CARDINAL BLOG
The Bridgewater Township, NJ Eco-Blast Fair returns this year and will be held on Saturday May 7th from 11am to 3pm. Numerous vendors, refreshments, raffles, and kids activities will take place. This is a great way to support local vendors, and more importantly, have an opportunity to see what sustainability means and how you're community supports these initiatives!!
There are essentially no bigger headaches when purchasing or selling a residential property, than the infamous Underground Storage Tank (UST). Whether identified intentionally or unintentionally, the presence of a UST stirs up confusion, and anxiety for all parties involved…realtors included. Of course, someone always knows “a guy” that can take care of the situation and makes things right, so to speak, but be on the lookout for firms or individuals that are not certified. In accordance with the Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances Act and UST Rules (N.J.S.A. 58:10A-21, N.J.A.C. 7:14B-16.1)-Individuals or business firms providing services for unregulated heating oil tanks must be certified. In addition, UST work must be completed in accordance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (NJUCC), and local permits are required prior to the removal of a tank. Simply put…don’t let the guy, who knows a guy with a backhoe, perform any work on your property without the proper credentials and permits.
For many practitioners in the environmental consulting world, and the Unregulated Heating Oil Tank (UHOT) community, small heating oil tanks have the potential to cause incredibly costly headaches with remediation fees skyrocketing to well over $100,000 in many cases, just to scrape out every last bit of contaminated soil. Oftentimes, the chase takes you under a house and structural supports are required, which just adds to the anxiety of a homeowner. Fortunately, some insurance carriers pick up the tab, but some don’t, and some stick their head in the sand (which is the topic for another day); however, New Jersey is in the process of proposing new rules and guidance that may offer an alternative: the Deed Notice “Light”
The new rule (“N.J.A.C. 7:26F”) has been in the hopper for several years and is slated to be proposed in the next year. Once promulgated, it would allow for small amounts of residual contamination to remain in-place…with no restrictions and a No Further Action (NFA) issued by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Small amounts means ≤ 15 cubic yards (e.g. +/- 9ft. long x 7.5 ft. deep x 6ft. wide). In addition, when contamination is not accessible a homeowner will be allowed to pursue a UHOT Deed Notice or the Deed Notice “Light.” Of course there are many caveats that would need consideration, but this option gives the homeowner an opportunity to put the brakes on “chasing” contamination and end the remediation, with no requirement for NJDEP Remedial Action Permits or future inspections and/or certifications. It’s estimated that the Deed Notice “Light” would be a less than desirable outcome because it will reduce the value of a property, but when faced with steep remedial expenses, it’s a viable option.
When the new rule comes out and these options are available for consideration, do yourself a favor and utilize the services of experienced and certified consultants and contractors to help you make a sound decision, and above all else…make sure you don’t use the guy who knows a guy that has a backhoe. Odds are they are only going to compound the situation. Nobody needs that.
Stay tuned for future updates and musings, as well as others, from Cardinal Environmental. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinallsrp.com.
There are many, many variables in the environmental consulting world, some of which can be highly complex and some simply incomprehensible. Conversely, there are too many things that consultants inadvertently make complex through poor communication skills or utter confusion, which are then conveyed to a customer or potential customer…which leads to more confusion, or a stalled project, or a poor remedial decision, or even worse…the loss of a client (potential or existing).
To avoid this mistake adapt the “consumer’s perspective” throughout every aspect of your practice. Experience will oftentimes help an environmental practitioner (or any professional for that matter) learn to develop this mindset, and once fully integrated, you’ll easily understand the value, and your client will appreciate it. There will be occasions when discussions on technical or regulatory items need to take place, but that doesn’t mean you need to inundate your customers with so much information and data that they feel overwhelmed. It will take practice and patience, but be mindful of this easily, overlooked skillset.
Stay tuned for future updates and musings, as well as others, from Cardinal Environmental. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinallsrp.com.
