January 2021 Land Science Newsletter
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The Center for Freshwater Research and Education at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Michigan was undergoing a $14.5 million expansion to replace its successful aquatic research lab. Tri-Media Environmental & Engineering’s Maura Pliska, the environmental project manager working with LSSU, recommended TerraShield Aluminum Nitrile Vapor Barrier to ensure a safe and healthy environment for LSSU’s learning community. Balancing the concerns of cost, speed and effectiveness, TerraShield was chosen because it offers the highest level of chemical resistance of any vapor barrier on the market today, protecting against any possible level of vapor intrusion.
TerraShield is a significant step forward for vapor intrusion barriers. Employing an innovative metalized film technology in combination with a versatile spray-applied nitrile core, TerraShield provides superior chemical resistance over any existing vapor barrier currently on the market. It is the ideal vapor mitigation solution for residential, industrial, and commercial developments with volatile contaminant impacts that represent significant health hazards and economic liabilities.
A new indoor sports training facility in Michigan includes two open-field playing areas, encompassing approximately 20,000 square feet. The facility was constructed near a former landfill, and a combination of soil gases act as potential vapor intrusion sources, including methane, petroleum hydrocarbons, and chlorinated solvents. The building’s foundation consists of caissons with grade beams in the areas spanning the waste material and trench footings along the edges. The engineering consultant, SME, compared the soil gas results to the listed screening levels to support the design of the vapor mitigation system. The project development team selected MonoShield® over a 20-mil, taped-seam vapor barrier due to its superior chemical resistance and quality control testing by a Land Science certified applicator, making the application more efficient and providing a high degree of confidence to the project stakeholders.
Land Science Sheds Light on How Office Worker Migration Trends Intensify Vapor Intrusion Concerns
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “new normal” for office workers post-COVID-19 is expected to look very different from today’s landscape, with leading experts projecting a move away from traditional high-rise offices toward new construction of low-rise industrial parks that enable continued social distancing. Land Science, a division of REGENESIS, is actively addressing the increased vapor intrusion risk resulting from the rising trend in new office park construction on brownfields and other environmentally distressed properties—in an aim to mitigate the long-term health risks these contaminants pose to workers.
COVID-19 is Driving a Trend Away from Traditional Office Workspaces
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a dramatic shift in workplace geography as workers moved from centralized office locations to home-based offices. Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom, a leading researcher studying the work-from-home trend, notes: “[An] incredible 42 percent of the U.S. labor force is now working from home full time.” Bloom also suggests that new office building construction will be altered post-COVID-19 based on an increased desire for social distancing. He states, “instead of building more office skyscrapers – which has been the dominant theme over the past 40 years – I predict that COVID-19 will dramatically shift the trend to industrial parks with low-rise buildings.”
The predicted shift to new office spaces at former industrial parks matches established construction trends in the residential and mixed-use building sectors. Due to inexpensive land, tax credits and other incentives, redevelopment of these former brownfields into living and retail space has been robust during the past decade.
Increase in Risks to Exposure of Potential Toxic Chemical Vapors
This office worker migration trend will result in a significant increased risk for worker exposure to potentially toxic chemical vapors left behind from past industrial activity. Chemical vapors are formed when substances containing chlorinated solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons or other volatile compounds commonly used in industry are spilled or improperly disposed of. Over time, these chemicals migrate through soil, contaminating groundwater and forming chemical vapor plumes.
Building occupants might be at risk of exposure to indoor air containing these vapors if a building is constructed within a contaminant vapor plume footprint. Inhalation of chemical vapors is often hazardous to human health, even at indoor air concentrations not detected by smell.
Effective Contaminant Vapor Barriers Address Risk
Land Science’s vapor intrusion mitigation systems incorporate the latest technological advances to offer the highest chemical protection available. These advanced systems comprise patented, state-of-the-art materials, including metalized films and nitrile-modified asphalt sealants that offer up to one-hundred times more chemical protection than other vapor intrusion mitigation systems like plastic sheets with taped seams and spray-applied waterproofing “boots.”
While offering the highest level of protection against vapor intrusion, these systems are often easier and faster to install and are priced competitively. Brownfield property developers are rapidly increasing the incorporation of these systems into their building plans as a means to address any potential vapor intrusion risk, known or unknown, and to ensure development stays on schedule.
Preemptive Installation May Be Less Expensive Than Investigation and Monitoring
A vapor mitigation system’s cost is insignificant relative to a new building project, and Land Science’s certified applicators can install these advanced systems quickly without delaying construction.
