Over the past
decade, regulations have shifted from the concept of total cleanups that virtually eliminate contaminants from a site to remediation
designed to control the risk of harmful effects. For those responsible for financing cleanups, this is a very important
concept. If a site can be remediated by defining and then eliminating risk, significant dollars can be saved compared to cleanups
that physically remove every last part per billion of the contaminant. Since 1977, Brickhouse Environmental’s scientists
have worked on nearly every size and type of soil and groundwater cleanup from impacted drinking water aquifers to heating
oil spills that have saturated the backfill around home foundations. Brickhouse Environmental has a proven track record in
the successful remediation of soil and groundwater contamination and over the years have brought value to hundreds of clients.
Soil
Vapor Intrusion Investigations
Historically, cleanup decisions were based
on concerns associated with potential direct exposure to affected soil and/or groundwater, without consideration of the potential
inhalation exposure if vapors migrated from shallow soil or groundwater into buildings. Within the last 5 years, however,
regulatory agencies have placed an increased emphasis on vapor intrusion as a pathway contributing to the exposure of workers
or residents occupying affected buildings. Vapor intrusion develops when rapidly evaporating (volatile) chemicals found in
polluted soil and groundwater make their way into the air of overlying buildings, similar to the way radon gas seeps into
homes. Brickhouse Environmental’s strength in the blending of hydrogeology, contaminant chemistry, sound field data
collection, as well as analytical data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) in the execution of soil vapor investigations
provides clients with assurance and the resolution required by regulatory identities.
Brownfields Redevelopment
Since its inception in 1995, EPA's Brownfields
Program has grown into a proven, results-oriented program that has changed the way contaminated properties are perceived,
addressed, and managed. A brownfield is a property which’s use may be complicated by the presence or potential presence
of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. With acceptance of the “Brownfields” approach, properties
that were once considered environmental white elephants are being remediated and put to beneficial use. Our experience and
expertise in developing risk-based clean-up standards and site remediation offers our clients several alternative approaches
from which they may select the most appropriate remedy for their site-specific needs.
Act 2 Liability Releases (Pennsylvania)
In 1995,
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) passed the Land Recycling and Environmental Standards Act
(Act 2). As a result, the Land Recycling Program was developed to provide special incentives to encourage the redevelopment
of old industrial properties. Commercial and industrial sites with known environmental concerns can now be cleaned up and
returned to productive use at a reasonable cost, and without the inherent liabilities which previously followed the properties.
Brickhouse Environmental has positioned itself as a leader in the implementation of Act 2 to benefit the industrial and development
communities. We have developed strong relationships within the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s
(PADEP’s) Land Recycling staff, which can be advantageous in expediting approvals through this complex and often time-consuming
process. Under Act 2, we have successfully acquired Releases of Cleanup Liability at over 60 sites, including demonstrating
attainment Site Specific, Special Industrial, Statewide Health and Background Standards.
ISRA (Industrial Site Recovery Act) Investigations(New Jersey)
Brickhouse Environmental recognizes that the common strategic
goal of developing reasonable, cost-effective, risk-based approaches for remediation and redevelopment
of impacted properties must be tailored to the regulatory climate of the state in which the property is located. New Jersey
was among the earliest states to adopt detailed procedural requirements for environmental investigations and remedial actions,
primarily under its Underground Storage Tank (UST) and Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA) (formerly ECRA) programs. Brickhouse
Environmental has been managing New Jersey projects under both voluntary and compliance-driven programs throughout the evolution
of those requirements, policies and guidelines. We have developed good relationships with the state regulatory staff,
a strong familiarity with the hydrogeologic settings throughout the state, and a deep and up-to-date understanding of New
Jersey regulations. With our experience at many New Jersey sites, we have successfully helped our clients readily navigate
the complex paths towards compliance and case closure.
Superfund Sites
Superfund is the Federal government's program to clean
up the nation's uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. Under the Superfund program, abandoned, accidentally
spilled, or illegally dumped hazardous wastes that pose a current or future threat to human health or the environment are
cleaned up. To accomplish its mission, EPA works closely with communities, Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs), scientists,
researchers, contractors, and state, local, tribal, and Federal authorities. Together with these groups, EPA identifies hazardous
waste sites, tests the conditions of the sites, formulates cleanup plans, and cleans up the sites. Brickhouse Environmental
has provided environmental consulting services on various Superfund Sites in Pennsylvania.
Underground Tank Removal/Closure
Brickhouse Environmental’s quick response and extensive experience with
regulatory negotiations can minimize problems associated with USTs, whether on-site or previously removed, and regardless
of whether the potential contaminants stored in those tanks have leaked, spilled or migrated into soil and groundwater. The
company prides itself on its ability to remediate properties and negotiate with appropriate authorities to establish new clean-up
standards and help its clients obtain needed releases from clean-up liability.
Home Heating Oil Spills
Since 1977, Brickhouse Environmental’s scientists
have responded to heating oil spills, helping to rapidly resolve impacts in order to minimize costs and long-term liability
for clients. Our senior staff, with more than 100 combined years of experience investigating such problems, has developed
an in-depth knowledge of how petroleum products behave in the subsurface environment. Equally important, our scientists and
engineers continually monitor the evolving federal and state regulations governing the cleanup of fuel oil spills.
![[insert Superfund.jpg]](sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/UST_Closure.JPG.w300h225.jpg "[insert Superfund.jpg]")