You knew that it looked “off” in the past, but you assumed that things were okay because you trusted your water service provider, and they certainly wouldn’t allow you to be harmed.
What if you have a private well…and noticed that your water started to look or smell different recently? Do you just “hope” that it clears up and goes back to normal? Would you still let your children drink it?
What if you live in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania where there are well-documented (but less public) accounts of water-related illnesses in people, pets, and livestock BUT regulation of oil & gas exploration has seemingly made protection of public health secondary?
Living on the east coast for most of my life, and as an environmental practitioner for 20 years, I’ve come across a broad range of sites, situations, people, and have seen surface & groundwater look as clear as a mountain stream, rusty as iced tea, and as yellow as Mountain Dew; but it usually takes “current” (and very public) drinking water issues (e.g. Flint, MI; Newark, NJ) to bring these concerns to the forefront, unfortunately.
Because this topic can cover a lot of ground, the logical starting point is to consider whether the current local, state, and federal regulatory programs are adequate, and if the protection of our water supplies AND ultimately, human health and the environment are at the top of the list. They certainly should be, but avoid becoming consumed by the vastness of the matter (global scale). Start by reaching out to your local public officials to educate yourself on current and future measures, programs, and initiatives in your town, county, and state because in our complex society, there will be crusaders on both sides of this battle but access to clean drinking water shouldn't be compromised.
As contentious as this topic can be, stay tuned for future updates and musings, as well as others, from Cardinal Environmental. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinallsrp.com.
Last month the New Jersey Senate introduced Senate Bill No. 771 which requires large food waste generators to separate and recycle food waste and amends definition of “Class I Renewable Energy.” The Bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2016 session and sponsored by Senator Bob Smith (District 17-Middlesex & Somerset); and Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (District 16-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset).
The key details include (but are not limited to):
Key Definitions:
Large food waste generator: Any commercial food wholesaler, distributor, industrial food processor, supermarket, resort, conference center, banquet hall, restaurant, educational or religious institution, military installation, prison, hospital, medical facility, or casino that produces at least 52 tons per year of food waste.
Food waste: Food processing vegetative waste, food processing residue generated from processing and packaging operations, overripe produce, trimmings from food, food product over-runs, soiled and unrecyclable paper, and used cooking fats, oil, and grease.
Stay tuned for future legislative updates. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinallsrp.com.
“Advocate: To publicly recommend or support.”
Can Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (LSRPs) advocate for their clients when pursuing closure on a remedial case or when discussing regulatory and/or technical matters with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)? Contrary to some in the NJ consulting world, the answer is YES. Is it the same as it was prior to the enactment of the Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA)? NO. The days of conducting remedial activities to satisfy a NJDEP case manager are gone, with only a few exceptions. Now, satisfying the LSRP is the objective for most cases, as they are now tasked with signing off on remedial cleanups.
To put this into the proper context: For an LSRP to be an advocate, they need to have a complete understanding of the client’s specific remedial situation, and essentially be in agreement on the approach. Once done, they can work collectively to execute an appropriate solution. This is also a two-way street, as the client needs to understand the role of the LSRP, and their comfort level with regards to specific remedial strategies. Only through effective communication can this be accomplished; however, once this initial hurdle is overcome, the LSRP will have a plethora of tools at their disposal (e.g. technical guidance documents, NJDEP technical consultations, etc.) to support a remedial approach, and ultimately advocate or champion for their client.
For an LSRP, advocating does not mean ignoring or overlooking regulation when conducting remedial activities, to win business, satisfy a client or stay under budget, nor does it mean to find a solution amenable to your client that could be perceived as not being protective of human health, safety, and the environment.
The challenging part, is whether or not the LSRP (or the client) is willing to budget the time necessary to really dig in deep to establish a great working relationship, and find a solution. To date, the LSRP process has been relatively successful and will only continue to improve in the future, but “successes” require participation on both sides. As we’ve stressed in prior posts, this is why retaining a skilled and confident practitioner (LSRP) is paramount…as they’ll understand the value in spending the extra time communicating with their client and becoming their advocate.
