Infrastructure and Development:

Environmental Assessments and Remediation

Environmental Assessments and Remediation

Ardaman provides a variety of environmental assessment and remediation services, and has done so for over 35 years. Typical services include:

• Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
• Contamination Assessments
• Contamination Remediation
• Groundwater Monitoring
• Conditional No Further Action
• Tank Removal/Closure Assessments
• Asbestos Surveys
• Mold Surveys
• Lead Paint Surveys

Phase I and II Site Assessments

Phase I and II Site Assessments Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments are typically performed as part of due diligence for property acquisitions and refinancing to meet lenders’ requirements and/or to establish baseline environmental property conditions prior to leases.

For a Phase I Assessment, we generally consider the current and historical uses of the property, and through a detailed search, we assess the potential for contamination to be present on the property. The scope of the Phase I Assessment is constantly reviewed and updated to stay current with the rapidly changing regulatory requirements and standard of care. 

After we complete the Phase I study, we review the results with our client. If the results do not indicate a potential for contamination (referred to as a “Recognized Environmental Condition”), then normally no further action is taken. If however, an environmental concern is revealed, we will discuss the current and future risk. If the risk is significant, then a Phase II Assessment can be conducted.

A Phase II Assessment tests for the presence or absence of contamination that may be present in connection with the Recognized Environmental Condition identified during the Phase I study. We obtain soil and groundwater samples from the suspect areas and subject them to analytical testing to determine the presence or absence of contamination. Identified contamination can be studied further to explore potential remedial costs.

Groundwater Monitoring

Relatively low levels of groundwater contamination can often be monitored for natural attenuation instead of costly active remediation. Samples are obtained periodically to confirm the plume is not migrating and will reach cleanup target levels in a reasonable time frame. Ardaman also monitors landfills and other potential sources of groundwater contamination in accordance with their operating permits.

Conditional No Further Action

Under certain conditions, it is possible to leave contaminated soil and groundwater unabated at a site. The contamination would need to be fully assessed and monitored for at least one year. Covenants requiring land use restrictions and construction and maintenance of engineering controls would need to be developed and signed. Ardaman provides consulting, assessments and monitoring tailored to gain FDEP approval to allow the contamination to remain in accordance with restrictions.

Contamination Assessments

Contamination Assessments are generally performed to characterize identified contamination and determine the horizontal and vertical extent of impacts in soil, groundwater and surface water. Flow direction, soil permeability, stratigraphy, aquifer transmissivity and other site parameters which affect contaminant distribution and migration are also investigated. Each situation is unique, and the study approach depends on many factors, including subsurface conditions, land use, type of contaminants, schedule and budget. Ardaman’s professionals have provided these services on projects ranging from minor oil spills to large-scale “superfund” sites.

Contamination Remediation

Ardaman prepares remedial action plans employing source removal, in-situ mechanical, chemical or biological methodologies, depending on which is best suited to the contaminant and site characteristics. The client’s cost and time constraints are also considered in evaluating potential remedial methods. Ardaman also provides oversight and management of remediation contractors, operation and maintenance of remediation systems, and monitoring of contaminant levels during and following active remediation. Remediation projects successfully completed by Ardaman include numerous petroleum sites, drycleaners, in-ground hydraulic lift sites, lead at shooting ranges, arsenic at golf courses and agricultural sites, power plants, uranium recovery plants, chlorinated solvent discharge sites and industrial properties.

Tank Removal/Closure Assessments

Many prime commercial properties have fuel systems that must be removed for site redevelopment. Ardaman provides fuel system removal monitoring and documentation to attain proper removal or abandonment of tanks, lines and dispensers, as well as identification of discharges. Soils are screened with an organic vapor analyzer, and soil and groundwater samples are obtained and analyzed in accordance with tank closure guidelines. Should contamination be discovered, Ardaman can direct removal impacted media for cost efficient site remediation, as well as assist with all required notifications and reporting. We also can assist with selection of a licensed pollutant storage tank contractor or subcontract their services.

Asbestos, Mold and Lead Paint Surveys

Specific surveys for the presence and extent of asbestos, mold and/or lead paint are typically conducted in existing structures either as part of an overall environmental site assessment or as stand-alone tasks prior to remodeling or demolition projects. Ardaman is authorized as an Asbestos Consulting Company by the State of Florida, and our staff includes certified asbestos technicians and consultants as well as technicians, scientists and engineers experienced with sampling and evaluating lead paint and mold.

Request Our Engineering Services.

Get a fast response regarding our services.

Get More Blog Information

Need more information about this article? Ask us your questions here for fast answers.