Feasibility Studies, Cost Estimation, and Cost Analysis Prepared a CERCLA feasibility study (FS) for remediation of contaminated marsh and river sediments downgradient from several former industrial facilities in New Jersey. Contaminants of concern were arsenic, PCBs, and mercury. Supporting hydraulic and geochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the potential for site erosion from extreme flood events and the potential for arsenic migration and sediment recontamination induced by episodic tidal inundation.
Provided technical support for settlement negotiations involving the cost-effective remediation of perchlorate-affected groundwater at a former explosives and munitions manufacturing site. Project activities included interpretation of available site data, development of alternative conceptual site models, evaluation of bids for interim remedial actions involving wellhead treatment for municipal water supply wells, preparation of a preliminary feasibility study, preparation of remedial cost estimates, and performance of cost sensitivity analysis.
Evaluated the reasonableness of planned remedial measures and the completeness and accuracy of cost estimates prepared for closure of a slag pile from a former metals smelter. The evaluation was performed to assess the risk associated with the issuance of a remedial cost cap insurance policy for the site. The proposed remedial measures involved sediment dredging, acidic soil neutralization, site capping, and groundwater interception/diversion. Site conditions were complicated by the presence of MTBE and petroleum hydrocarbon contamination from an offsite source; tide-induced water-table fluctuations, and corresponding changes in contaminant mass flux rates.
Provided technical support to the site owner in litigation over the responsibility for, and the extent of, contamination at a former wood treating site in Hawaii. Project activities included evaluation of available site data, review of remedial cost estimates, interpretation of RCRA regulations, and performance of a survey of potential disposal sites. Site contaminants included pentachlorophenol, copper, chromium, arsenic, and dioxins.
Performed an independent evaluation of the underwriting and risk control guidelines and procedures used by an insurance company in assessing applications for remediation cost cap insurance. The project involved review of written policies and guidelines, interviews with insurance company underwriting and risk control personnel, and review of example projects. A report was prepared detailing observations and findings and included recommendations for improvements.
Prepared a focused feasibility study (FFS) and a response action plan (RAP) to address arsenic-contaminated soil at a former agricultural chemical manufacturing site in Minnesota. Project activities included modeling of geochemical leaching and hydrodynamic transport, cost estimation and evaluation of alternative remedial measures, and development of implementation procedures to support site redevelopment. Project documents were prepared using Minnesota Department of Agriculture guidance.
Prepared a feasibility study to evaluate alternative remedial actions to address contaminated sediments at two active shipyards in San Diego Bay. The feasibility study was performed following San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board guidelines and included evaluations of implementability, effectiveness, cost, and economic feasibility. Technologies that were evaluated included natural attenuation, dredging, open-ocean disposal, confined disposal facilities, and offsite landfilling.
Performed a preliminary identification and screening of remedial technologies as part of the overall preparation of the feasibility study for the OU-1 portion of a CERCLA site located in the Meadowlands area of New Jersey. The OU-1 portion of the site consists of a developed area formerly used for mercury processing and an undeveloped area landfilled with demolition materials and domestic solid waste. Remedial action objectives were developed to address human health and ecological risks and also to maintain existing site uses and potential future brownfields redevelopment.
Evaluated alternatives for reducing RCRA hazardous waste disposal costs at a pentachlorophenol wood treating facility. The evaluation included reviewing the sources and amounts of hazardous wastes generated at the facility; identifying reuse, recycling, waste reduction, and treatment alternatives; and performing a cost analysis for implementation of the identified alternatives.
Served as technical advisor for a study to identify preferred closeout options for three above-grade oil well drilling reserve pits in the Kuparuk River region in Alaska. The project included developing four treatment/disposal alternatives; evaluating each alternative’s effectiveness, implementability, advantages, and disadvantages; preparing rough order-of-magnitude cost estimates; and recommending an alternative for implementation.
Evaluation of Environmental Conditions and Regulations
Surveyed environmental regulations regarding batteries, heavy metals/toxic material content, recycling/recovery, and end-of-life disposal requirements related to product packaging, distribution, and sales in 43 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. The information was gathered to provide baseline information on the status of regulations, and to document known requirements and available resources for pursuing subsequent, more in-depth analysis.