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. Stay tuned for future LSRP notes and strategies in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons and unique observations to be shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier, and speed the process for our clients.
For further information on the LSRP program, or how we can help you navigate through the NJDEP regulatory process, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
To continue with our Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) “Quirk” series, let’s expose a Recognized Environmental Concern (REC) that can easily be missed if you’re not careful, and attentive: Farm Dumps…and more specifically, those “solid waste” dump areas.
Similar to our previous posts (Phase I ESA Quirks Volume I: Historic Deeds, and Volume II: Stained Concrete), where we identified how significant the smallest pieces of information can oftentimes be, that remote dump area in the back 40 of a farm is usually lurking…and hopefully you find it. Now, farms will typically have many RECs when conducting due diligence, but solid waste dump areas on a farm may not be as obvious for the investigator or Environmental Professional (EP). Even experienced practitioners can miss them (especially if that dump is actually a landfilled area). Unfortunately, not identifying a dump area could have significant ramifications down the road, so keep your eyes open and pose the question to the property owner, farmer, tenant, or whoever may have knowledge of dumping. In lieu of obtaining useful information, during a site walk keep your eyes open for these areas (just to name a few):
The ultimate goal is to identify the where, why, and what in these situations and ascertain the likelihood that the contents of that solid waste resulted in a release to the subsurface soils (or groundwater). Also, taking a deeper look usually isn’t that difficult, but the investigator should be prepared to do some bush-whacking, and digging, if the situation presents itself.
*For all of the practitioners, real estate professionals, and lenders, let us know what your war stories are for the infamous farm-dump areas found during your due diligence projects…and more interestingly, what happened when they were found “after the fact?”
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. Stay tuned for future Phase I ESA tips and tidbits in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons and unique observations to be shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier!
For further information, or for assistance on your next project, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
As a user of ArcGIS for over 10 years, it’s easy to list the great design tools that are at your disposal and the practical mapping applications; however, another (sometimes not so obvious) tool is a “File Geodatabase.” Setting up a file geodatabase is extremely beneficial so you can control and manage your files…not the other way around. Unfortunately, it took a few years before I realized this!
Colin Childs (ESRI) highlighted the importance of this in his article "The Top Nine Reasons to Use a File Geodatabase." A Scalable and Speedy Choice for Single Users or Small Groups, ArcUser, Spring (2009) and pointed out that “File geodatabases offer structural, performance, and data management advantages over personal geodatabases and shapefile.” All too true, and listed below are Colin’s reasons to do so:
1. Improved Versatility and Usability
2. Optimized Performance
3. Few Size Limitations
4. Easy Data Migration
5. Improved Editing Model
6. Storing Rasters in the Geodatabase
7. Customizable Storage Configuration
8. Allows Updates to Spatial Index Settings
9. Allows the Use of Data Compression
I encourage everyone to take a look at your mapping systems to see where you can make improvements, and read Colin’s article (along with the numerous others provided by ESRI) to stay sharp, and meet the ever increasing visual demands of our clients.
Stay tuned for future posts on various “GIS” topics in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons and unique observations to be shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and our maps (more) incredible.
