MonoShield Installed At Site Of Former Hazel Park Raceway
This case study reviews a site at the former Hazel Park Raceway, located in a designated Opportunity Zone, which was established by the US Federal Treasury to encourage businesses to invest in blighted properties by providing tax incentives. These tax incentives made the redevelopment of the Hazel Park Raceway possible. In the course of evaluating potential remedial options for the 650,000 square foot warehouse facility (Tri -County Commerce Building #2), consulting firm SME approached Land Science, a division of REGENESIS, to incorporate a vapor barrier system to address the harmful vapor intrusion.
This case study features the following:
- With MonoShield offering a more reliable, cost-effective solution, the project was assured of meeting milestones and staying on time and on budget.
- Hazel Park welcomed the economic development and the promise of future jobs coming to the community through this key redevelopment project.
- The support of the city of Hazel Park, the state of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has made it possible to redevelop the Hazel Park Raceway.
- After a successful application at nearby Liberty Park, MonoShield was chosen as the best vapor intrusion mitigation solution for the Tri-County Commerce Building #2.
Construction Time Reduced with New Vapor Barrier System
This case study reviews a brownfield site that posed multiple remediation challenges with a variety of known contaminants including arsenic, lead, and methane. To build on the site would require a unique foundation along with a vapor intrusion mitigation solution. Working with the developer Ashley Capital’s environmental consulting firm SME, Land Science recommended MonoShield, a new and innovative vapor intrusion mitigation system. This modified asphalt-nitrile vapor barrier system is designed to withstand even the toughest vapor intrusion conditions, ensuring a safe environment for years to come. SME chose to be the first to install MonoShield because it provided the best chemical resistance for this brownfield site and would also save the client time and money.
This case study features the following:
- Liberty Park is being transformed from underutilized into a property that will bring jobs and growth to the community.
- MonoShield has the efficiency of a prefabricated barrier system and the flexibility and responsiveness of a spray-applied component for sealing penetrations, wall terminations, and seams.
- MonoShield is both time — and cost-efficient; it can be installed 30-40% faster than alternate plastic sheeting or HDPE systems.
- Cooperation among numerous stakeholders: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Ashley Capital, SME, Oliver Construction, Land Science, and S&H Waterproofing.
Retro-Coat Applied to Former Jazz Club Ensures Protection from Vapor Intrusion
Subsurface contamination caused by chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) beneath a former jazz club posed a direct risk to the indoor air quality for a Renton, Washington property. The CVOCs had migrated beneath the property from a neighboring dry cleaning operation resulting in a vapor intrusion (VI) issue. When environmental consultant Maul Foster Alongi performed a cost analysis of different vapor mitigation and remediation approaches, it was found that the Retro Coat™ Vapor Intrusion Coating System would provide an excellent solution at about a third of the cost less than other remedial approaches.
This case study features the following:
- How Maul Foster Alongi achieved 33% cost savings compared to alternative remedial approaches
- Indoor air quality evaluation of TCE and other VOCs
- Retro-Coat application details
- Vapor mitigation performance results and indoor air quality findings after the installation of Retro-Coat
Large-Scale Vapor Intrusion Projects: Overcoming Challenges and Collecting Consistent, High-Quality Data
Land Science is pleased to present a webinar with vapor intrusion expert, James Fineis P.G., President and Owner of Total Vapor Solutions. During this webinar presentation, Mr. Fineis discusses large-scale vapor intrusion projects, with a focus on challenges and the necessity of collecting consistent, high-quality data. Mr. Fineis is joined by Jordan Knight, Southeast District Manager at Land Science, who discusses technologies to mitigate vapor intrusion.
