newsletter

January 2020 Land Science Newsletter

Client Spotlight: Prem Neupane, Apex

As an experienced Program Manager with Apex Companies, LLC, Prem Neupane has an ongoing appreciation for seeing firsthand how his efforts can make a difference in site cleanup. “When I compare the before and after activities at the remediation site,” he says, “Especially those in the State Voluntary Cleanup Program, Brownfield program and sites located in urban areas, our project work continues to provide me with great satisfaction.” With 18 years of experience at Apex, Neupane has been involved in a diverse range of remediation projects. In his current role, he manages several clients, participates in business development, and manages all aspects of his project work. Learn more in our client spotlight.

 

Client Spotlight: Prem Neupane, Apex

Brownfield Sites Can Save 40% in Installation Time with a New Single Sheet, Spray-Applied Vapor Barrier System

 MonoShield can be installed 30-40% faster than alternate plastic sheeting or HDPE systems. This saves money by reducing contractor costs and shortening the redevelopment timeline. Additionally, based on its superior durability and chemical resistance, its ability to effectively seal penetrations and seams, and a quality-tested and professional installation, MonoShield can improve indoor air quality, protect building occupants from exposure, and significantly reduce future liability, leading to immeasurable long-term cost savings. To learn more about our other Opportunity Zones tips, download the eBook.

Brownfield Sites Can Save 40% in Installation Time with a New Single Sheet, Spray-Applied Vapor Barrier System

 


A Cost-Effective Barrier with Superior Constructability

MonoShield is a chemically resistant and easy-to-apply barrier specifically designed as a preemptive solution for vapor intrusion at brownfield redevelopment sites. It is backed by unparalleled design support and a network of certified applicators who can ensure quality installtion. As with any construction project, but especially with regards to a voluntary preemptive action, cost is often a critical factor; MonoShield was designed with this in mind. One of the most significant advantages is reduced installation time. MonoShield can be installed 30-40% faster than alternate plastic sheeting or HDPE systems. This saves money by reducing contractor costs and shortening the


Geo-Seal Speeds Redevelopment of Former Textile Mill

Geo-Seal Speeds Redevelopment of Former Textile Mill
This case study reviews a former textile mill that was built in 1925 and was the first plush fabric mill in the state of South Carolina. The redevelopment of the former textile mill consisted of remediation, historic preservation, and the creation of a pocket park for the city. This redevelopment will bring new jobs and businesses to the area while preserving the site’s important cultural and historical features.
Geo-Seal Speeds Redevelopment of Former Textile Mill

 


Upcoming Vapor Intrusion Webinar with Dr. Blayne Hartman and Dr. Mark Kram

The Vapor Intrusion Risk Pathway

Land Science is pleased to present a webinar with vapor intrusion expert Dr. Blayne Hartman of Hartman Environmental Geoscience. During this webinar presentation, Dr. Hartman will discuss updates regarding vapor intrusion pathway issues, including regulatory updates. He will be joined by Dr. Mark Kram of Groundswell Technologies, who will discuss the use of vapor intrusion continuous monitoring technology. This webinar begins Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 at 11am pacific/2pm eastern.
The Vapor Intrusion Risk Pathway

About the Presenters:


Blayne Hartman, PhD
President, Hartman Environmental Geoscience

Dr. Hartman is a nationally recognized expert on soil vapor sampling, soil vapor analysis, and vapor intrusion. He has provided training on soil gas methods and vapor intrusion to state regulatory agencies in over 30 states. His organization, Hartman Environmental Geoscience, provides vapor intrusion, soil gas and analytical expertise.

Mark Kram, PhD
Founder and CTO, Groundswell Technologies

Dr. Mark Kram is the Founder and CTO for Groundswell Technologies, Inc., a group specializing in automated cloud based monitoring and modeling of environmental sensor and analytical instrumentation networks. Dr. Kram has over 30 years of experience using innovative environmental assessment techniques, has authored articles, national standards and book chapters on the subject.


Upcoming Events

A&WMA 2020 Annual Seminar

1/23/2020, Buffalfo, NY
Visit conference website

SAME Small Business Day

2/6/2020, Waltham, MA
Visit conference website

Alaska Forum on the Environment

2/10 – 2/14/2020, Alaska, AK
Visit conference website

Emerging Contaminants Summit

3/10 – 3/11/2020, Westminster, CO
Visit conference website

30th Annual International Conference on Soils, Water, Energy, and Air

3/16 – 3/19/2020, San Diego, CA
Visit conference website

Questions?

REGENESIS has remediation experts based worldwide to assist you in your brownfield site cleanup. As the technology leader in advanced bioremediation solutions, we can help ensure success on your next remediation project. Use the map on our website to find your regional REGENESIS contact today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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webinar recording

The Vapor Intrusion Risk Pathway: Regulatory Updates & Continuous Monitoring

Land Science is pleased to present a webinar with vapor intrusion experts Dr. Blayne Hartman of Hartman Environmental Geoscience and Dr. Mark Kram of Groundswell Technologies. During this webinar presentation, they discuss updates regarding vapor intrusion pathway issues, including regulatory updates and the use of vapor intrusion continuous monitoring technology. They are joined by Tom Szocinski, CEP, Director of Vapor Intrusion at Land Science, who will discuss technologies to mitigate vapor intrusion.

Learn the following in this free webinar:

  1. Current VI Pathway Issues, Including:
    • Status of Short Term Exposures to TCE
    • Regulatory Default Soil Gas Attenuation Factors
    • Dynamics Rules
    • Chasing Sewers
    • VI Indicators and Surrogates
    • Return of the J&E Model
  2. Expediting VI Assessments and Remedies with High Resolution Continuous Monitoring and Response.