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information, or for assistance on your next mapping project, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
Elevated levels of 1, 2 Dichloroethane (1, 2 DCE) were detected at the Frelinghuysen (NJ) Elementary School recently, resulting in the facility to provide bottled water to students, faculty, and other staff members. Based on what has been reported, quarterly testing is conducted at the school for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and a result of 10.5 parts per billion for 1, 2 DCE[1] was identified in January and subsequently reported to the NJDEP. The NJDEP limit is 2 parts per billion. Now, the source of the contamination has yet to be identified, but it is anticipated that the school district will investigate this matter further using their environmental consultant and NJDEP oversight. For those that are not familiar with the “Immediate Environmental Concern (IEC)” process (which applies here) and timeframes, it is outlined as follows:
IEC Timeframes: Potable Water
1. Call NJDEP (1-877-WARNDEP) or assigned case manager: Immediately
2. Notify impacted property owners, occupants, Township, & Health Departments of analytical results and mitigate (i.e. bottled water): Within 5 Days
3. Submit IEC Response Action Form, Spreadsheet, Data, etc.: Within 14 Days
4. Installation of Engineering System Response & Receptor Delineation: Within 60 Days
5. Submit Engineered System Response Action Report: Within 120 Days
6. Submit IEC Source Control Report: Within 1 year
(Note: The ATSD has indicated that 1,2 DCE[2] is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, and commonly used in the production of vinyl chloride which is used to make a variety of plastic and vinyl products including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, furniture and automobile upholstery, wall coverings, housewares, and automobile parts. It is also used to as a solvent and is added to leaded gasoline to remove lead.)
Based on first glance, it appears that the school and the NJDEP are on top of the matter, with “protection of human health, safety, and the environment” being paramount. Additionally, the school will be submitting a report on proposed remedial measures within 30 days. Stay tuned as more information is expected to be released over the next few weeks and months.
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information, or for assistance on your next project, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
[1] EPA VOC Methods include 1,2 DCE
[2] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
1,2 Dichloroethane-March 2011
I’m not a Boy Scout, Girl Scout, Eagle Scout…or any sort of scout for that matter, but somewhere along the journey I learned how to use a compass. A skill that has served me well…professionally for nearly 20 years now when working in the field. It has been particularly useful when conducting due diligence, or completing a soil & groundwater investigation when controls are limited…but in the crowded northeast, those projects where you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere seem to be limited these days. Similarly, with so many GPS gadgets available to guide us, you’d think that unless you were a “scout” why would you need an actual compass in your toolbox. That’s old school…but timeless.
There has been more than one occasion where the only tool I had at my disposal was a beat up site plan (with barely legible “proposed” soil boring markings), and limited site controls, so for all environmental practitioners, I challenge each of you to spend a few minutes with your staff (senior & junior) and cover the basics including Determining Bearing & Heading, Triangulation, etc. Put down the GPS unit, get out that site plan, and work through it. It’s a valuable skill, and one that can be quite beneficial when honing your field judgment skills, and hopefully help to minimize your reliance on the electronics!
Stay tuned for future posts on various “field” topics in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons and unique observations to be shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and each of us a little wiser.
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information, or for assistance on your next project, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
There are numerous occasions throughout New Jersey (and other states or countries for that matter) where the placement of an engineering control is selected as a remedial measure. Typically, this is agreed to by an owner of the property as part of a remedial action, and can come in many forms including (but not limited to) caps, slurry walls, pavement, vapor barriers, and building slabs. Even a chain link fence can be considered a viable engineering control, provided access to the “restricted area” is eliminated or reduced.
As expected, the cost to implement a specific measure is contingent upon the type of contaminant, size of the affected area, and the long-term or end-use of the property. Capital costs can be quite steep for some complicated applications, but most estimators are quite adept at identifying them up front (and are careful to add a hefty contingency…just in case). However, there are times when even the most skilled estimator gets hung up on the details of the remedy AND overlooks the long-term Operating & Maintenance (O&M) costs associated with the project. These costs, combined with regulatory fees could end up exceeding the actual costs of the remedy, especially for those that are on the smaller scale.