Learn the following in this free webinar:
- Managing the logistics of handling over 1,000 summa canisters over the life of a project
- Challenges in dealing with changing schedules of residents and businesses
- How to collect consistent data that is representative of site conditions
- The importance of effectively evaulating various mitigation techniques based on the project needs
- Cost-effective vapor intrusion mitigation system options
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Client Spotlight: Mark Quimby, Senior Consultant at SME
Throughout his 14-year professional career, Mark Quimby, Senior Consultant at SME, a leading regional multi-service engineering and consulting firm and valued Land Science® client, has established himself as a top expert in the field of assessing and mitigating petroleum, chlorinated solvents, and methane vapor intrusion sites. During this time, he has designed and installed dozens of vapor intrusion mitigation approaches inclusive of sub slab passive venting, multiple types of vapor barriers, active sub slab depressurization, and passive interceptor trenches. In addition, he has secured and managed over $50 million in local, state, and federal incentives that include grants, loans, tax abatements and credits, and tax increment financing. He shares, “Currently, I am responsible for the technical oversight on projects, primarily brownfield redevelopment. I am also responsible for working with our project managers and staff, and mentoring them as we deliver solutions to our client’s problems.” His vast experience in his specialized area of environmental remediation stems from an impressive career at SME, where he has risen from a Staff Environmental Specialist to a Project Consultant and then to Senior Project Consultant, prior to being promoted to his current position. His career began shortly after graduating from the University of Windsor, Ontario, where he earned his B.S. in Physics, and it has given him a unique appreciation for seeing the results of his efforts. He shares, “So many sites have no viable liable entity, and without the partnership with communities and developers, the cleanup and redevelopment may never happen. I’ve really enjoyed remediation in this context because I get to participate in both the cleanup and the redevelopment of the site.”
Although his university studies may not have initially correlated with a career in environmental remediation, Quimby now feels fortunate to be working in a profession that makes a measurable and positive impact on our planet. He continues, “I fell into environmental remediation more than I chose it, but it has been a rewarding field and I’m glad I’m here. My degree is in physics, but when I immigrated to the US from Canada, I was hired by an environmental consulting firm. Since then, I’ve worked on a wide variety of sites and cleanups but have spent most of my time in the context of Brownfield redevelopment.” When asked what he enjoys most about his day-to-day work, Quimby is quick to point to a keen sense of satisfaction from seeing his efforts come to fruition. “I enjoy helping to revitalize neighborhoods and communities,” he says. “Many communities have vacant and derelict properties that provide little or no value while presenting a nuisance and health risk. It is rewarding to turn these into assets.” And what is the most demanding part of his job? “Definitely the pace,” he says. “Every day is different and I need to remain flexible to address my client’s needs as they arise.”
When it comes to working with Land Science®, Quimby appreciates the firm’s level of expertise and timely support, and notes that both routinely contribute to enhancing the efficiencies in his work. He continues, “We have worked on several projects with Land Science®. They provide very good technical depth and they are responsive to our support needs.” With regard to specific Land Science® products, MonoShield™ is one that he and SME have recently turned to. He shares, “We are currently using MonoShield™ for the first time on two projects. One is Liberty Park Commerce Center in Sterling Heights and another is Tri-County Commerce Center in Hazel Park. MonoShield™ is providing us with the efficiency of a pre-fabricated roll out system and the flexibility of the spray-applied component for seams, penetrations, and transitions.” Quimby adds, “This is allowing us to meet our project goals in less time compared to alternative systems.” In the past, his teams have also used Geo-Seal® with success, and feels both products have the support infrastructure he needs to ensure successful project outcomes. In addition, he appreciates the collaborative benefits from his company’s relationship with Land Science®. He continues, “Land Science® has a reliable network of certified applicators that we have also developed relationships with. The bottom line is, when working with Land Science®, we know what to expect and have confidence the team will bring the project to a successful conclusion.”
