LandScience Professional Services

intended to assess the environmental conditions of multi-family residential and small commercial real estate properties. This process represents a prudent and reasonable inquiry of recognizable environmental conditions at the subject property. The TSA consists of a visual inspection of the subject property, a review of government records, and the completion of a questionnaire. The TSA, like the Phase I ESA, is intended to meet the standards of appropriate inquiry necessary to qualify for the Innocent Landowner Defense of CERCLA. The TSA allows us to conclude that either no further assessment is required, or that further assessment is necessary. The procedures for the TSA are conducted in general accordance with ASTM E 1528-06. This process is often cost effective for multi-family residential properties, small commercial properties, and remote properties where there has been limited property use.
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The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) consists of a more thorough investigation than the TSA. The objectives of a Phase I ESA are to assess the current condition and use of a subject property, historical land uses at a subject property, past and present uses of adjacent properties and their possible environmental impact on a subject property, and to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), Historic Recognized Environmental Conditions (HRECs), Controlled Recognized Environmental Conditions (CRECs) and Vapor Encroachment Conditions (VECs) at the subject property.

A REC is defined by the ASTMas the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products 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 conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment.

A HREC is defined by the ASTM as a past release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products that has occurred in connection with the property and has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority,without subjecting the property to any required controls (e.g., property use restrictions, Activity and Use Limitations, Institutional Controls, or Engineering Controls).

A CREC, which is a new type of REC, is defined by the ASTM as a REC resulting from a past release of hazardous substances or petroleum products that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority (e.g., as evidenced by the issuance of a No Further Action letter or equivalent, or meeting risk-based criteria established by the regulatory authority), with hazardous substances or petroleum products allowed to remain in place subject to the implementation of required controls (e.g., property use restrictions, Activity and Use Limitations, institutional controls, or engineering controls).

A VEC is defined by the ASTM as the presence or likely presence of vapors from COCs in the subsurface of a property caused by the release of vapors from contaminated soil and/or groundwater on or near the property.

Migrate/migration is defined by the ASTMas themovement of hazardous substances or petroleumproducts in any form from either soil, liquid at the surface and/or subsurface, and/or vapor in the subsurface.

The Phase I ESA is conducted in general accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials document Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process document (ASTM E 1527-13), and the Environmental Protection Agency’s amended All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) rule (40 CFR 312).

It consists of four key components: 1) Records Review, 2) Site Reconnaissance, 3) Interviews, and 4) Report Preparation.

The records review includes searching through Federal, state, and local lists which identify problem sites. The approximate minimal search distance may vary depending on the list, however, it is typically a one mile radius for state and Federal hazardous waste site lists and a one-quarter mile radius for other lists. The search is performed by a data management computer service. Information about the subject property’s physical setting such as topography and geology is also reviewed. Available information concerning the historical use of the subject property is researched and includes the review of the following: aerial photographs, city directories, fire insurance maps, tax records, chain of title records, and other historical sources. If available, geotechnical reports and other previous assessments, construction drawings, grading plans, permits, Material Safety Data Sheets, and other information are reviewed.

The most crucial component of the Phase I ESA is the site reconnaissance. During a site reconnaissance, a LandScience environmental professional visits the subject property and visually inspects the exterior of the subject property and the interiors of the on-site facilities. Observations are documented in writing, and distinguishing features are photographed. Information concerning the uses of the subject property is gathered during the site reconnaissance. The general condition of the adjacent properties, geologic or hydrologic setting, structures, water supply, and waste disposal methods are also investigated during the site reconnaissance.

Exterior observations include the identification of water bodies, evidence of underground storage tanks, stained soils, stressed vegetation, waste containers, groundwater monitoring wells, etcetera. Interior observations include the identification, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and petroleum products, tanks, odors, miscellaneous containers, the existence of possible polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) containing equipment, etcetera. Heating and cooling systems, stains, drains, and sumps are also noted and documented.

The third component of a Phase I ESA consists of locating, interviewing, and questioning persons knowledgeable about the subject property and the occupants of the subject property. Typically, as part of the interview process, local regulatory officials familiar with the subject property area are contacted and interviewed.