Here’s a brief example:
Commercial Site (Contaminant of Concern: Historic Fill)
Installation of Engineering Control (25,000 SF of Asphalt Pavement, Clean Fill, etc.): $150-$200,000
Environmental Consultant Oversight, Project Management, Deed Notice, Reporting, Etc.: $40-60,000
Long-Term O&M & Permitting
Environmental Consultant Inspections, Project Management, Annual Repairs, Reporting, Etc.: $300-400,000
Remedial Action Permit fees (NJ), Financial Assurance (FA), Etc.: $75-$150,000
All things considered, the primary reason for the significant “long-term” cost is essentially that the remedy must be maintained for the life of the engineering control or for a 30-year duration. Now, would it have made more economical sense to simply remove and/or treat the affect area rather than continually paying those fees…year…after year…after year? Possibly. For larger properties with much more significant environmental liabilities, long-term costs may be insignificant compared to the anticipated ROI. In either scenario, it is incumbent upon all practitioners (e.g. environmental professionals, engineers, property owners, developers, etc.) to capture all remedial costs early in the process…even the “lifetime” costs associated with a restricted use remedy. **It’s also extremely beneficial for professionals in the real estate industry to have a generalized knowledge of the potential costs in their selected location and area of expertise.
Stay tuned for future posts on this topic in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons and unique observations to be shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and each of us a little wiser as we move to revitalize those properties in the need of the most help.
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information, or for assistance on your next project, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
To continue with our Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) “Quirk” series, let’s take a quick look at a common issue that is often overlooked or under-valued: Stained Concrete. Similar to our previous post (Phase I ESA Quirks Volume I: Historic Deeds), many times when conducting Phase I ESAs or Preliminary Assessments (New Jersey) you encounter interesting bits of information, or scenarios, but how you interpret and utilize it can significantly impact your project, including that small concrete stain that appears insignificant.
Generally when conducting due diligence you encounter stained concrete. It’s fairly common, and could be in an auto repair shop, manufacturing facility, or any number of other facilities with varying uses. Usually the occasional small spill that is cleaned up rather quickly, could fall under a de minimis category, or an Environmental Professional (EP) may deem it a Recognized Environmental Concern (REC) depending on the severity. In either situation, this should prompt the investigator to the next round of questions (or considerations) including:
How did it get there?
What caused the stain?
How large of an area is stained?
Duration?
Condition of the concrete?
The ultimate goal is to ascertain the likelihood of the contents of that stain or spill getting to the subsurface soils (or groundwater), but take into consideration the goals of your client, especially the future end use(s) and whether that stained concrete will be removed as part of a site’s redevelopment. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to recommend an elaborate Phase II investigation; however, you also shouldn’t assume that the stain is insignificant. Many inexperienced professionals (or experienced individuals for that matter) tend to overlook that fact that concrete is porous, which could be costly in some circumstances. It may be in great condition, but even small spills that occur over a long period of time should be given close consideration. Similarly, the complications of testing, handling, and disposing of PCB-impacted concrete (for example) could have drastic effects on a project’s cost and schedule.
Along with the above, and possibly more concerning are the brand new concrete floors or floors with that nice and shiny epoxy coat: Why were they repaired or replaced? What happened at those locations previously?
All of the above questions are those that need to be answered regardless of the due diligence platform if one is to provide true value to their client. Know where to look, who to ask, and don’t fall into the “Concrete is in good condition, no additional investigation necessary” trap. Taking a deeper look usually isn’t that difficult, and you’ll thank yourself later if you were able to discover an issue early in the process.
Stay tuned for future Phase I ESA tips and tidbits in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons and unique observations to be shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier!
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information, or for assistance on your next project, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
New Jersey Assembly Bill No. 2448-Milkweed for Monarchs Program / Introduced February 4th, 2016 / Sponsored by: Assemblymen Tim Eustace (District 38-Bergen& Passaic)
THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY POPULATION IS DECLINING
Earlier this month the New Jersey legislature established the “Milkweed for Monarch Act,” as a measure of providing milkweed which was identified as a critical larval food-source throughout the monarch’s migration route(s), and key component to increase the population. Through this passage, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is establishing a volunteer program in cooperation with local and state governments to plant and maintain milkweed in storm-water management basins.