Comparative cost analyses have shown that it is often less expensive to proactively install a contaminant vapor barrier rather than investigate and monitor whether it is needed. Once installed, these vapor mitigation systems provide a high level of assurance for personal safety. According to the U.S. EPA’s Brownfields Technology Primer: “Incorporating relatively inexpensive mitigation (prevention) techniques into the construction of new buildings, rather than retrofitting them later, will result in significant cost savings and help avoid the occurrence of vapor intrusion in the future.”
ABOUT REGENESIS and LAND SCIENCE: Founded in 1994, REGENESIS is an expert provider of in situ soil, groundwater, and vapor intrusion remediation products and services. Land Science, a division of REGENESIS, offers a full line of vapor intrusion mitigation technologies and is the safe and effective choice for leading engineering, construction, and environmental consulting firms serving a broad range of clients, including developers, insurance companies, manufacturers, municipalities, regulatory agencies, and federal, state and local governments.
©2021 All rights reserved. REGENESIS and PlumeStop, are registered trademarks of Regenesis Bioremediation Products Inc.
Contacts
MEDIA CONTACT:
Leslie Licano, Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc.
regenesis@beyondfifteen.com; 949.733.8679
December 2020 Land Science Newsletter
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In Sacramento, CA, Roebbelen Contracting Inc. was engaged by their client to build an electrical substation in the downtown area. Due to extensive industrial use at the site historically, heavy subsurface contamination posed a significant vapor intrusion risk. As a result, the development was in need of an effective vapor mitigation system as part of the construction project. The environmental consultant at the site recommended TerraShield from Land Science. TerraShield offers the highest level of chemical resistance because of its nitrile asphalt latex spray-applied core and metalized film, providing the highest level of protection from contaminant vapors available on the market today.
Nitra-Seal® is a new advanced nitrile composite barrier system. It represents an update/improvement on current vapor barrier systems. An acknowledged weakness in these systems is in the penetration and perimeter termination locations, where spray-applied core material composed of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) latex/asphalt is used. Nitra-Seal offers a substantial upgrade as it employs a more chemically resistant nitrile latex instead of the more susceptible SBR latex. Nitra-Seal is a composite system creating the ideal blend between constructability and chemical resistance by using both high density polyethylene (HDPE) and nitrile-advanced, spray-applied asphalt core. Learn more and download the product brochure below.
November 2020 Land Science Newsletter
5 Reasons to Consider a Preemptive Vapor Barrier to Protect Your Property Investment
Historically, easily-punctured thin-mil plastic sheets or inflexible and difficult-to-seal High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Barriers were the only option for vapor mitigation at large warehouses or sites where regulatory requirements were not a driving risk factor. These solutions offered either chemical resistance or constructability, but not both. Composed of an innovative, metalized-film, MonoShield sets the standard for preventing diffusion and permeation of chemical vapors. Its nitrile-based asphalt latex ensures a seal far more effective and easier to apply than tape-based or heat-welded systems. Download the ebook to learn more.
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Vapor intrusion occurs when there is migration of vapor-forming chemicals from any subsurface contaminant source into an overlying building. When vapor intrusion is detected, it becomes necessary to design a solution to mitigate the problem. Retro-Coat™, a chemically resistant coating designed to resist aggressive chemical vapors, is a cost-effective technology with many advantages over alternative options for existing structures and has been gaining popularity and acceptance as an effective vapor intrusion mitigation strategy. To learn more about the benefits of Retro-Coat, download the eBook.November 2020 Land Science Newsletter
5 Reasons to Consider a Preemptive Vapor Barrier to Protect Your Property Investment
Historically, easily-punctured thin-mil plastic sheets or inflexible and difficult-to-seal High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Barriers were the only option for vapor mitigation at large warehouses or sites where regulatory requirements were not a driving risk factor. These solutions offered either chemical resistance or constructability, but not both. Composed of an innovative, metalized-film, MonoShield sets the standard for preventing diffusion and permeation of chemical vapors. Its nitrile-based asphalt latex ensures a seal far more effective and easier to apply than tape-based or heat-welded systems. Download the ebook to learn more.
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October 2020 Land Science Newsletter
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A large automotive and supply company planned to build its new corporate headquarters on a 4.5-acre brownfield site recently acquired in Southfield, MI. Soil and groundwater sampling on the property revealed the presence of trichloroethylene (TCE) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). TCE was also identified in soil gas beneath the site. Within the footprint of the planned building itself, contaminant concentrations were found to be in excess of applicable indoor air quality screening levels. Recognizing the unique characteristics of the site as well as the significant levels of contamination present, 
Scott Wilson
Ryan Miller
REGENESIS Expands U.S. Manufacturing and Distribution Operations
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–REGENESIS, the recognized leader in soil and groundwater remediation solutions and vapor intrusion mitigation technologies, is proud to announce it has expanded its operations to include a new state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution warehouse strategically located outside of Nashville, Tenn. Enhancing the production and warehousing of its Land Science division’s full-suite of vapor mitigation technologies and REGENESIS’ soil and groundwater remediation solutions offers clients greater flexibility, while providing improved control over delivery times due to the facility’s central location.