Once the first three components of the Phase I ESA are completed, an evaluation of the information gathered is conducted and a Phase I ESA report is prepared. The report includes concise conclusions and recommendations for further action, if needed. It also includes photographs showing distinguishing features observed during the site reconnaissance, a site plan, a site location map, and copies of key documents (such as pertinent regulatory information).<< Hide details

The Phase II ESA may simply consist of surficial soil sampling and screening with an organic vapor analyzer, or it may consist of a comprehensive assessment involving monitoring well installation, soil and/or ground water sampling and analysis, and/or ground water elevation surveys. On more complicated sites, a Phase II ESA may involve employing a geophysical survey to locate buried waste or underground storage tanks (USTs). A Phase II ESA report typically includes a site plan, description of procedures, a summary of the test results, and conclusions and recommendations. << Hide details

material physical deficiencies of building systems and building system components. These systems typically include the following: the structural frame and building envelope, roofing, plumbing, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, electrical, vertical transportation, and life safety/fire protection. Our reports generally comply with industry standards using the guidance of ASTM E 2018-99, “Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process.”<< Hide details

The purpose of a contamination assessment is to determine the extent of groundwater and/or soil contamination at a particular subject property. A Contamination Assessment/Site Assessment Report typically includes a site plan, description of procedures, a summary of the test results (which are compared to established state guidelines), and conclusions and recommendations. << Hide details

The objectives of the tank closure assessment activities are to: 1) evaluate or confirm if a release of petroleum products has occurred in the UST system area; 2) evaluate whether soil and/or groundwater near the UST system area has been impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons; 3) evaluate whether appropriate corrective action should be initiated at the facility; and 4) prepare and submit a report of the UST system removal and closure assessment activities.

Tank closure assessment field activities involve the following: 1) the oversight of the UST System removal activities; 2) collection of soil samples for field screening and laboratory analysis; 3) installation of temporary groundwater monitoring wells; and 4) collection of groundwater samples for laboratory analysis.

Upon the completion of the tank removal activities and receipt of the groundwater and soil laboratory analytical data a Tank Closure Assessment Report (TCAR) is prepared for the facility. The TCAR summarizes the assessment activities and results of those activities. The TCAR also includes a discussion of conclusions and recommendations for further action, if necessary. A completed copy of the FDEP Closure Assessment Form 62-761.900 (6) is also included in the TCAR. As required, copies of the TCAR are submitted to the county and state environmental agencies for their approval.<< Hide details

Generally, a RTFS is performed after completion of a Site Assessment and prior to completion of a Remedial Action Plan (RAP). LandScience recommends performing a RTFS during the conceptual remedial action plan phase in order to determine if implementing the proposed technology will result in an acceptable reduction of contaminant concentrations.

Since there are usually several potential remedial technologies that may be applicable for a particular site cleanup, it is usually prudent to determine which remedial technology will yield the most optimum contaminant mitigation results, taking into account all physical site constraints, physio-chemical contaminant properties, regulatory guidelines, engineering, capital and equipment costs, operational and maintenance costs, and the possible aesthetic effects that may be caused by implementation of the technology. By completion of a RTFS prior to completion of a RAP, LandScience is able to determine if the proposed remedial technology will result in an overall cost effective site cleanup.

LandScience can develop specific testing protocols in conjunction with regulatory acceptance procedures so that the results of a RTFS can be used as either a rational to consider an alternative technology, or as a basis for design in preparation of a Remedial Action Plan. LandScience has experience in performing the Remedial Technology Feasibility Studies for the following in-situ technologies:

Volatilization Technologies:

• Groundwater Extraction and Treatment via Air Stripping (i.e. pump tests)
• Soil Vapor Extraction (low vacuum/high flow air extraction from the vadose zone)
• Air Sparging (high pressure/low flow compressed air injection below the water table)
• Combination Air Sparging/Soil Vapor Extraction
• Dual Phase Extraction (high vacuum extraction of soil vapors and groundwater)
• Combination Dual Phase Extraction/Air Sparging

Bioremediation Methodologies:

