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Environmental Services |
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The Earth Systems group of companies conducts a full range of environmental services from preliminary site assessments to stormwater infiltration studies. Small business owners, property owners, manufacturers, lending institutions, real estate developers, and petroleum companies are among our clients. We provide liability-reducing and cost-effective solutions to issues that may affect property improvements and developments.
Areas of Environmental Expertise
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
- Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (Site Characterization Studies)
- Preliminary Endangerment Assessments
- Remediation of Soil and Groundwater
- Underground Storage Tank Assessment and Monitoring
- Landfill Investigations and Monitoring
- Methane Surveys
- Storm Water Infiltration Studies
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Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
The purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is to evaluate areas of potential environmental concern which may be a result of past use, storage, or release of hazardous materials on or near a site. This level of assessment can be pivotal in circumventing potential environmental liabilities for all concerned parties.
Our Phase I ESAs are based on the guidelines of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standard E-1527-05 and the All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) standards promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They are performed, evaluated, and signed by a Registered Environmental Assessor, Professional Geologist, Certified Hydrogeologist, or Professional Engineer.
A Phase I ESA entails a review and analysis of the following information: past and present site uses; client provided information and on-site interviews; title information; building permits; aerial photographs; insurance and land use maps; oil and gas production maps and records; local agency files; regulatory agency records; owner/tenant interviews; environmental cleanup liens (ECL); and activity and use limitations.
The ESA report includes findings regarding past land use on and around the site, and presents an opinion regarding the potential for soil contamination and groundwater contamination. If one is deemed appropriate and warranted, recommendations for a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (Site Characterization Study) are included.
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Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
When a Phase I ESA indicates a significant potential for environmental impairment at a site, a Phase II environmental site assessment may be implemented. The Phase II ESA, or Site Characterization Study, employs exploratory techniques to identify the nature and extent of contamination.
- surface and subsurface soil sampling
- geologic logging of exploratory borings
- groundwater monitoring well installation, development, and sampling
- geophysical surveying and profiling
- piezometer well installation and sampling
- soil-gas surveys
- organic vapor analysis
- vadose zone monitoring
- hydraulic conductivity testing (pumping tests)
- groundwater modeling
- chemical testing
During the Site Characterization Study, the geologic and hydrogeologic properties of a site are defined; this step is integral in evaluating the source, distribution, and migration pathways of the contaminants. Additionally, information acquired from the surface and subsurface explorations is utilized to select the appropriate remedial method for the site.
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Groundwater Monitoring Well Installation | |
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Preliminary Endangerment Assessments
Earth Systems group of companies performs Preliminary Endangerment Assessments (PEA) to evaluate the likelihood of health risks posed by the presence of, and exposure to, contaminants found at a site. The PEA process is based on guidance from the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC). PEAs are currently required to be performed at California school sites where construction activities will involve the use of State funding, and where the potential for contamination is identified in Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments.
The Earth Systems group of companies has been assisting school districts to comply with the requirements of the DTSC since those requirements took effect in 2001. As our services include Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, we can be involved from the beginning of a project, ensuring a smooth transition into the PEA process.
Typically, a PEA will involve the following tasks: initial meeting with the DTSC; development of a draft Work Plan; submission of draft to DTSC; revision of the work plan to address DTSC’s comments; field investigation activities; laboratory analyses; quality control/quality assurance review of the analytical results; human health screening evaluation based on the data collected; preparation of a draft PEA report, submission of draft report to DTSC; and preparation of final PEA report, revised to address comments of the DTSC. |
Federal and State environmental regulations
with which we are experienced include:
- CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
- RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act
- SARA Superfund Re-authorization Act
- CCR Title 14 Natural Resources, Division 2, Department of Conservation
- CCR Title 22 Social Security, Division 4, Environmental Health
- CCR Title 23 Waters
- Title 26 Toxics
- LUFT Leaking Underground Fuel Tank Regulations
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Remediation of Soil and Groundwater
The Earth Systems group of companies has designed, implemented, and completed a variety of soils and groundwater remediation programs. Once the Site Characterization Study is complete, a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study is conducted, the purpose of which is to determine the most efficient and cost effective plan for remediation. Our studies typically consist of regulatory analysis, liaison with governing agencies, treatment system design, permit preparation, and preparation of Health and Safety Plans. Before remedial action is implemented at the site, a Remediation Plan is prepared and submitted for regulatory approval, and the necessary permits are obtained. Following are some of the remediation technologies we have implemented for the treatment of soil and groundwater.