“REGENESIS and Land Science have established a reputation for going above and beyond in the service of our clients”
The facility spans six acres and offers 70,000 square feet of office, lab and warehousing space. REGENESIS is investing significant time and money in retrofitting the former brownfield site (which previously housed a wire manufacturing operation) with the latest in temperature-controlled storage, a QA/QC lab and milling capabilities, among other key features. In addition, REGENESIS is committed to improving the site with green initiatives that include reforesting the land.
“Keeping pace with demand for our popular and effective environmental solutions made the decision to expand a simple one,” Scott Wilson, president and CEO of REGENESIS and Land Science, explains. “Our clients have come to expect exceptional service and proven results and we believe the new facility positions us well for continued growth and future demand. Plus, this new facility’s central location will allow us to reach two-thirds of the U.S. population within two days.”
The expansion is also a response to the growing market for Land Science’s technologies. In just the last year, Land Science, the industry leader in vapor intrusion mitigation solutions, announced a new and greatly improved suite of vapor barrier systems that offer up to 100 times the chemical resistance of other barrier systems on the market. The new products address a wide spectrum of sites and offer the safest and most-effective vapor barrier solutions currently available. More than five million square feet have been installed to date.
REGENESIS’ popular PlumeStop micron-scale activated carbon technology designed to inhibit the spread of contaminant plumes has also driven the need to expand. PlumeStop is the only in situ amendment effectively addressing PFAS risk. It can be applied under low-pressure injection, which solves the problem of excessive costs incurred with pump and treat systems. Through the use of a proprietary organic polymer dispersion chemistry, the activated carbon achieves high distribution through the subsurface and removes contaminants like PFAS rapidly from groundwater.
Committed to delivering the safest, most effective remediation solutions on the market, REGENESIS is dedicated to ensuring on-time delivery and quality control, while continuing to push the envelope on improving performance and ease of installation across its environmental solutions. Its new cutting-edge manufacturing and distribution facility reflects its commitment to excellence.
“REGENESIS and Land Science have established a reputation for going above and beyond in the service of our clients,” concludes Wilson. “Our commitment to developing groundbreaking environmental solutions is unparalleled in the industry and we are excited about the next chapter in our company’s history.”
For more information about Land Science’s full line of vapor barrier systems, please visit www.landsciencetech.com or reach out to your regional technical representative. For more information about PlumeStop and how it is effectively addressing PFAS, go to www.pfastreatment.org.
ABOUT REGENESIS and LAND SCIENCE: Founded in 1994, REGENESIS is an expert provider of in situ soil, groundwater and vapor intrusion remediation products and services. Land Science, a division of REGENESIS, offers a full line of vapor intrusion mitigation technologies and is the safe and effective choice for leading engineering, construction and environmental consulting firms serving a broad range of clients, including developers, insurance companies, manufacturers, municipalities, regulatory agencies and federal, state and local governments.
©2020 All rights reserved. PlumeStop, Land Science, and TerraShield, are registered trademarks of Regenesis Bioremediation Products Inc.
September 2020 Land Science Newsletter
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August 2020 Land Science Newsletter
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This vapor intrusion mitigation case study produced in partnership with 
Nitra-Seal™ is a new advanced nitrile composite barrier system. It represents an update/improvement on current vapor barrier systems. An acknowledged weakness in these systems is in the penetration and perimeter termination locations, where spray-applied core material composed of Styrene-Butadiene (SB) latex/ asphalt is used. Nitra-Seal offers a substantial upgrade as it employs a more chemically resistant nitrile latex instead of the more susceptible SB latex. Nitra-Seal is a composite system creating the ideal blend between constructability and chemical resistance by using both high density polyethylene (HDPE) and nitrile-advanced, spray-applied asphalt core. Learn more and download the product brochure below.
Mark Quimby
July 2020 Land Science Newsletter
Ben Alter, Senior Vice President and Principal of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., a leading environmental engineering and consulting services firm, has amassed a deep reservoir of applied experience, which includes 22 years at GZA, as well as authoring books about the fundamentals of environmental consulting. With a role at GZA that includes meeting prospective clients, entering into contracts with them, and then overseeing that the contracts are executed properly, Alter is in many ways contributing to help sustain our environment, while also impacting the future success of GZA.
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This video shows a time lapse of a MonoShield application by S&H Waterproofing and Construction. 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, standard industry warranty, and a network of certified applicators who can ensure quality installation.