Other key points include:
Other important facts to consider with this important measure is that including nectar sources in addition to the milkweed will also provide a valuable food source for adult monarchs. The Pollinator Partnership’s Eco-Regional Guide is an excellent resource for selecting an appropriate flower (nectar) species. Additional resources include your local environmental commission, or the NJDEP. There are also numerous other organizations that are leading the way including the Monarch Joint Venture, but make it a point to help out where you can!
Stay tuned for future updates on this topic. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinallsrp.com.
Oftentimes when conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments or Preliminary Assessments (in New Jersey) you run into some interesting bits of information…you just need to know where to look, and who to ask. Sanborn Maps and Property Record Cards usually have some Easter Eggs hidden in them. Other times you hit roadblocks, or have to deal with cantankerous individuals, but either way it’s always an adventure (even for the supposedly easy projects).
For this new series, we’ll unearth some obscure finds and possibly a tip or two…just to keep the brain stimulated!
In this first volume, what was expected to be a relatively easy review of a property’s ownership history, turned into a hunting expedition into several deed books at the County offices. A couple of hours later, some answers were identified, along with some excellent passages from a 1913 survey (old “metes & bounds”) that was included in the deed:
The first sentence of the main paragraph was great: Beginning at a large hickory tree standing about a chain + a half from the road that leads from … Looking further down you get this: …from thence runs by Cornell’s line north two degrees west thirty-one chains + four then links to stone in David Kline’s line…
Now, I’m not a surveyor, so I did some quick research and compared some old files & figures…prior to conducting my site visit. The key factor here? A chain’s length = 66feet. Why would I ever know that?
When I brought this info to the field along with a current tax map, I was then able to (with a little bit of head scratching) locate a spectacular 100 year old hickory tree and eventually one of my site’s corners. Not the most exact for my purposes, but a great start. (Note: finding the “stone” or any stone for that matter was less successful, but not unexpected). As we all know, understanding “off and on-site” is pretty important, so a couple of measurements were taken just to confirm the findings which were surprisingly (still) accurate, and then off I went to locate the other property corners and eventually complete my perimeter inspection. A little time consuming (more so from the hilly terrain), but the old information from that deed was quite useful. There are a number of useful tips from this particular effort, but, here are a couple that stood out from this phase of the work:
1. Utilize all sources to confirm property lines (especially in a wooded area with a general lack of controls).
2. Attempt to confirm “old” information / measurement as inaccuracies are common.
3. Know how to use a compass. Most smartphones have them…but do you know how to “use” it for field purposes?
4. Dust off your field guide on tree identification!
(disclaimer: if the identification of property lines are critical to your project, consider asking your surveyor for a little help.)
Stay tuned for future Phase I ESA tips and tidbits in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons and unique observations to be shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
As a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, let’s take a look at what’s just around the corner and how to prepare for it: Mud. Much like our previous topics (Field Investigation Tips Vol. I: Working in the Rain, and Vol. III: Extreme Cold), there are inherent difficulties when working in or around mud, but there are always solutions… you just need to be creative & resourceful. So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are a few tips (in no particular order) that could be used by environmental practitioners that need to work in the slop. As always, safety is paramount!
· Tip #1: Plan ahead! Will the conditions impact the project and/or results? Should you postpone?
· Tip #2: Is your Health & Safety Plan (HASP) up to date? Heed “basic” safety issues including slips / trips / falls; make sure you have that tailgate safety meeting before commencing work; don’t rush.
· Tip #3: Expect your backhoe, excavator, Geoprobe®, or drill rig to make a real mess. Talk to your subcontractor about matting down ahead of time…especially for your residential projects!
· Tip #4: Choose a “dry area” to set-up a work station…if possible. And keep supplies clean and off the ground (e.g. sample jars, field books, PIDs, etc.).
· Tip #5: Try to channel water away from the area you need to investigate. This could be as easy as getting a shovel out, or setting up a temporary berm. It’s worth the effort.
And finally….
