What is a Phase I ESA and when is it required? A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is conducted to identify potential contamination that impacts a property and presents an environmental risk. A Phase I ESA is required as part of the due diligence process during a real estate transaction, such as property purchase,
From 2015–2019, total installed solar energy capacity in the United States nearly tripled from 23.44 gigawatts (GW) to 62.3 GW. While this solar energy boom is a positive sign of the country’s transition to green energy, it requires increased understanding of the hazards associated with solar energy project construction. Many contractors must contend with the
Energy storage facilities are often sited near electrical distribution substations in urban and suburban environments to capitalize on the energy demands in these areas. In such locations, noise-sensitive uses may exist nearby, such as residential neighborhoods, hospitals, churches, and schools. Introduction of a noise generation source, such as an energy storage facility, must take existing
What are PFAS? Produced by industrial/commercial facilities and present in consumer goods, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a group of synthetic chemicals used in products that resist oil and water, control temperature, and prevent degradation of materials. Examples include non-stick cookware, pizza boxes and other paper-based food containers, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, fire-resistant clothing
Thorough knowledge and understanding of a project site is essential to ensure construction occurs in compliance with agency regulations. Proper environmental awareness training (EAT) prior to construction activities can help avoid delays due to unexpected wildlife on site.Benefits of Environmental Awareness Training EAT can be conducted by the project biologist, and may include construction crews
The potentially strong El Niño and exceptional rain this winter requires project owners pay special attention to Construction General Permit (CGP) and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) regulations to ensure construction site compliance and avoid project delays and violations. Paul Walsh, a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) with Dudek, said “The most effective SWPPP designs utilize
The $12,000 fine and administrative penalties levied in January against a Los Angeles County school district highlights a common problem—mishandling of chemical storage and disposal can lead to dangerous and costly consequences for schools. Improper Chemical Management Consequences Chemicals used in scientific laboratories; shop classes; art and photography classes; pool and healthcare facilities; and maintenance
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has awarded Dudek and its subsidiary, Habitat Restoration Sciences (HRS), the Best in Basin award for the firm’s work restoring Lower Blackwood Creek. Restoring native habitat was needed to correct over a century of disturbance that severely degraded the creek, a critical spawning area for rainbow trout living in Lake
When a bulldozer operator working on the Sacramento light rail expansion spotted two burrowing owls fly out of a burrow on the project site, the value of environmental awareness training for construction crews became clear. The operator immediately started the protocol he learned in training, and the burrowing owls, a California species of concern, were
Signs of economic recovery, slow as it may be, are emerging from construction bidding in the public sector. A May 2009 Dudek newsletter article on the recessionary impacts to public works bidding cited construction bids that were 20% to 50% below project budgets. At that time, private development had all but stopped, which resulted in
