport modeling permits an assessment of the likely success of various remedial activities and thereby is useful in optimizing remedial strategies. Fate and transport modeling can also be used to assess potential sources for observed ground water conditions including allocation of responsibility among potentially responsible parties (PRPs).

      Fate and transport modeling begins with ground water modeling that requires a sophisticated understanding of the interaction between ground water and the environment through which it is migrating. Additionally, the contaminant fate and transport modeling requires a sophisticated understanding of the interactions between the contaminant and the subsurface that can change the rate at which a contaminant migrates and its ground water concentrations, and contaminant degradation and daughter product generation.

      Modeling Services

      GeoServices, Ltd. is proficient in the application of numerous ground water models and fate and transport models. GeoServices has successfully applied ground water models and fate and transport models to regulatory issues, such as impacts of ground water withdrawals, well interference studies, site characterization, site remediation, risk assessment, Pennsylvania Land Recycling (Act 2) projects and Brownfields closure, the justification of institutional controls, and justification for the use of engineering controls. Fate and transport modeling has also been successfully applied in litigation to assess responsibility and damages. We have the experience and expertise to accurately help navigate these complex technical issues.

      Risk Assessment

      Risk Assessment and Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA)

      The goal of Risk Assessment is to protect human health and the environment while providing a technically defensible, practical, and cost-effective approach to remediation of impacted sites. Risk assessment combines site-specific data, fate and transport analyses, exposure equations, exposure assumptions, and epidemiological data to determine the health risks associated with a particular release and exposure scenario.

      It is important to realize that a reduction of contaminant mass does not necessarily equate to a reduction in environmental and human health risk. Risk assessment does not increase environmental risk or liability at a site, but provides an accurate account of actual risk associated with the site. Risk assessment is approached through the identification of hazards, dose/response assessment, exposure assessment, and evaluation of regulatory options.

      Use of Risk-Based Corrective Action to Satisfy Regulatory Requirements

      The assessment of health risks provides the basis for a risk-based corrective action (RBCA) that is at once more protective and more cost effective. RBCA is the basis for the framework and philosophies upon which regulatory agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, have built their own risk-based guidance standards. While contaminant mass removal has always been the basis for corrective actions, many years ago regulatory agencies recognized that it was inefficient and ultimately unproductive to ignore the actual exposure risk and the maximum potential risk reduction through mass removal. This realization has led to the use of risk assessment conclusions to direct corrective actions, hence the term RBCA.

      By utilizing the risk assessment to direct the corrective action, resources are used most effectively and human health and the environment are afforded the greatest protection in the timeliest manner. You would not attempt to repair your car without first determining the source of the problem because much time and money could be wasted by replacing or repairing systems that are not the cause of the problem. Likewise, it is undesirable to undertake a site remediation without first determining the risks associated with the release.

      Risk Assessment Services

      GeoServices, Ltd. provides Risk Assessment services to establish attainable site-specific cleanup goals. GeoServices is often able to provide a streamlined approach to site closure in which exposure and risk assessment practices are integrated with traditional components of the corrective action process. This approach insures that the appropriate and most cost-effective remedies are selected. It also ensures that limited resources are properly allocated to achieve site closure.

      GeoServices has successfully applied RBCA to sites involving contamination of soils, ground water, and vapor emissions from petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and heavy metals. We have the experience and expertise to accurately assess the risks associated with your most challenging sites.

      Vapor Intrusion

      Vapor Intrusion and Vapor Pathway Assessment

      Vapor intrusion into occupied structures is a concern that was first recognized as the entrance of sewer gas into structures. Vapor intrusion was also clearly demonstrated by the explosion of homes constructed on former landfills as a result of the build up of methane gas. More recently, gasoline releases from underground storage tanks have been identified as the cause of exposure to hazardous and explosive vapors in nearby residential structures.

      Vapor intrusion into occupied buildings requires relatively high contaminant concentrations in close proximity to the building and, therefore, is not a common exposure scenario. However, the risk associated with this exposure route is relatively high. In the event that free product is migrating toward occupied structures due to a large release of a very volatile compound, such as gasoline, or due to the presence of a preferential pathway, there is great potential liability for the responsible parties.

      Routes of Vapor Exposure

      Vapors are drawn into structures as a result of the presence of a high concentration of vapors in the subsurface in close proximity to the structure and the pressure gradient between the atmospheric pressure in the subsurface and the negative pressure in the structure as a result of heating systems and stack effects. The most common route by which high vapor concentrations are present near the building foundations is a preferential pathway. Preferential pathways are routes by which vapors can move much more readily than in the remainder of the subsurface. Such preferential pathways include sewer lines, the coarse backfill surrounding underground utilities, and storm water systems.

      Assessment of the routes for vapor exposure is included in the exposure pathway identification portion of a risk assessment. Assessment of the presence and completeness of this exposure pathway is critical for directing risk-based corrective actions and ultimately obtaining regulatory closure for a release.

