ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

The owner, purchaser and financier of real estate face unknown, but real, liabilities as a result of federal, state, and even local regulations pertaining to hazardous waste and hazardous materials, underground storage tanks, and groundwater and soil contamination. In many cases, the owner of the property with conditions that violate these regulations may be responsible for corrective actions, even if the owner did not cause the contravention of standards. The proper performance of an environmental assessment provides insight into the potential for groundwater or soil contamination at a site. As a result, the risk associated with owning, acquiring or financing real estate can be evaluated by the owner/purchaser/financier before completing a transaction or utilizing the property.

We believe the ability of any firm to provide professional services lies in the experience and capabilities of the firm’s staff. Because of the recent surge in the need for environmental assessments, many companies are now providing these services. Often times, this work is performed by inexperienced staff, or is performed under high-volume, low profit motivation. As a result, the assessment may be inadequately conducted, providing a false sense of security and elevated liability. The Access Environmental Associates, Inc. (AEA) staff represents some of the most experienced and qualified Environmental Consulting professionals in the southeast. Combined, the AEA staff has reviewed and assessed approximately 2000 sites in the last five years alone.

If environmental impairment is found at a site we provide an approach that is designed to respond to the Client’s needs. The assessment is utilized to characterize the condition of soil and groundwater, ascertain the condition of subsurface installations such as storage tanks, or otherwise evaluate whether real contamination has occurred as a result of a recognized environmental condition. In addition, a sampling may be conducted to evaluate the costs associated with the remediation of an otherwise desirable development opportunity. . 

Our site assessments are tailored for the site conditions and potential contaminants identified. Since site assessment is a complex science it can include, but may not be limited to, the following items (Access Environmental Associates is uniquely qualified to provide these services):

1.     Soil Screening – A field screening method designed to generally define the extent and amount of hydrocarbon, or other volatile organics, contamination in shallow soils.

2.      Surface/Subsurface Soil and Sediment Sampling – A field and laboratory method used to determine the nature and amount of contamination in soil samples taken from areas of suspected contamination.

3.     Groundwater/Surface Water Sampling – If groundwater and/or surface water contamination is suspected, water quality data can be assessed from existing monitoring wells, temporary well point, “push-type” samplers, soil boring investigations and/or surface water bodies.

The assessment may also be used as a baseline for future assessments performed a on a specific land parcel. The baseline analytical results can determine current soil and groundwater quality in the event of contamination migrating onto a client’s site, thus minimizing future liability. Finally, in the event that contaminates are found, AEA is uniquely qualified to estimate remedial costs and design and implement a remedial strategy within the confines of the land deal or budget constraints. AEA, personnel have extensive knowledge of environmental site assessment and remediation technologies and their applications. To further protect our client’s interests we also have the applicable certifications, registrations, licensure and insurance to provide these services. We provide two approaches, to Remedial Technology, which are:

Mechanical Remediation – Historically, sites have been remediated using techniques, which physically remove contaminated soils and groundwater contamination. The primary method for contaminated soil removal is referred to as soils excavation. This technique can be used when small isolated releases are encountered. Excavation is an effective means to quickly remove the contamination while remaining cost effective. This requires an extensive understanding of hydrogeology, engineering and earthwork to be truly effective. If conducted properly, soils excavation is probably the fastest remedial methodology available (especially when conducted in conjunction with other technologies). As property values increase, even old abandoned landfills can become favorable development tracts using excavation, separation and incineration methods. To accomplish this level of redevelopment, down to small isolated gasoline sites (such as the one shown), require extensive regulatory interactions coupled with an intimate knowledge of engineering, earthwork and hydrogeology. When free phase groundwater contamination is identified, an additional mechanical technique known as Free Product Recovery Skimming can be employed. To fulfill regulatory requirements Free Phase Petroleum Hydrocarbon (Free Product) must be recovered when discovered floating on groundwater. Several possibilities are available including a full-blown remediation skimmer system to basic well bailing. If elevated dissolved phase or soil contaminants are identified, AEA Professionals may further employ mechanical remediation techniques such as:

Air Sparging- a technique that physically injects air into the ground below the volatile contaminant. This method will strip the contaminant from the groundwater.   Soil Vapor Extraction - This is a useful technique when volatile contaminants are found in soils beneath buildings and pavement.   Bio-Sparging - is another technique using slow injection of air, into the ground, enhancing the natural biological processes that degrade contaminants.

Biological Remediation (Bioremediation) - Bioremediation is a process where nonpathogenic bacteria, and high performance "bioenhancers", are injected into contaminated soils and groundwater. In addition to being nonpathogenic, these bacteria and related products are classified as naturally occurring organisms. This means that they are found in nature and are not genetically engineered microorganisms (GEM). These, commercially available, biological products have been specially cultivated, through the environmental biotechnology sector, to specifically target hydrocarbon molecules (petroleum products) and specific solvents. In many cases, mechanical remediation simply is not a feasible option. For example in a case where contamination has been delineated beneath the foundation of a building. It would be too cumbersome to use the mechanical remediation approach. A more creative, and cost effective, approach is to use a pressurized injection system where bacteria, and an oxygen source (oxygenated water), are injected through the foundation into the soil/groundwater. The contaminants become a food source for the bacteria. The bacteria degrade the contaminants to the harmless products carbon dioxide, water and long/short chain fatty acids. Once the contaminants are exhausted, the bacteria no longer have a food source and then die. Usually within 1-2 injections of the bacteria, contaminant levels typically fall below regulatory limits. Frequently the contaminants fall below detectable levels. Factors such as contaminant type, amount, and soil chemistry will determine the specific bacteria (or combination) to be used on the site. This innovative technology provides a scientific approach to remediation while remaining overall less disruptive and invasive to the site. Ultimately the client benefits from AEA’s experienced scientific staff by increasing the value of the property while complying with applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations.

© 2006 Access Environmental Associates, Inc.