Whether you’re building a residential complex or a commercial facility, contaminated land poses a serious challenge for development projects. If contamination is found during construction, the time it takes to properly characterize and mitigate affected areas can result in substantial project delays and unexpected costs, not to mention the complex rules and regulations that must
What are PFAS? Produced by industrial/commercial facilities and present in consumer goods, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in products that resist oil and water, control temperature, and prevent material degradation. Examples include non-stick cookware, pizza boxes and other paper-based food containers, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, fire-resistant clothing and
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,
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
Ecology and ecohydrology issues play key roles in assessing legacy pesticides and residual nutrient effects on mitigation projects converting former farmland to wetlands. The San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) has received environmental permits to reclaim 40-acres of former farmland in Tijuana River Valley to establish native wetlands habitat as mitigation for capital improvement projects
Soil remediation for developing California’s agricultural fields often requires a Removal Action Workplan (RAW) setting target concentrations so each chemical contaminant is reduced to an acceptable level for human health. A multi-family residential development proposed on a former 15-acre Placer County orchard illustrates how an environmental impact report (EIR) can effectively address both the proposed
In 1986 underground storage tanks were discovered to be leaking at a gas station within the City of Seal Beach. Over the next 23 years, site cleanup was a low priority according to Regional Water Quality Control Board policies. The site’s unsuccessful clean-up efforts included removing the tanks, drilling groundwater monitoring wells, and sporadic remediation