      Vapor Intrusion and Vapor Exposure Assessment Services

      GeoServices, Ltd. provides vapor exposure assessment services to establish attainable risk-based site-specific cleanup goals and in support of litigation. Vapor exposure is frequently cited by plaintiffs as a source of health risk as well as monetary damages. As noted above, vapor intrusion is not a common pathway making it critical that highly qualified professionals are utilized to assess the presence, completeness, and magnitude of the risk for exposure through vapor intrusion. Whether your concerns are a cost-effective site remediation where vapors may be present or the assessment of vapor intrusion damage claims, GeoServices has the experience and expertise to provide a professional, scientific and supportable assessment.

      Environmental Site Assessment

      Environmental Site Assessment Services for Commercial Real Estate

      Choosing the appropriate Environmental Site Assessment for your property prior to a real estate transaction is key to gaining protection under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act’s (CERCLA) innocent landowner liability protection, and obtaining financing from you financial institution.

      ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (E1527-13)

      The purpose of the Phase I site assessment is to identify recognized environmental conditions at the subject property. As defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Practice E 1527-13, a recognized environmental condition means the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances (as defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act [CERCLA]) or petroleum products in, on, or at a property 1) due to any release to the environment; 2) under conditions indicative of a release to the environment; or 3) under the conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment. The non-CERCLA issues of radon, lead-based paint, lead in drinking water, mold, and asbestos are not included in this standard assessment, but GeoServices can assist you in the sampling and analysis of these issues, if requested.

      Our baseline Phase I Environmental Site Assessment meets the data collection requirements of both ASTM Standard E 1527-13 and USEPA “All Appropriate Inquiries” (AAI) Rule 40 CFR Part 312 (CFR – Code of Federal Regulations) and typically includes the following elements in order to identify areas of recognized environmental conditions:

      • Review of files from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), federal and state environmental databases, published geologic, soils, and hydrogeologic information, and historic maps and photographs.
      • Interviews with persons familiar with the property.
      • Reconnaissance survey and visual inspection of the property, including all structures on the property.
      • Written report detailing the results of the investigation, including recommendations for any additional work, as necessary.

      ASTM Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ASTM E-1911)

      Should there be knowledge of a release or potential release at a site, further investigation should be undertaken. The Phase II Environmental Site assessment (ASTM E-1911) uses the information gained from the Phase I ESA to conduct necessary soil and/or ground water sampling.

      ASTM Transaction Screens (E1528-14) – Limited Environmental Due Diligence

      A quicker option for a bit of peace of mind, offering limited due diligence, is the ASTM Transaction Screen (E-1528-14). The transaction screen is for properties with no history of impacts and involves the completion of a five-page survey by several persons knowledgeable of the site. It is important to note that this process does not provide relief under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act [CERCLA], but may be accepted by some financial institutions.

      Fate & Transport Analysis

      Ground Water Modeling and Fate and Transport Analysis

      The movement of water in the subsurface, while well understood conceptually, varies a great deal based upon site conditions. For this reason, several ground water models have been developed that use complex mathematical calculations in an attempt to account for conditions that can affect ground water movement. These models can vary from relatively simple one-dimensional flow to complex flow fields that incorporate numerous features of the subsurface and require extensive calibration and validation.

      Ground Water Model Applications

      Ground water models may be necessary for numerous purposes including:

      • Determining the direction and velocity of ground water flow.
      • Determining the impacts of changes in ground water withdrawal on the movement of ground water.
      • Evaluation of Well interference due to changes in ground water withdrawals and the proximity of wells.
      • Determining the impacts of changes to ground water recharge, such as increased impervious cover and stormwater systems.
      • Determining the movement of contaminants dissolved in ground water.
      • Determining potential exposure pathways to contaminants migrating with ground water.
      • Determining source(s) of ground water contamination based upon ground water flow direction and velocity.

      Contaminant Fate and Transport Modeling

      A commonly used extension of ground water modeling is the modeling of the fate and transport of contaminants. Fate and transport modeling addresses the migration of the contaminant in ground water as well as changes in contaminant concentrations due to dilution and degradation of the contaminant. Fate and transport modeling is commonly a regulatory requirement for determining exposure and associated risk. Fate and transport modeling permits an assessment of the likely success of various remedial activities and thereby is useful in optimizing remedial strategies. Fate and transport modeling can also be used to assess potential sources for observed ground water conditions including allocation of responsibility among potentially responsible parties (PRPs).

      Fate and transport modeling begins with ground water modeling that requires a sophisticated understanding of the interaction between ground water and the environment through which it is migrating. Additionally, the contaminant fate and transport modeling requires a sophisticated understanding of the interactions between the contaminant and the subsurface that can change the rate at which a contaminant migrates and its ground water concentrations, and contaminant degradation and daughter product generation.

      Modeling Services

      GeoServices, Ltd. is proficient in the application of numerous ground water models and fate and transport models. GeoServices has successfully applied ground water models and fate and transport models to regulatory issues, such as impacts of ground water withdrawals, well interference studies, site characterization, site remediation, risk assessment, Pennsylvania Land Recycling (Act 2) projects and Brownfields closure, the justification of institutional controls, and justification for the use of engineering controls. Fate and transport modeling has also been successfully applied in litigation to assess responsibility and damages. We have the experience and expertise to accurately help navigate these complex technical issues.