Residing in Plymouth, MI with his wife and four children, Quimby works out of the SME corporate office in Plymouth, and on occasion travels to the firm’s Detroit and Lansing offices. He also supports staff in the other SME offices in MI, IN, and OH. When he’s away from his work, he enjoys reading nonfiction books on science, philosophy, and history, and playing tabletop board and card games. He shares, “My current favorite reads are the Expeditionary Force series by Craig Alanson. My favorite card game is Magic the Gathering by Wizards of the Coast, and my favorite board game is Axis and Allies.” To stay abreast of current trends and the latest technology in his field, he attends various training sessions that include formal classes sponsored by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and EGLE (Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy). He’s also taken the Princeton Groundwater pollution and hydrology course. When asked what the future goals are for SME, he points to continued growth within the Midwestern US. He continues, “We will continue to grow in MI and expand our operations in IN and OH. Our goal is to be the premier engineering consulting firm in the Great Lakes Mega Region.” And what does he see the future holds for environmental remediation? “I feel vapor intrusion mitigation and remediation is the biggest trend. The country, and Michigan specifically, is trying to get their arms around the Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) issue as well, but vapor intrusion (VI) will remain a top priority because of its widespread presence and the relevancy of the pathway to human health.” When asked why he feels the work he does is important and why he encourages others to join his field, Quimby speaks to the need for commitment in how we treat our environment. He concludes, “We need to care about the future of our cities and developed areas. It doesn’t make sense to use up land and walk away.”
Land Science® is proud to have Mark Quimby, Senior Consultant for SME, as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation, and appreciates his expertise and diverse contributions in providing successful remediation outcomes for Land Science® and its clients.
Introducing MonoShield: A Chemically Resistant, Preemptive Vapor Barrier That Saves Time and Money
Speakers: Tom Szocinski, CEP, Director of Vapor Intrusion, Land Science and Kristen Thoreson, PhD, Director of Research and Development at REGENESIS and Land Science
Land Science is pleased to present a webinar with vapor intrusion expert Tom Szocinksi, CEP and Dr. Kristen Thoreson, Research and Development Director at REGENESIS and Land Science. During this webinar presentation, they discuss an innovative new vapor intrusion barrier technology called MonoShield. A chemically resistant and easy-to-apply barrier, MonoShield is specifically designed as a preemptive solution for vapor intrusion at brownfield redevelopment sites.
Learn the following about the new technology MonoShield in this free webinar:
- MonoShield can be installed 30-40% faster than alternate plastic sheeting or HDPE systems.
- MonoShield offers superior durability and chemical resistance.
- Competitively priced with simple quick installation
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Client Spotlight: Sigrida Reinis, PhD, PE, Associate at Langan
Ask Sigrida Reinis, Ph.D., what she likes most about her work, and she’ll likely respond by saying she enjoys the challenge of addressing complex environmental remediation projects, much like a modern day detective. It’s just one reason Reinis, an Associate at Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., a leader in integrated land development engineering and a valued REGENESIS/Land Science client, looks forward to her work. Shares Reinis, “I like solving mysteries, and in the environmental engineering world, we are often confronted with the unexpected – weird data, odd trends, and bizarre existing site conditions, to name just a few. Figuring out how the dots are connected or how to make the best of a less than perfect situation is what makes the work both interesting and engaging.” The day-to-day challenges associated in the cleanup of various sites, coupled with the continued growth of Langan Engineering and Environmental Services are, in part, why Reinis has continued to enjoy her role with the Langan team for more than 20 years. She also appreciates the diversity in her work that contributes to a busy, ongoing schedule of activities. She continues, “At any given time, I am serving as Project Manager for up to a dozen projects, most of which are related either to post-closure landfill redevelopment or gas/vapor intrusion mitigation for existing or new buildings.”