• Aerobic Bio-Venting (low-flow/low vacuum suction of air into the vadose zone)
• Aerobic Bio-Sparging (low pressure/low flow air injection into the groundwater)
• Oxygen Release Compound (ORC) (passive method/creation of aerobic biomass)
• Hydrogen Release Compound (passive, anaerobic reductive de-chlorination method)
• In-Situ Biofiltration (filtering of impacted groundwater through an aerobic biomass)
• Injection/Circulation of microorganisms (use of "designer microbes" for bioremediation)

Geochemical/Oxidation Technologies:

• Potassium Permanganate Chemical Injection
• Fenton's Reagent Injection
• Ozone Sparging (injection of ozone and air into the groundwater)
• Ultra-Violet Light Treatment (exposure of extracted groundwater to UV radiation)

In-Situ Stabilization Methodologies:

• Portland Cement Slurry Injections into Sources Areas for Heavy Metal Stabilization
• pH stabilization methods using various buffers to stabilize contaminant dissolution
• Slurry Wall Barriers to prevent off-site migration

Product Recovery Systems:

• Pneumatic Air Operated Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (NAPL) Recovery Systems
• Intrinsically Safe, Electric NAPL Recovery Systems (ORS Filter Scavengers)
• Passive NAPL Collection Systems (Various non-energized collection systems)
• Manual Bailing Systems
• Vacuum-Enhanced NAPL Recovery (Multi-Phase Extraction, BioSlurping)
• Tidal Influences on NAPL Thickness

Many of these remedial technologies can provide synergistic effects if utilized in conjunction with each other. Some examples are the use of Soil Vapor Extraction and/or Dual Phase Extraction in conjunction with air sparging, the use of ozone injection with air sparging, and combination bio-vent/bio-sparge systems.

Many of these technologies can be utilized to provide simultaneous volatilization, oxidation, and enhancement of groundwater/geochemical properties that enhance either aerobic and/or anaerobic biomasses.

LandScience has the experience and ability to consider site constraints, contaminant chemical characteristics, geochemical conditions, regulatory issues, and budgetary constraints to design the most optimum and practical RTFS for your RAP preparation needs. << Hide details

Specifically, if petroleum or other hazardous material contamination has been documented to be in excess of regulated soil and groundwater cleanup target levels or natural attenuation levels, a RAP is generally required by the governing environmental regulatory agency. Depending on the site-specific characteristics with regards to contaminant characterization, magnitude and spatial extent of contamination, and site operations/constraints, a RAP may involve various methodologies to meet site rehabilitation objectives. Remedial Action Plans may involve a direct source removal via excavation, design, installation and operation of an in-situ remedial system, implementation of innovative bio-remedial technologies, or a combination of these technologies.

LandScience is experienced in preparing RAPs specifying various methodologies and remedial technologies to address petroleum-based, solvent-based, and other sources of soil and groundwater contamination. LandScience has worked with various South Florida regulatory agencies in the successful preparation and implementation RAPs for various sites. LandScience is capable of performing the following remedial services:

• Initial remedial actions (IRA) including mitigation of spills and releases of petroleum, chemical, solvent and other non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL). IRA services include coordination of emergency response services, coordination of remedial excavation and waste removal services, NAPL containment, and other IRA services.
• Evaluation of existing active remedial systems including operational effectiveness, remedial system operation & maintenance, remedial system monitoring, reporting, upgrading, and minor and major remedial system/technology modifications including RAP Modifications.
• Remedial technology screening in order to determine the most practical remedial method to meet site rehabilitation objectives. Remedial technology screening services include remedial technology applicability evaluation, design and performance of remedial technology pilot testing, and design/construction cost estimating.
• Preparation of Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) specifying remedial excavation/site restoration, volatilization technologies including groundwater extraction and treatment, soil vapor extraction, air sparging, dual phase extraction, and combination systems. Additional capabilities also include design, installation and operation of active and passive NAPL recovery systems, design and operation of in-situ biological remedial techniques including bioventing, biosparging, and enhanced natural attenuation methods. LandScience is also capable of applying other innovative remedial technologies including ultra-violet and ozone treatment.

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All monitoring and sampling work is performed in accordance with LandScience’s FDEP approved Quality Assurance Plan. Samples are transported to selected laboratories for analysis. << Hide details