Recording now available

Complete the form below to view the recording of this free webinar.

Prem Neupane

Client Spotlight: Prem Neupane, Program Manager with Apex Companies, LLC

Prem NeupaneAs an experienced Program Manager with Apex Companies, LLC, a leading environmental services firm and valued Land Science® client, Prem Neupane has an ongoing appreciation for seeing firsthand how his efforts and those of Apex can make a difference in site cleanup. “When I compare the before and after activities at the remediation site,” he says, “Especially those in the State Voluntary Cleanup Program, Brownfield program and sites located in urban areas, our project work continues to provide me with great satisfaction.” With 18 years of experience at Apex, first as an Environmental Scientist, then as a Project Manager and now as a Program Manager, Neupane has been involved in a diverse range of remediation projects. In his current role, he manages several clients, participates in business development, and manages all aspects of his project work-  from initiation to close-out.  He shares, “I like interacting with clients, our trusted vendors and suppliers/lab, and fellow Apexians, and ultimately finding the optimum solutions for environmental remediation problems.” Prior to joining Apex, Neupane performed a year-long internship with the USGS in Dover, DE working on the Air Force Base projects. To prepare for a career in environmental science he earned a BS in Environmental Science from Troy University, followed by a MS in Science and Water Resources at Miami University in Ohio. He continues, “I became interested in the environmental field during high school.  After completing my undergrad studies at Troy University, I went straight to graduate school to further enhance my knowledge on environmental issues.  While working on my Master of Science at Miami University, I was able to take a few advance level courses in contamination, and shifted my focus toward environmental characterization and remediation. Aside from seeing projects through to fruition, it’s the interdisciplinary nature of this field that interests me the most.”

With nearly 20 years of experience in the environmental industry, Neupane takes great pride in his work, while continuing to focus on the company’s long-term goals, which include the practice of utilizing sustainable remediation technologies. He continues, “At Apex, our plans are to strategically grow the company by harnessing the power of innovation, especially in the use of green remediation. We continually invest in leading-edge, sustainable remediation technologies and in remediation experts who can develop and deploy them. Beyond our use of evaporative desorption technology (EDT),  ex-situ on-site bioremediation, cryogenic vapor treatment technology (CVTT), and remote station soil vapor extraction (SVE) – which are just a few ways we help our clients move to more effective results –we plan to adopt and deliver more efficient, practical, and sensible remedial strategies that continue to benefit our clients and communities.” When it comes to working with Land Science®, he continues to be impressed with their client service, responsiveness, and their ability to provide assistance with product recommendations that fit a variety of challenges and situations. He points out that on a recent project, and on short notice, Land Science® met the Apex team at the job site to discuss solutions for an existing issue. As for which Land Science® products Apex uses, two come to mind. He shares, “Geo-Seal® and Retro-Coat™ vapor intrusion coating are those we have used the most. However, we are open to the new products Land Science® has rolled out recently. Geo-Seal® is a composite vapor intrusion barrier system that consists of chemical resistance high density polyethylene (HDPE) and spray applied asphalt latex.  It is ideal for installation on new construction. Retro-Coat™ consists of chemically resistant material that is applied to existing structures to prevent potential vapor intrusion risks.  I like them both because they are relatively easy to apply, are compatible and effective with VOCs from petroleum as well as chlorinated solvents sources, and they are very popular and well liked by regulators.”

When asked about the future of environmental remediation, including trends on the horizon, Neupane points to advancements in technology that enable more accurate targeting of contamination in subsurface and faster analysis. He also expects to see more cost-effective solutions, greener cleanups and green remediation to minimize the environmental “footprint” of remediation activities, emerging contaminants, and vapor intrusion solutions. He notes that the EPA describes green remediation as “The practice of considering all environmental effects of remedy implementation and incorporating options to maximize net environmental benefit of cleanup actions.”  He continues, “Some local and state regulatory agencies, such as the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) in Washington, DC, are encouraging responsible parties to consider and report green remediation strategies for remediation sites.  Green remediation allows us to reduce the environmental footprint of a cleanup project.” To stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends, Neupane regularly attends seminars and training modules, and participates in webinars offered by remediation industries and coalitions, such as those offered by the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC). He shares a recent example of a training seminar he attended in May of last year, “I attended Vapor Intrusion (VI) & Soil Gas Training provided by Dr. Blayne Hartman of Hartman Environmental Geoscience, at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago.  The training was very informational and covered the latest in regulatory, assessment, sampling, analysis and mitigation, as well as legal considerations.” When prompted about the most challenging aspect of his work, he feels accounting for project uncertainties and including contingencies to complete the remediation work on budget and on time can be difficult. “Weather can also be a challenge sometimes,” he says, “Especially with large scale water related projects during winter months.”

Currently residing in Chicago, with his wife and daughter, Neupane works out of Apex’s downtown Chicago office, and frequently travels to the company’s Washington, D.C. region for project work and meetings. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, and visiting new places with his family. He shares, “Having grown up in Nepal, I was always drawn to the beauty of the Himalayas.  I visit Nepal and try to hit the hiking trails there whenever possible.  I was in Nepal just this past October with the family and did some hiking near Mt. Annapurna (10th tallest mountain). Whenever I travel to a new place I seek out nearby hiking/biking trails.” And how would he encourage others to join his field of study? He concludes by emphasizing the potential long-term contributions that his profession makes possible.  “Remind those who may be interested that they can make a positive impact on human health and the environment. Look at the bigger picture and think of your contribution to future generations.”

Land Science® is proud to have Prem Neupane, Project Manager for Apex Companies, as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation, and appreciates his expert knowledge and experience in providing successful remediation outcomes for Land Science® and its clients.