For Reinis, choosing a career in environmental remediation began upon graduation from the University of California at Berkeley, where she received her B.S. in Civil Engineering. She continues, “When I graduated with my B.S. from Cal Berkeley in 1984, the Federal Superfund program was just getting off the ground, and I had the great fortune of being hired by Dr. Don Treadwell, a geotechnical engineer who was transitioning himself and his firm (Geomatrix Consultants Inc.) into the new field of environmental engineering.” Reinis also added a Master’s in Civil Engineering, followed by her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, both of which were also earned at the University of California at Berkeley. To stay abreast of current trends and technologies in her field, Reinis takes advantage of an extensive range of in-house continuing education and training offered through Langan Engineering and Environmental Services. She also participates in external education and training opportunities, and for the past few years has served as a member of the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) Methane Detection Task Force. In her free time, Reinis enjoys a variety of outdoor activities with her wife, Tracy. She shares, “We both enjoy cycling, running, hiking, and all forms of skiing – cross-country, downhill, and telemark. I’m also a certified professional cross-country ski instructor and am a certified cycling coach.” In addition, Reinis volunteers with local charities and participates in fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation through their Team In Training and Light the Night programs. She adds, “More recently, I have served as volunteer for AIDS/Lifecycle, a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles that benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.”
When asked which Land Science products she prefers, Reinis points to Geo-Seal® and Retro-Coat™, and offers up a few examples where she and her team have had success. She shares, “The Land Science products that I am most familiar with are the sub-slab gas/vapor barrier membrane Geo-Seal® and the top-of-slab gas/vapor barrier membrane Retro-Coat™. I am currently managing three very different projects that all involve the application of Retro-Coat™. One is an empty warehouse on a former Naval Air Station that is being converted into a high-tech manufacturing space, and a second is an office building on a previously closed landfill that, when originally constructed in the mid-1980s, was equipped with a sub-slab venting system but not a gas barrier membrane. The third is a relatively new building that, despite being equipped with a sub-slab venting system and gas barrier membrane, is being treated with Retro-Coat™ in localized areas to mitigate potential vapor intrusion while we continue to search for the root cause of elevated levels of VOCs in indoor air, which we believe are linked to an indoor source.” When asked what she feels the future holds for environmental remediation, Reinis feels there is room for improvement in the toxicological space. She adds, “Vapor intrusion has been an active area of research and engineering for well over a decade, but the toxicological research, particularly involving the inhalation exposure route, is still lagging. Consequently, regulations and guidance remain subject to change and debate.” When asked about the most demanding aspect of her work, she quickly refers to tight deadlines. “It’s a challenge when asked to produce a complete report from scratch in one day or less,” she says. “The redevelopment world moves at an incredibly fast pace, especially when the real estate market is booming.”
When it comes to addressing how her industry has evolved over the years, Reinis feels there are always new contaminants to challenge environmental professionals. She concludes, “There is always a new “emerging” contaminant – there was dioxin, then MTBE, now PFOA and PFOS and 1,4-dioxane – and always someone looking for a technical or scientific solution to old or new problems. The industry is constantly evolving, but generally for the better.”
REGENESIS is proud to have Sigrida Reinis, an Associate at Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation, and appreciates her vast experience and commitment to providing successful remediation outcomes for Land Science and its clients.
Client Spotlight: Jarrett Baggett, Environmental Services Director for Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc.
For Jarrett Baggett, Environmental Services Director for Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc., a leading environmental consulting and engineering firm and valued Land Science® client, growing up on a dairy farm instilled a deep affection for our environment. An affection that ultimately would lead to his professional vocation where he could make a difference on behalf of our planet. “I loved the outdoors growing up,” Baggett shares. “I knew I needed to choose a career that would allow me to spend time outdoors. Although I was initially unsure of what I wanted to major in for college, I knew I wanted to do something related to the environment.” In a career which has seen him advance up the ranks from a Jr. Geologist to Staff Professional, then Project Manager, and finally to his current position as a Director at Geo-Hydro Engineers, Baggett can reflect on his work, and look forward, knowing he is indeed making an impact. He shares, “To see a property go from a dilapidated eyesore that poses potential risks to the community, to a property that can be utilized and enjoyed by all as a result of your hard work is very rewarding.” In his current role with Geo-Hydro Engineers, Baggett is responsible for the Environmental operations at the company, which includes managing environmental projects and maintaining interaction with clients, personnel, and regulatory agencies. He continues, “I oversee a group of engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists performing environmental studies in the industrial, commercial, agricultural, and real estate sectors. Our clients include owners (private and public), industry, developers, banks, architects, structural engineers, and contractors just to name a few.”