· Tip #6: When working in tidal flats, or areas of deep mud, invest in Mudders®. I haven’t worked in those conditions in several years, but those things are fantastic and worth the investment! See mudderboot.com for details.
Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
Governor Christie is tapping into the Clean Energy Fund to balance the New Jersey Budget, with NJ Transit being the big winner by receiving $62 million of the $112 million in the Fund. Apparently this is nothing new, but here are a couple of quick notes about the fund…as a refresher:
When looking at the trends for New Jersey from 2004-2014, our reliance on Coal has dropped significantly from 19% to 4%, but what about our renewable energy? It’s held steady at 2% over ten years? A number of factors have played into this quagmire (e.g. politically), but really folks, we can do better than that.
Here are some industry updates / opinions from Renewable Energy World.
Stay tuned for future updates on this topic. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com or www.cardinalLSRP.com.
As the temperature dips into the frigid range on the east coast, and as a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, we’ll take a quick look at another salient concern when working in the elements: extreme cold. Much like our previous topics (Field Investigation Tips Vol. 1: Working in the Rain, and Vol. II: Subsurface Utilities), there are inherent difficulties when required to work in frigid temperatures. My personal cut-off is about 20°F, just based on experience. At that point things start to get interesting and/or more challenging. So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are some key tips (in no particular order) that could be used by environmental practitioners working outside this time of year. As always, safety is paramount!
Cold Weather Tips:
· Tip #1: Plan ahead! Can the work be postponed? Plan to have this conversation early on.
· Tip #2: Is your Health & Safety Plan (HASP) up to date? Heed “basic” safety issues including slips / trips / falls; make sure you have that tailgate safety meeting before commencing work; don’t rush.
· Tip #3: Layer up! Also invest in some good coveralls, wool socks, good gloves, under-armor, etc.
· Tip #4: Purchase hand and foot warmers. This is an inexpensive option, and effective. Stuff ‘em in your boots and pockets. (note: make sure they’re not outdated or 3 yrs old!).
· Tip #5: Take safety breaks to warm up in a car, shed, etc. BUT…keep the heat relatively low as going back and forth from hot to cold is a bad idea!
· Tip #6: Know the signs of hypothermia and cold stress… and look out for your fellow colleagues and subcontractors working alongside you.
· Tip #7: PIDs & other meters (e.g. DataRams) may not be rated for frigid temperatures, so be sure to check with your supplier in advance.
· Tip #8: When conducting monitoring well sampling, expect your tubing to freeze, along with an array of other things malfunctioning or freezing…including pumps.
· Tip #9: Expect your backhoe, excavator, Geoprobe®, or drill rig to have some difficulty in the upper three (3) feet as they need to get through the frost layer.
· Tip #10: Drink plenty of water!! Cold weather increases your risk of dehydration.
Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us. tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com , www.cardinalLSRP.com
As a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, we’ll take a quick look at another (incredibly important) concern when conducting a (subsurface) field investigation: buried utilities. Much like our previous topic (Field Investigation Tips Vol. 1: Working in the Rain), there are inherent difficulties when required to work in “congested” areas where you see mark-out paint all over your investigation area. But don’t be fooled…buried utilities have a sneaky way of turning up in less obvious areas too. So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are some key tips (some obvious / some less obvious) that could be used by most practitioners (environmental, geologic, engineering, etc.) to hopefully help avoid common pitfalls when installing borings, wells, test pits, etc. As always, Safety is paramount for any subsurface investigation.
Obvious Tips:
· Tip #1: Get a utility mark-out. It’s the law in most states. Don’t rush in.
· Tip #2: Hire a private utility mark-out service. This is an “easy” solution for private properties and highly recommended where you anticipate having subsurface obstructions and/or utilities. GPR services are often worth the extra expense.
· Tip #3: Schedule to have your locations pre-cleared to a specified depth using a “soft-dig” approach. Some clients and facilities (e.g. refineries) may require this already, so use this option if warranted.
