Summary of Environmental Services
Baseline Environmental Assessments:
A Baseline Environmental Assessments (BEA) is “an evaluation of the environmental conditions which exist at a facility at the time of purchase, occupancy, or foreclosure that reasonably defines the existing conditions and circumstance at the facility so that in the event of a subsequent release there is means of distinguishing the new release from existing contamination.”
Feasibility Studies:
CES has provided feasibility studies for many of our clients. A feasibility (and associated field pilot studies) is performed to determine what the most cost effective options are to obtain a MDNR site closure. The feasibility study, performed after the vertical and horizontal extent of hydrocarbon impact is defined, can include the evaluation of the following:
• Soil Removal
• Groundwater Treatment
• Vadose Zone Soil In-Situ Remediation
• Risk Assessment
Hazardous Waste Management:
CES has expertise and experience in the design of hazardous waste storage, treatment, and disposal facilities. Our designs utilize the latest, cost-effective technologies that meet all current regulations.
Permitting for All Environmental Regulatory Agencies:
CES has performed the application for a variety of permits from numerous government agencies.
• Application for new air, groundwater, and surface discharge permits
• Renewal and compliance of existing permits
Personnel Training:
CES is experienced in the training of personnel in regards to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 (40-Hour) – Hazardous Material Handling and Awareness Training / 8 Hour Refresher.
Phase I Site Assessment:
Environmental assessment of property designed to assist the client to qualify for the Innocent Landowner defense under CERCLA. Consists primarily of investigation into current and previous ownership and uses of property. The Phase I service does not include any physical or analytical testing of site soils, groundwater, or other materials.
Phase II Site Investigations (Site Assessments / Hydrogeological Studies):
The Phase II service can be the follow-up investigation of any potential problems uncovered in the Phase I Assessment. Once contamination is confirmed, the Phase II is used to define the extent of hydrocarbon impact. CES has done numerous site assessments / hydro geological studies to define the horizontal and vertical extent of hydrocarbon impact in both soil and groundwater. To accomplish these objectives, CES will perform the following tasks:
• Prepare a work plan and budget for client approval based on the knowledge of site conditions
• Prepare a Health and Safety Plan for field activities following OSHA 1910.120
• Selection of qualified drilling, geo-probe, and laboratory subcontractors
Upon completion of the above referenced tasks, a CES geologist or engineer will implement the proposed work plan. CES has utilized a variety of techniques to define the extent of vadose zone soil contamination and groundwater contamination. The techniques, which have been utilized, include the following:
• On-site analysis of target compounds using a mobile laboratory
• Collection of groundwater samples with a hydro punch /screened auger / peristaltic pump
• Vertical profiling of soils
• Vertical profiling of groundwater
• Cased drilling
• Vertical coring in bedrock
• Installation of piezometers
• Installation of monitoring wells
• Determination of the aquifer characteristics
Remediation Management Activities:
CES performs a wide variety of remediation management activities. These activities include the following:
• Prepare a Health and Safety for field activities following OSHA 1910.120
• Oversight of subcontractors
• Operation, maintenance, and sampling of various remediation systems (either newly designed or existing remediation equipment)
Remediation System Design and Installation:
CES has designed and installed many types of remediation systems. These include Free Product Removal Systems, Groundwater Pumping and Treatment Systems, Interceptors Trenches, Slurry Wall Containment, and Soil Venting.
Reporting for All Environmental Regulatory Agencies:
CES has completed the appropriate forms, performed the correct site investigations, and submitted all of the appropriate reports in compliance with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reporting guidelines, in conjunction with USTs. CES has kept its clients in compliance and submitted all paperwork in a timely manor to the appropriate governmental agencies.
Risk Based Corrective Action (RBCA):
Risk Based Corrective Action (RBCA) is the justification of closure standards based upon site-specific exposure guidelines.
Site Closure:
CES is firmly committed to regulatory closure as the goal for each of our sites. Closure can be obtained by remediation to published MDNR Standards or by site-specific justification Risk Based Corrective Action (RBCA).
Soil, Groundwater, and Air Sampling, Analysis, and Monitoring:
CES performs a wide variety of soil, groundwater, and air sampling, and monitoring techniques in compliance with state and federal guidelines:
• Collection of soil, groundwater, and air samples for in-house analysis of a variety of contaminations
• Collection of soil and groundwater samples for field analysis of a variety of contaminations, using a mobile laboratory
• Monitoring of remediation system outfall in compliance with surface water discharge permitting
Spill Prevention Plans:
In facilities where a spill could create environmental and health problem, CES can prepare spill prevention plans specifically tailored to that facilities operations.
Soil Removal:
CES has supervised soil removal as both an initial abatement measure and as a means to site remediation / closure. Soil removal must be done by competent excavators who carry the proper insurance coverage. Particular care must be given to OSHA guidelines for shoring and sloping. In a typical soil removal job, a CES geologist or engineer will utilize field-screening methods to assure that only contaminated soil is removed. CES will then collect closure samples according to the MDNR Guidance Document Verification of Closure. CES will also verify that the proper manifest documentation is obtained for disposal at licensed disposal facilities. Finally, CES will oversee proper site restoration.
Underground Storage Tank Management:
CES has acted as the management (oversight) contractor on numerous tank removal projects. As an oversight contractor, CES is responsible for the following:
• Verification of underground storage tank (UST) compliance with all state UST regulations and local ordinances
• Preparation of Health and Safety Plans for each site in order to comply with OSHA 1910.120
• Selection of a tank removal contractor who has adequate and insurance to perform the work
• Oversight of tank removal and field screening of soils
• Preparation of a Closure Report or MDNR required reports, if applicable
• Preparation and submittal of all state UST reimbursement forms (if site is eligible)
Wetlands Assessments:
CES can perform comprehensive wetland assessments in compliance with state and federal governmental agencies. Strict enforcement of wetlands regulations has made wetland assessments essential in both residential and commercial development.
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