Participated in the development of an environmental assessment program for more than 90 manufacturing facilities worldwide. The overall program involved the compilation and preliminary screening of available site information integrated with a risk-based approach to evaluate and prioritize data needs and significant areas of concern. Human health and ecological risk factors were used to focus resources on the assessment of those facilities having potentially unacceptable risks. For specific high-priority sites, focused work plans were developed to obtain field data critical to the completion of the screening process.
Participated as a project team member and regulatory reviewer on a multimedia compliance audit program for a chemical manufacturing facility in the Pacific Northwest. A corporate audit program was evaluated and tailored to meet facility-specific conditions prior to implementation. The team evaluated 185 processes and approximately 500 final waste streams for accuracy of waste characterization. Waste stream management was also evaluated for compliance with the facility’s RCRA, CAA, and CWA permits. Potential exceptions or environmental concerns were reported to the facility environmental manager, and recommendations for corrective action were made.
Provided technical support on environmental permitting and site closure issues for a variety of paper mills (3) and packaging facilities (2) at various locations throughout the U.S. Technical support included negotiation with regulatory authorities, development and implementation of field investigations, compilation and maintenance of environmental data in GIS-based databases, and implementation of various remedial measures including soil vapor extraction, enhanced in situ bioremediation, and monitored natural attenuation.
Assessed the quality and comparability of groundwater monitoring data collected using a micropurge groundwater sampling technique in relation to other sampling methods. The monitoring program involved up to 80 wells installed at various times throughout a 12-year period at a hazardous waste recycling site in the Pacific Northwest. Sampling was performed by the site owner on a quarterly basis using a variety of sampling techniques, including high-volume hand bailing, low-flow (<1,000 mL/min) pumping, and micropurging (<500 mL/min). Evaluations were performed using time series plots, geochemical data analyses, and review of field records.
Provided technical support to a former site owner in reviewing and helping to implement remedial action plans at an active shipyard facility formerly used for the storage and transfer of petroleum fuels. Remediation efforts complied with the EPA’s record of decision for this CERCLA site, and involved bio-venting of TPH-contaminated soils, recovery of LNAPLs, and hydraulic control and ex situ air stripping of VOCs in groundwater. Technical support included participation in PRP steering committee meetings, oversight of field activities conducted by the present site owner, and effectiveness analysis of remediation measures. The effectiveness analysis included the development of a 3 D animated model of tidally influenced groundwater fluctuations, with and without groundwater pumping.
Evaluated operations, as well as groundwater and methane monitoring data, and recommended improvements for a sanitary landfill in Colorado.
Contributed to an EIS submitted to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management regarding the potential impact of oil and gas development on groundwater resources, and recommended groundwater monitoring methods for an oil and gas development project in Wyoming.
Remedial Site Investigations
Served as project manager for CERCLA RI/FSs for 23 sites at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The project sites included landfills, munitions disposal areas, fuel storage areas, and laboratory and shop areas. The remedial technologies evaluated were excavation, containment, in situ bio-venting, NAPL recovery, and pump and treat. All projects were completed on an accelerated schedule required in a formal agreement between the U.S. Air Force and EPA. Additional services included developing groundwater models, a risk-based site prioritization procedure, and a community relations plan.
Served as project manager of a CERCLA RI/FS for a former solvents disposal facility in Illinois. Project activities included installing and monitoring private water supply carbon treatment units, installing groundwater monitoring wells and surface water monitoring stations, conducting soil testing, monitoring groundwater and surface water, evaluating high-hazard material incineration, providing risk assessment, and evaluating remedial action alternatives.
Managed a CERCLA remedial investigation of three potential contaminant source areas at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. The project involved installing monitoring wells, conducting geophysical surveys, and collecting and analyzing soil and water samples. The work was performed under an Installation Restoration Program (IRP) contract with the U.S. Air Force.
Managed and served as technical advisor for projects performed under a 2-year, $5-million term contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Served as technical and administrative liaison with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and coordinated and scheduled projects, personnel assignments, and program quality assurance and quality control. Projects included record searches at Operable Unit 1 sites at Fort Wainwright, Alaska; preliminary site evaluations at Operable Unit 1 and Operable Unit 2 sites at Fort Wainwright, Alaska; UST release investigations and a preliminary source evaluation of an inactive fuel storage transfer facility at Haines, Alaska; and preparation of an RI/FS CERCLA management plan for Operable Unit 2 sites at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Site contaminants included petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, PCBs, pesticides, dioxins, and chemical warfare agents.