Baggett prepared himself for a career in environmental management by earning his B.S. degree in Geology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He shares, “I took some Geology classes and thoroughly enjoyed them. The coursework, coupled with my love for the environment, soon led to me earning my geology degree.” To stay abreast of trends in his field, he takes continuing education coursework to fulfill requirements for his P.G. license, which he holds in several states. In addition, he attends seminars and conferences to keep up with the latest technologies, standards and regulations that are relevant to the industry. When asked why he enjoys working with Land Science®, he points to the company’s reputation for developing advanced solutions that are capable of addressing today’s environmental challenges. He shares, “Land Science® reached out to us and came by to present some of their tech products and capabilities. The team was extremely knowledgeable, especially with regard to the vapor intrusion industry. Seeing a rising need for vapor mitigation in real estate development, I knew it was just a matter of time before we would have the need to apply some of the Land Science® products to our sites. That need arrived, and we are now placing over 100,000 square feet of GeoSeal® with Vapor-Vent™ at a mixed-use development at a site along the Atlanta Beltline. We looked at several products, but really liked the GeoSeal® product with its combination of HDPE and asphalt/latex layers that provide an effective and durable product for vapor mitigation. Land Science® has been very helpful in making sure the design process, pricing details, and application process went smoothly.”
Residing in Roswell, GA, where he lives with his wife and two children, Baggett primarily works out of his firm’s Kennesaw, GA, office. When asked about the goals of Geo-Hydro Engineers, he quickly points to continued growth. “We have seen substantial growth throughout the company over the past five years,” he says. “We have opened two new offices over the past two years and started a new environmental branch in our Charlotte, NC office this past year. In the near future we are looking to expand our environmental services, add new employees, and continue to grow revenue.” In addition, he recognizes the challenges his work entails, and strives to avoid over-extending himself in an effort to maintain his high quality of work. He shares, “It’s easy to try and take on more and more project work. But once you over extend yourself your dedication to each project tends to slip. For me, there’s a constant balance of knowing your limitations, knowing when to hire more personnel, and when to reach out for help. Although as a company we are always trying to grow and exceed expectations, our ultimate responsibility and duty is to provide quality products to our clients.” Outside of work, Baggett enjoys fishing and spending time with family and friends. He also finds time to work in his yard. He shares, “Although I don’t live on the family farm anymore, I do enjoy working in the yard. My wife jokes that this is my substitute for not working on a farm anymore, and that I tend to our yard like it’s a farm crop.”
When it comes to how he has seen the industry evolve over the years, Baggett says he’s observed that many developers have changed their views regarding treatment plans of environmentally impacted sites. He’s especially noticed how today’s new technology is making an impact. He shares, “We work with a lot of commercial developers, and over the last five to ten years, we have seen many of these developers change their views on environmentally impacted sites. They have educated themselves on the latest environmental technologies and programs provided by their states, and are taking advantage of these. They’re now embracing these sites and working with environmental consultants to remediate and develop properties once thought to be undevelopable. Another aspect is the advancement in technologies. For instance, with the vapor intrusion issues that have come to light in the last ten or more years, vapor mitigation products like GeoSeal®, Vapor Vent™, and RetroCoat™ have improved and become more cost effective to install, allowing for more efficient renovations and development of properties.” And how would he encourage others to join in his field of study? He concludes, “I would first encourage people to find something they enjoy. No matter what you do, you are going to have to work hard to be successful, so if you enjoy it, it makes working hard a lot easier. If that something might be environmental work, I would then ask them if they like solving complex problems with innovative ideas and solutions. If so, then the environmental field may be for you. As a said before, it is very gratifying to see a project you were a part of become something that can be enjoyed by many.”
REGENESIS and Land Science® is proud to have Jarrett Baggett, Environmental Services Director for Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc., as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation, and appreciates his dedication and creative approach in providing successful remediation outcomes for REGENESIS and its clients.