Soil Remediation
- Operation and maintenance of treatment systems
- Vacuum extraction
- Carbon adsorption
- Chemical oxidation
- Thermal oxidation
- Bioremediation/bioenhancement land farming
- In situ remediation
- Chemical fixation
- Incineration
- Off-site treatment and disposal
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Groundwater Remediation
- Hydraulic barriers
- Sedimentation basins
- French drains
- Product recovery/pump and treat
- Carbon adsorption
- Air stripping
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During site remediation, remedial methods are monitored to verify the process is working as intended, and we provide operation and maintenance of the treatment systems. Site remediation continues until samples indicate that contaminant levels are below the “action levels” set by the regulators. Our personnel then prepare and submit a report of our findings to the appropriate regulatory agency, and request closure of the site. In our Winter 2009 newsletter, Consultants Corner, we covered a project that features our environmental services. Click on the thumbnail to access the file. |
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Consultants Corner, Winter 2009 Issue
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Underground Storage Tank Assessment and Monitoring
The Earth Systems group of companies provides services for businesses involved in the production, storage, and dispensing of fuel. We can assess, characterize, and remediate contamination resulting from leaking underground fuel tanks (LUFT). |
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Remediation
- Development of remedial action plans
- Soil excavation and on-site or off-site treatment
- Vapor extraction and treatment
- Groundwater extraction and treatment
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Monitoring
- Monitoring well installation, maintenance, and sampling
- Piezometer well installation and sampling
- Groundwater monitoring and sampling
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Investigation
- Leak detection
- Tank removal or abandonment
- Exploratory subsurface borings
- Soil sampling and analysis
- Groundwater sampling and analysis
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Landfill Investigations and Monitoring
Due to the wide range of hazardous materials that are frequently disposed of at landfill facilities, thorough investigations of soil and groundwater conditions are often warranted. Contamination of soil and groundwater can occur if toxic substances remain in place and subsurface conditions are conducive to leachate migration.
The Earth Systems group of companies’ personnel are experienced at evaluating the potential for migration of toxic substances into public water supplies, or other areas where adverse impacts upon public health and safety could result. Typically, a landfill investigation and subsequent monitoring program will comprise the following tasks. |
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- Soil vapor surveys
- Air monitoring
- Installation of upgradient and downgradient groundwater monitoring wells
- Collection of soil pore fluids
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- Soil sampling
- Laboratory analysis of soil and groundwater samples
- Hydrogeologic studies - including the evaluation of subsurface permeabilities and groundwater characteristics
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- Geologic studies involving the evaluation of the geologic features of the site and surrounding vicinity
- Geophysical survey
- Lysimeter installation and sampling
- Routine, long-term monitoring
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Methane Surveys
Methane sources include natural gas field, solid waste landfills, and fermentation of organic matter such as manure, wastewater sludge, and biodegradable feedstock. Methane gas is highly flammable, may be explosive, and is also an asphyxiant, thus development in the proximity of methane sources should be performed cautiously.
The Earth Systems group of companies provides services to help identify and mitigate these potential hazards. Our personnel can observe the geotechnical and environmental conditions at a site, perform a methane survey including installation of gas probes and methane sampling, and provide recommendations to reduce explosion hazards from methane such as the installation of impermeable barriers. |
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Representative Project
Los Angeles Tennis Club, New Grandstand Building with Locker Rooms, and New Parking Lot
The Los Angeles Tennis Club in west Los Angeles, California is an 80-year old facility situated in a densely populated part of town. The existing main grandstand needs replacement, and the facility lacks adequate parking. The site falls within a liquefaction hazard zone mapped by the State of California, a methane hazard zone mapped by the City of Los Angeles, and a dense urban area where stormwater quality is regulated. The proposed improvements will include an approximately 5,000 square foot grandstand building with locker rooms, and a 10,000 square foot parking lot with stormwater quality control features.
Earth Systems Southern California has been retained to investigate the geotechnical, geologic, and environmental conditions at the site. Our personnel have performed a geotechnical engineering investigation which included subsurface exploration, laboratory soil testing, and liquefaction analysis. A Phase I Environmental Assessment was performed, as well as a methane investigation, and a stormwater infiltration study. Conclusions were presented regarding potential geologic and environmental hazards. Recommendations were developed for an impermeable barrier to minimize explosion hazards from the accumulation of methane in the building. |
In our Winter 2006 newsletter, Consultants Corner, we covered a project that features our services related to methane surveys and mitigation. Click on the thumbnail to access the file.
Consultants Corner, Winter 2006 Issue | Page Contents
Storm Water Infiltration Studies
Storm water quality is regulated through the Clean Water Act on the federal level and also by state and regional agencies. Contaminants can enter storm water from streets, parking lots, and other developed areas and be carried into lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater. Besides regulatory compliance, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points can be earned from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) by capturing and infiltrating storm water on site.
The Earth Systems group of companies provides the following services to help mitigate storm water pollution specifically when infiltration or percolation systems such as dry wells, infiltration galleries, pervious pavement, and similar measures are proposed. |
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- Conduct infiltration tests to evaluate the capacity of soils to absorb storm water
- Perform geotechnical investigations to assess adverse impact on groundwater, foundations and slopes
- Provide materials engineering and testing for pervious pavement
- Provide recommendations for infiltration system design
- Perform environmental sampling of storm water and groundwater
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