Managed an RI/FS under state cleanup regulations for an abandoned equipment storage yard in Soldotna, Alaska. The investigation evaluated the extent of a debris disposal pit and other potential contaminant sources and assessed the nature and extent of contamination using boreholes, test pits, and groundwater monitoring. The feasibility study followed CERCLA guidance and involved identifying alternative remedial measures and evaluating alternatives for implementability, effectiveness, cost, and state and community acceptability.
Managed an investigation at three contiguous sites of possible soil and groundwater contamination resulting from leaks or spills at former UST locations and storage and maintenance yards in Anchorage, Alaska. Chemicals of concern at the sites included petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and PCBs. The field investigation consisted of conducting a groundwater probe survey, drilling 22 soil boreholes, installing 9 monitoring wells, collecting soil and groundwater samples, and conducting a water supply well survey. The project report presented investigation results, an evaluation of the extent of contamination, an evaluation of alternative remedial measures, and recommendations for implementing further actions.
Managed a remedial investigation related to an undocumented PCE spill at a former pipeline assembly facility in Fairbanks, Alaska. The project involved evaluating data from investigations performed by several other consulting firms, participating in technical negotiations with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, preparing project plans and reports, and implementing a comprehensive groundwater monitoring program. Field activities included decommissioning damaged monitoring wells, performing a groundwater probe survey, installing new monitoring wells (consisting of shallow and deep well clusters), and collecting groundwater samples.
Served as project manager for an initial assessment and investigation of contamination at four U.S. Department of Defense, formerly used defense sites (FUDS) at Kodiak Island, Alaska. The Phase I assessment included reviewing available information on these World War II-era facilities, visiting sites, and developing sampling plans for investigations to be conducted in a subsequent phase. The work was performed under a Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Provided technical support on the investigation and remediation of both active (2) and closed (5) wood treating sites at various locations throughout the U.S. Site operations involved the use of creosote, PCP, and chromium-copper-arsenate (CCA) wood preservatives. Remedial activities were performed under either state-imposed cleanup regulations or RCRA permit requirements. Technical support included negotiation with regulatory authorities, development and implementation of site investigations, and implementation of various remedial measures, including soil excavation and offsite disposal, NAPL recovery, groundwater collection and ex situ treatment, natural attenuation of groundwater, and phytoremediation.
Served as technical advisor for investigation and remediation of contaminated soil at various oil field sites in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Scope of services included collecting and evaluating data, and recommending, designing, and implementing remedial action.
Served as technical advisor for environmental investigations of various sites in Prince William Sound, Alaska. The project required evaluating possible site contamination resulting from oil-spill cleanup operations.
Performed supplemental investigations and evaluations of hydrogeologic conditions at a former landfill, focusing on potential contaminant migration pathways to underlying water supply aquifer. Also evaluated the effectiveness of an existing methane collection system.
Investigated train derailment sites for potential adverse effects from spillage and subsequent onsite disposal of freight at various sites in Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming; developed general design criteria for disposal methods for coal-spill burial sites.
Participated in third-party oversight of a CERCLA remedial investigation conducted by EPA at a hazardous waste landfill in Colorado. Observed field operations, collected split samples, and reviewed and evaluated data. Prepared alternative work plans for implementing the RI/FS process and for operable unit remediation.
Hydrology Studies Investigated an irrigation pumping and piping system and the water quality of the supply aquifer at a California vineyard to determine the cause of clogging, and the source of a grease-like substance. Performed a field inspection, collected water samples for chemical and biological testing, and evaluated the results.
Conducted laboratory investigations of the hydraulic and leaching properties of spent oil shales under a research grant from EPA. Analyzed particle size, measured moisture density, and performed constant- and falling-head permeability, ASTM shaker extraction, RCRA extraction procedure toxicity, and column-leach testing. Analyzed leach-test results using computerized analytical model of dispersion.
Conducted leaching column studies of hydraulic properties of platinum mill tailings and coal mine overburdens, and assessed permeability, porosity, and water quality of leachate.
Conducted a groundwater and surface water resource investigation, which included hydrogeologic evaluation, water-quality sampling, aquifer testing, and data analysis, for an oil and gas development project in Wyoming. Prepared a water supply and water yield analysis report for submittal to the Wyoming Industrial Siting Administration.
Performed a flood routing and impact analysis for a dam break scenario for a precious metals mine slurry pond in Colorado.
Collected water and sediment samples and measured stream flows in the Yampa River as part of a hydrologic study for water rights adjudication in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah.
