Eisenbach & Ruhnke Engineering
phone: 315.735.1916   
 
   
 

Environmental Consulting, Assessment,
Remediation & Management

 
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E&R provides engineering services for environmental consulting, environmental remediation; environmental audits of in¬dustrial facilities, management of environmental compliance programs, property assessments for financial institutions and transactions, assessment of abandoned industrial sites (Brownfields) for re-development and remediation.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AUDITS

An environmental audit is a management tool which manufacturing and industrial plants can utilize to determine their environmental performance. The audit checks the facility’s compliance with various environmental systems such as emission limits, effluent standards, and waste management practices. Completion of the audits can assist the facility in avoiding potentially large penalties for noncompliance, in negotiating less exhaustive and expensive insurance parameters, in promotion of awareness of liabilities which affect decisions to purchase, sell or lease the facilities, and in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission Rules requiring firms to periodically report current and future expenditures for environmental compliance.

E&R conducts environmental audits, involving a variety of source specific areas, in a thorough, methodical, and timely manner.

Air Pollution

Sources of air pollution are identified. Control devices, installed to reduce emissions, are evaluated to determine their effectiveness. State and federal regulations governing the facility are identified and reviewed.

Solid and Hazardous Waste

Individual waste generated, generation rates, management techniques, and disposal methods are identified. State and federal regulations are reviewed to identify plant compliance and noncompliance.

Water Pollution

Regulated discharge points are identified and reviewed. They may either be direct discharges through NPDES points or indirect discharges through a local publicly owned treatment works. Storm water runoff is evaluated. Uncontaminated run off from parking lots, roofs, and other areas of the plant rarely requires specific permitting, but the potential for contamination exists if runoff has access to storage piles, loading areas, and other process areas. Wastewater inventory is identified and compiled. The operation and maintenance of on site industrial or wastewater treatment plant(s) is reviewed.

Spill Prevention

The plant’s spill prevention control and counter¬measures (SPCC) plan is reviewed and evaluated.

PCBs

The plant’s PCB Compliance Program is reviewed and evaluated.

ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS

E&R provides environmental assessments for real estate transfers and financing of properties. These assessments are completed according to ASTM and industry standards, using a three-phase approach to evaluate the environmental conditions. The goal and direction of each phase is dependent upon the data gathered and conclusions/recommendations developed in the preceding phase.

Phase I

A site inspection identifies areas (grounds and structures) where sus¬pected contamination may exist. The property owners and/or managers are questioned to determine the current and historical uses of chemicals and petroleum at the site. A limited in¬vestigation is also conducted of adjacent properties to determine if the site has been impacted from these surrounding properties. Through interviews and historical records researched, E&R identifies how and what the site was historically used for. Regulatory records are checked to determine if spills or other environmental problems have occurred and have listed the site or abutting properties as impaired. An evaluation is made of results gathered during the investigation and a report is generated which outlines conclusions and recommendations. If the site is suspected of being adversely impacted from past use or neighboring properties, a Phase II is then recommended.

Phase II

If contamination is suspected, a site investigation consisting of sampling and laboratory analysis is performed to ascertain if environmental impairments are present at the site. Soil and groundwater samples are collected and analysis is performed to determine type and degree of contamination. Sample results are then utilized to determine migration probabilities and develop remediation strategies and cost estimates.

Phase III

Exposure assessments and risks are calculated based on site conditions. Remediation plans are then developed to meet cleanup objectives and eliminate health and environmental risks. During the remediation phase, sampling is completed to ensure the objective of the remediation has been met and risks have been controlled. Detailed engineering reports are developed upon completion that document the remediation work and the remaining environmental conditions.

VOLUNTARY CLEANUP AGREEMENTS

E&R has guided multiple clients through a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Using these programs clients could develop a stipulated scope of work and determine a finite expense to the environmental liability for the property. The property could then be transferred and sold with the liabilities included in the purchase/selling price.

REMEDIATION MANAGEMENT

E&R provides quality, cost effective remediation management for various types of hazardous materials cleanup, design of remediation specifications, including development of site safety and health plans. Contract awards, overall project supervision and project closeout are services provided in association with underground storage tank removal, PCB contamination, and leached or containerized hazardous materials. Emergency response to environmental spills is also provided. From initial assessment of soil, water and air contamination through initiation of remediation implementation and product disposal, E&R manages each phase of the cleanup process for its clients.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

The purpose of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) investigations in relation to what is commonly referred to as “Sick Building Syndrome”, is to identify and control potentially hazardous or nuisance particulate materials and chemicals. Identification is accomplished by sample screening methods that analyze using electron microscopy for heavy metals, organic particulates, and hazardous fibers. Also, direct read instruments are used to monitor carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity which are considered to be indicator parameters. These analyses are performed as a screening tech¬nique to identify potentially hazardous materials. Settled dust analyses, as part of an IAQ survey, can delineate the presence of mold spores, pollen, lead, and other heavy metals, along with fibrous materials such as asbestos, fiberglass, or refractory ceramic fibers. Particle morphology, composition, and associations supplied by electron microscopy analysis can also promote a source determination of the materials. Once identified, E&R works to provide timely and effective solutions to reduce or remove occupant exposure.

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