Client Spotlight: Matt Hall, Senior Engineer and Senior Project Manager at Terracon Consultants, Inc.
For Matt Hall, Senior Engineer and Senior Project Manager at Terracon Consultants, Inc., a leading environmental consulting and engineering firm and valued REGENESIS client, choosing a career in environmental remediation started with an interest in cleaning up our environment., Once he became immersed in his studies however, he quickly became passionate about the “how-to” aspects that drive the science behind remediation. Shares Hall, “My initial interest soon morphed into a fascination with understanding the science behind the products and the engineering design for remediation implementation.” Eventually, Hall’s commitment to the earth’s environment lead to earning a dual bachelor’s degree from Tulane University in Ecology, Evolution, & Organismal Biology (EEOB), and Environmental Studies. After graduation, he worked as a staff level professional at an environmental engineering firm and worked his way up the ranks before joining Terracon, seven years ago, where he enjoys a diverse range of responsibilities. He continues, “I manage a wide variety of projects near my home office in Tennessee, but also provide support for vapor related projects across the country. The national work includes consultation regarding vapor intrusion, design of vapor mitigation systems, and ongoing operations and testing of these systems.” It’s a role Hall enjoys, from both a collaborative and long-term perspective. He continues, “I enjoy the people that I work with, and I continue to take satisfaction from helping Terracon become a national leader in the vapor intrusion and mitigation world.”
Working with Land Science to Solve Vapor Intrusion Challenges
When it comes to working with REGENESIS and its vapor Intrusion division, Land Science, Hall appreciates the company’s vast array of available products and solutions and knowing their solutions have been researched and proven to be successful in the field. “REGENESIS offers a solid stable of products, and they’ve put the resources into testing those products,” shares Hall. “We’ve had a number of occasions where we were trying to iron out grey areas in a spec, and REGENESIS stepped up to provide documentation that saved the day.” While Terracon Consultants, Inc. uses a variety of REGENESIS products, Hall himself is particularly involved with their vapor mitigation products, such as Geo-Seal®, which is marketed under the company’s Land Science® division. When asked what he considers the best part of his job, Hall points to the day-to-day aspects of providing the most effective solutions for his clients. “I enjoy solving difficult challenges, along with brainstorming and collaborating with some exceptional minds at Terracon. I also appreciate is the opportunity to mentor younger staff.” It’s this aspect of working with young environmental engineers that Hall feels will help Terracon Consultants, Inc. continue to thrive in the years ahead. He shares, “Terracon’s mission is to deliver success for our employees, clients, and communities. It’s been awesome to watch each of these materialize over the past several years.” An employee-owned company, Terracon Consultants, Inc. provides environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services throughout the U.S., and includes over 4,000 employees in more than 140 offices, enabling the firm to provide state-of-the-art services in all 50 states. The company is currently ranked 24th on Engineering News-Record’s ENR list of Top 500 Design Firms.
Originally from Tennessee, Hall began his career while living in the San Francisco Bay Area, before relocating back to Tennessee to join Terracon Consultants, Inc. He lives in Nashville, and as one might guess, loves music, especially live music. He continues, “I’m a big fan of music, and I’m active in the rock and pop scene here in Nashville. And yes, there is a lot more than just country music in Nashville! I’m also an avid homebrewer, and probably spend more weekends than I should tinkering with brewing and fermentation equipment.” To stay current in his field of study, Hall regularly attends company-sponsored events through Terracon Consultants, Inc., which often includes panel or roundtable discussions. He shares, “We have practice resource groups (PRGs) within Terracon, which consist of some of our top engineers and geologists in specific sectors of the environmental practice. I chair the Vapor PRG, and am a member of the Remediation PRG. These meetings are often a forum where we share new information that we may have learned from conferences, presentations, publications, webinars, regulators, or the “school of hard knocks”, from our own unique experiences.”