Measured stream flow, water quality variables, groundwater levels, and soil moisture, and conducted rainfall simulation tests on experimental revegetation plots at a coal mining area in Colorado.
Analyzed site hydrologic data and performed aquifer drawdown calculations to estimate the radius of influence for a proposed water supply well at the site of a planned exploratory gas well in southwest Alaska. The calculations were incorporated in a report of the site’s groundwater hydrology and baseline groundwater quality and soil conditions. The report was used by the client to support application for a permit to operate a reserve pit.
Design and Implementation Projects
Investigated site hydrologic conditions at a sanitary landfill in Colorado and evaluated the feasibility of various dewatering and treatment methods for corrective measures necessary for landfill closure. Developed a finite-difference computer model to predict dewatering characteristics in support of excavation and construction activities through the landfill. Prepared landfill dewatering and treatment plans and specifications, obtained permits, and oversaw the installation and operation of the selected system.
Designed surface water diversion structures and mill-tailings circuit (slurry ponds, tailings disposal area, and tailings water return-flow system) for a precious metals mine in Colorado for permit application to the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board.
Designed pumping and piping facilities from an electrical generating plant to a farm irrigation system and industrial park in Lamar, Colorado. The water transmission system was part of a cooling water reuse and waste heat utilization project.
Managed installation of a recovery system in a railyard and downtown area in Mandan, North Dakota. The system included four dual-pump recovery wells and related piping, control rooms, separator tanks, product storage tanks, meters, monitoring wells, and storm sewer and sanitary sewer connections. Developed a monitoring program to optimize recovery operation performance and to evaluate the need for system expansion.
Designed a groundwater dewatering system as part of a project that required soil stabilization during excavation of a buried segment of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, north of the Arctic Circle. The project involved groundwater flow analyses and computer modeling to predict pumping rates and aquifer drawdown.
Served as technical advisor on task orders performed under a 2-year, $1-million term contract with the U.S. Coast Guard. Projects included remedial design of groundwater air sparging, soil vapor extraction, and soil bioremediation systems for two sites in Alaska, as well as geotechnical/environmental investigations at sites in Washington, Oregon, and California. Site contaminants included petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents.
Served as technical advisor for several projects performed under a 3-year, $12-million term contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Project tasks included designing, installing, testing, and evaluating a pilot-scale air-sparging/vapor extraction system for a site contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents. Also investigated and performed a feasibility study for a site with soil and groundwater contaminated by chlorinated solvents, PCBs, pesticides, and diesel fuels. Developed the RI/FS management plan for several other operable unit sites.
Permitting Projects
Reviewed and approved engineering reports, plans, and specifications for domestic and industrial wastewater treatment systems for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Water Pollution Control. Reviewed NPDES permit applications, processed grants for water pollution control projects, and reviewed technical information for development of agency design criteria. Also, reviewed requests for variance from water pollution regulations and standards and prepared IEPA opinions for presentation to the Illinois Pollution Control Board. Projects involved more than 100 municipal and industrial wastewater collection and treatment systems.
Supervised application review and permit issuance as manager of permit section for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency mine pollution control program. Environmental permit issues included surface water and groundwater monitoring and control, air pollution control, and toxic refuse disposal. Developed state implementation plans for Federal Office of Surface Mining regulations and designed standards for waste treatment and disposal systems for more than 50 mines, mineral processing facilities, and resource recovery operations.
Conducted studies and developed plans for monitoring groundwater, storm water, process wastewater, and sanitary wastewater for a lead refinery in Nebraska. Prepared reports for NPDES discharge and pretreatment permit application.
Supervised a hydrogeologic site investigation and developed an operations plan for a new sanitary landfill in Colorado for submittal to the Colorado Department of Health for approval under solid waste regulations.
Served as technical advisor for a land development project involving the preparation of permit applications and grading plans for a 13 acre former peat mine site in Anchorage, Alaska. Assisted the project manager in preparing a stormwater pollution prevention plan under the State of Alaska’s NPDES general permit for stormwater discharges from construction sites.