· Tip #4: Be prepared to ask your client, site operators, or any other individual if they have specific knowledge of buried utilities, and/or if they have as-builts or other site figures they could supply. Also have them physically point out where the utility conflicts may be, prior to commencing work.
· Tip #5: Make sure your firm is under contract before conducting any intrusive work, and the contract language addresses subsurface utilities. Also…make sure you’re insured. Really. Get insurance.
· Tip #6: Maintain a safe distance from all utility mark-outs…generally this means >3ft.
Less-Obvious Tips:
· Tip #1: Utility mark-outs may fade or get washed away. If warranted, be prepared to postpone a project until a new mark-out can be completed. Also get a new mark-out if your ticket has expired!
· Tip #2: Be wary of pipe bedding or other common backfill materials when advancing a test pit, borehole, etc. If encountered, chances are you may on top of, or near, a subsurface utility. Be prepared to off-set if your location if needed.
· Tip #3: After obtaining utility clearance (and not opting to soft dig), pay attention to your drill or geoprobe rig (or excavator) as it approaches the infamous 4ft depth. This is a common depth where utilities may be located, as it’s generally below the frost line in the Eastern U.S. If the equipment is having difficulty advancing, shaking, or lifting, and boulders, concrete, deleterious material (for example) were not expected, take time to re-evaluate your location…don’t force it. You may be on a utility.
· Tip #4: Don’t solely rely on old plans. They have a tendency of being wrong.
· Tip #5: Trust your gut! If you think something is off, whether it’s a mark-out or plan specifications, don’t hesitate to stop work and get the answers you need and “re-assurances” before commencing work. People’s lives could be at risk, so avoid making hasty decisions, and don’t let a project schedule or budget dictate your level of safety.
Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com or www.cardinalLSRP.com
After getting dumped on with roughly 24” of snow on the East coast, and now a forecast for heavy rains, it’s time to reflect back on prior experiences and the inherent difficulties when required to work in the elements…especially the rain. For this new series, we’ll present some key tips (some obvious / some less obvious) that could be used by most practitioners (environmental, geologic, engineering, etc.) to hopefully help avoid common pitfalls when working in the field:
Obvious Tips:
Less-Obvious Tips:
Stay tuned for future discussions on this topic in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned out there, which could ultimately make our jobs easier!
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us. tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com , www.cardinalLSRP.com
As a continuation of our Vapor Intrusion Investigation (VII) series, it is extremely beneficial for environmental practitioners to (at the very least) have an understanding of what some of the more pervasive industrial chemicals are, “why” they are significant, and what happens when they show up during a VII. For this, post we’ll take a quick look Tetrachloroethylene (“PCE” or “PERC”)…which frequently shows up at industrial, commercial, and sometimes residential investigations.
As we have indicated in the past, there is plenty of research, data, and guidance on many of the topics we discuss; however, the State Coalition for Remediation of Drycleaners (SCRD) prepared “A Citizen’s Guide to Drycleaner Cleanup” which is a great resource.
When evaluating PCE and VI, it’s critical to understand the potential fears associated with the PCE contamination (e.g. reduced property value, health effects, remediation costs, etc.). As a result, a VII should be overseen and/or conducted by experienced environmental professionals that not only understand how to interpret data, but also know how to collect “representative” data. More importantly, understanding “how” the media (soil, groundwater, air) became impacted and “where” to look is vital to the success of a VII, and will often challenge even the most experienced professional. Common areas to evaluate include interior trenches and sump pits, USTs, storage areas, floor drains, and background sources, but don’t forget the less common and less visible areas (e.g. off-gassing from contaminated concrete, old / decaying subgrade piping, former process vents, etc.).
We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information regarding the Vapor Intrusion Investigation process, please don't hesitate to contact us. tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, www.cardinalLSRP.com.
[1] Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Div. of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences
Tetrachloroethylene – ToxFAQstm
September 1997
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