The Future of Remediation and Vapor Intrusion Technologies
When asked what he sees for the future of environmental remediation, Hall feels the burden of culpability and accountability within the industry may be casting a long shadow. “I’m concerned that it is going to be less about science, and more about liability protection in the future. It’s also going to be very interesting to see how the emerging contaminants today (PFAS, PFOA) play out in the municipal water supplies. Something that prevalent in our society is going to be hard to clean up to the levels that the risk-based models are generating.” He also feels the industry will need to adapt to new pollutants and toxins in the future. “I’ll be watching to see what happens with emerging contaminants in the coming years, and how the industry as a whole addresses it. From a soil and groundwater perspective, I think we’re going to start to see more risk-based closures with land use restrictions, including vapor mitigation systems. From a vapor perspective, I think we are going to see more innovation in the testing, operations and maintenance side of mitigation systems.” And what suggestions would he have for those considering a career in his industry? “Find a good mentor and really listen to them. There are few out there that have taught me immeasurable amounts just from having the opportunity to work with them. Listening is key. I’d also suggest a dose of humility with clients. I’ve seen too many of my peers try to tell the client what they need, when oftentimes the client is calling to tell you what they need. And lastly, you’ve got to love to learn, and learn from every failure. We often work in an environment where we can’t see what’s below the ground, so things are going to happen that you don’t expect. It takes time to build up a repertoire of enough failures to make you a great remediation engineer.”
REGENESIS is proud to have Matt Hall, Senior Engineer and Senior Project Manager at Terracon Consultants, Inc., as a valued client and partner in environmental remediation, and appreciates his wealth of knowledge and diverse contributions in making a difference in successful remediation outcomes for REGENESIS and its clients.
When to Use Continuous Monitoring to Resolve Vapor Intrusion Challenges
Several common questions arise when investigating a site for potential vapor intrusion related challenges. Often it is difficult to discern whether vapor intrusion is occurring and if so, where it is entering the building. Additionally, it is important to be able to identify the composition of intruding vapors, because certain harmful vapors such as trichloroethylene (TCE) require immediate action to minimize health risks and associated liabilities. Once vapor intrusion is discovered and mitigation ensues, an added concern is whether or not the mitigation achieved key risk reduction objectives or actually increased potential exposures. In the past, each of these concerns has been difficult to address with traditional canister and sorbent sample monitoring methods because of their propensity for false positive and false negative conclusions and insufficient sampling resolution in dynamic settings. However, technological developments over the past decade have rendered continuous monitoring platforms viable and cost-effective solutions capable of addressing each of these concerns.
VaporSafeTM, an automated laboratory grade analytical and reporting solution developed by Groundswell Technologies and Hartman Environmental Geoscience, is a near real-time continuous vapor monitoring and response platform capable of tracking chemical concentrations from up to 30 locations as far as 300m from the instrument. This system is used to assess whether vapor intrusion is an issue, determine the vapor composition, distinguish between indoor sources and vapor intrusion, and to quickly identify vapor entry locations. VaporSafe is particularly useful for sites experiencing trichloroethylene (TCE) vapor intrusion concerns because these sites require rapid response to minimize health risks and associated liabilities. Unlike traditional monitoring methods, VaporSafe responds to acute TCE risks within minutes – well before an exposure duration of concern has transpired.
The VaporSafe data patterns enable rapid resolution and advancement to the next step in the site management process. As such, this technology can be integrated into projects during several phases: during initial screening and due diligence efforts; when monitoring to confirm no risk; to rapidly identify vapor entry points; to distinguish between indoor sources and vapor intrusion; to optimize mitigation systems; and to prevent current and future exposures through automated response. Because this technology produces key patterns and correlations within hours, it is also useful for efficiently resolving questions during escrow for property transactions and Brownfield redevelopment efforts. VaporSafe makes it possible to anticipate and correct problems before concentration levels become acute – saving time, money and energy. For more information, go to groundswelltech.com/VaporSafe.