Served as project manager for the modification of a RCRA Part B closure permit for a wood treatment facility in Missouri. Provided technical advice on the operation of existing corrective action measures and assisted the client in developing an environmental compliance strategy that was compatible with the long-term commercial/industrial development plans for the site. Project activities included evaluating and reporting RCRA environmental monitoring data, evaluating human health risks associated with alternative closure scenarios for landfarms containing more than 80,000 yd3 of soil contaminated with PCP and creosote, presenting technical information on the performance of groundwater and soil corrective action measures to MDNR, preparing regulatory compliance position papers to support negotiations for RCRA permit revisions, and participating in public meetings and negotiation sessions with MDNR as a technical representative for the client.
Served as project manager for the renewal of an NPDES storm water permit for a wood treatment facility in Joplin, Missouri. Provided technical support concerning surface water and sediment compliance limits and point of compliance locations in negotiations with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Project activities included compiling stream monitoring data and relevant state and federal rules and regulations, performing a semi-quantitative stream habitat survey, and participating in discussions with MDNR.
Provided technical assistance during negotiations with the Ohio EPA over an appeal of a state-issued NPDES Industrial Storm Water Permit. The project involved review of discharge monitoring reports, evaluation of best management practices, and the development of alternative approaches to establishing site-specific discharge limitations and water quality standards.
Litigation-Related Projects
Provided technical assistance to a testifying expert in a CERCLA cost recovery/allocation litigation case involving sediment remediation in a waterway used for industrial and commercial shipping. Reviewed produced documents and regulatory agency files for information on historical site operations, chemical use, and industrial and stormwater discharges. Sites of interest included those that were used historically for aluminum smelting, chemical manufacturing, log storage, boat building, and scrap-metal recycling. Where possible, calculations were performed to estimate contaminant mass contributions from each of the sites.
Retained as a technical expert for the defendant in Huhtamaki Food Service, Inc. v. Ameripride Services (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, Case No. CIV S-00-113 LKK/JFM [Consolidated]). The area of testimony involved assessment of remedial investigation and remedial actions taken, and their consistency with the National Contingency Plan (NCP).
Provided technical assistance to a testifying expert in an insurance cost recovery and allocation litigation case regarding four manufactured gas plants (MGPs) in New York. The plants’ operations covered nearly a century, beginning in the mid- to late 1800s. Researched historical records to identify the feed materials and processes used, the production products and rates, equipment locations, and environmental events. The acquired information was compared to present site conditions to identify likely contaminant sources. Forensic analysis was performed to establish contaminant release time frames and likely migration routes.
Retained as a technical expert for the plaintiff in People of the State of California and the City of Lodi, California v. M&P Investments, et al. (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, Case No. CIV-S-00-2441 FCD JFM). The area of testimony involved the planning and implementation of preliminary site investigations, remedial investigations, and feasibility studies, and their consistency with the National Contingency Plan (NCP). The primary focus of the case involved PCE contamination of a drinking-water supply aquifer.
Provided technical support to two testifying experts in insurance recovery litigation involving secondary lead smelter sites in Seattle, Dallas, and Indianapolis, as well as several other smelter, landfill, and product storage sites (RSR Corporation, et. al. v. AIU Insurance Company, et al.; Case No. 93-0217 in the 71st Judicial District Court, Harrison County, Texas). Project activities included review of historical records, identification and quantification of sudden and accidental environmental releases, contaminant transport analysis and modeling, preparation of remediation cost estimates, and preparation of expert reports and trial exhibits.
Provided technical assistance to a testifying expert in a remedial cost allocation litigation case for a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) in Jacksonville, Florida. Performed record searches, reviewed opposing expert’s report, and checked calculations on production rates, degradation rates, and remediation costs.
Provided technical support to the defendant in litigation with a neighboring industrial property over the responsibility for arsenic contamination of surface soils at the plaintiff’s property. The technical support included interpretation of historical data, field oversight of plaintiff’s remedial actions, and preparation of plans, reports, and remedial cost estimates.
Provided technical support in an environmental liability litigation case involving 16 manufacturing and waste disposal sites located throughout the United States. Compiled and reviewed environmental records and evaluated available information for compliance with generally accepted practices and with the applicable state and federal environmental regulations and guidelines. Coordinated all team members on issues relating to the selection and implementation of appropriate remedial alternatives.
Served as technical advisor in defending an industrial client in Missouri, in litigation with a nearby industrial facility over responsibility for chlorinated solvent contamination of the groundwater. Project activities included reviewing technical documents submitted by the plaintiff, preparing technical responses for the client’s submittal to the plaintiff, participating in technical discussions between the presiding judge and the two parties, and performing oversight of field investigations conducted by the plaintiff’s contractors.