SCS periodically prepares technical bulletins to highlight items of interest to our clients and friends. These are published on our website. This SCS Technical Bulletin addresses the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). The purpose of specific sections are consolidated and explained by SCS professionals; specifically:
SCS Engineers welcomes the sharing of resources and respects your privacy – we do not track what is shared from our website. Use the icons featured at left to share this information using your email or social media.
SCS will continually update coverage of this issue on our website blog and SCS social media channels on LinkedIn and Facebook. To follow SCS on social media click the respective icon at the top of our home page.
If you have any questions regarding this technical bulletin, feel free to contact your local SCS Engineers representative, email us at , or contact our professionals listed on the Technical Bulletin.
At the upcoming USWAG CCR Workshop Feb 22-23 in Arlington, VA, Steve Lamb and Floyd Cotter of SCS Engineers will present a session about the advantages and disadvantages of emerging alternative capping options, and how different regulatory agencies are viewing these options.
About this Session: Traditional final cover and capping design for coal combustion residual (CCR) surface impoundments and landfills have included compacted soil liner, geomembrane liner, drainage layer, and a vegetative soil cover. But coal-fired plants oftentimes don’t have the large volumes of soil that it takes to implement these options.
Alternative capping options have recently emerged in the industry such as exposed geomembrane liners or synthetic turf/geomembrane liner systems. Some of these alternative capping options have many advantages over their traditional counterparts. These advantages include faster installation times, minimal need for soil, improved storm water quality, and reduced maintenance and post-closure costs. For surface impoundments, alternative capping designs can also greatly reduce the amount of disturbance of the existing CCR material within the impoundment.
About Steve Lamb: Steve Lamb, PE provides SCS with over 27 years of experience in solid and hazardous waste management, environmental engineering, civil engineering, hydrology and hydraulics, landfill engineering, remedial design, and regulatory compliance. Mr. Lamb is a Vice President and director of SCS’s Charlotte, NC office.
About Floyd Cotter: Floyd Cotter specializes in solid waste management projects. His project work involves all areas of solid waste management including planning, permitting, transportation, landfill design, construction, and monitoring. Mr. Cotter is also experienced in general civil engineering, construction oversight, environmental site assessments, closure and post-closure plans, and permit and contract document preparation.
“Dave Hostetter sets the example of how an honorable, dynamic, and experienced engineer acts at SCS,” said Paul Mandeville, Senior Vice President and Director of SCS’s offices on the east coast. “Dave serves as a model of what young professionals and students should strive to become in their professional careers; we are very proud of him.”
Dave Hostetter, a recent graduate of the SAME DC Post’s 2015 Leadership Lab was honored to receive the Society of American Military Engineers Honorable Mention for Outstanding Contributions by Young Civilian Member. Dave is a registered professional engineer, a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) through the U.S. Green Building Council, and a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) at SCS Engineers.
Throughout his career he has focused on three things: using his engineering skills to make a difference in the world, serving his clients wholeheartedly, and mentoring others. These guiding principles have led him through many fields of engineering from HVAC and plumbing engineering to energy engineering to landfill gas engineering to controls system engineering.
From 2012 to 2013 Dave was the site project manager for a large retro-commissioning project of two hospitals in the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 3. More than 1,500,000 square feet of building space were retro-commissioned. Throughout this project, he worked diligently to identify hundreds of issues with the building HVAC systems and create recommendations for each one. His recommendations were projected to save the VA approximately $200,000 / year and have an average payback period of approximately 0.2 years.
In 2016 Dave engineered and installed a unique environmental monitoring system for a client at a port in New Jersey. The client had an air monitoring program which required them to monitor the air quality at six different points around the port on a daily basis. Their original process was time-consuming and was, therefore expensive. Dave engineered and installed a system of wireless sensors which communicate air monitoring data back to an online database. This online database allows the client to view current and historical data, it automatically generates a daily summary report, and it sends out alarms when one of the measured parameters exceeds its alarm setpoint. This new system has reduced the client’s expenditure on labor, saved costs and resources, and increased their ability to understand and respond to the results from their environmental monitoring system.
Dave mentors other young professionals at SCS by involving them in real life hands-on engineering projects. These projects include some sort of equipment installation or troubleshooting work which allows the young engineers to actually see how things are installed, ask good questions on how things work, get face-to-face time with a senior level engineer, and learn valuable lessons on risk and safety management in specific situations.
Dave’s expertise was developed as the result of SCS professionals taking the time to mentor him in the same manner, and his goal is to pass the learning technique and knowledge on to others.
Dave lives the SCS Engineers mission statement to:
Clients trust him for his honest and comprehensive approach to their challenges. Dave takes ownership of his work and puts in the time and effort to deliver excellent results and maintain a great relationship with his clients.
Congratulations, Dave!
The Society of American Military Engineers recognized SCS Engineers for their 15 years of service and volunteer support at the District of Columbia post this month. The award was presented by Commander Craig Clutts of the US Navy, the Outgoing DC Post President.
On hand to receive the award for SCS was John Tabella, PG, LEED AP®, National Expert for Environmental Due Diligence and for Federal Services; Heather Blake (pictured), Federal Marketing Coordinator, and Dave Hostetter, PE, LEED AP®, and CEM at SCS Engineers.
SCS Engineers has a very long track record of solving environmental and energy management, solid waste, hazardous waste, water, and air compliance challenges. Approaches we pioneered include risk-based cleanups, voluntary cleanups, accelerated investigations, presumptive and sustainable remedies, environmental management systems, energy systems, and waste minimization. These approaches are at the forefront of local and Federal environmental and energy programs today.
SCS provides professional engineering and scientific services with a focus on environmental protection and conservation of resources. Our clients come back because we find practical approaches to even the most complex environmental challenges.
SCS’s environmental services supporting COMM22, a mixed-use, mixed-income redevelopment project in San Diego will be recognized at Environmental Industry Summit XV
When the Environmental Business Journal (EBJ) presents its 19th annual Business Achievement awards this March, SCS Engineers will receive an award of Project Merit: Redevelopment, for its investigation and design program for COMM22, a multi-family residential development by BRIDGE Housing.
COMM22 is a mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented development built on a former bus maintenance facility. SCS addressed several issues including underground storage tanks and the testing of fill soils. The firm’s pre-construction characterization and three-dimensional data analysis resulted in time and budget savings.
“Our remediation effort on this property ensured that human health and the environment were protected as cost-effectively as possible,” said Dan Johnson, vice president of SCS. “Affordable housing is important to San Diego communities and we applaud the work of BRIDGE Housing and the collaboration it takes to create urban projects like this.”
BRIDGE Housing Corporation, a leading nonprofit developer of affordable housing, creates and manages a range of high-quality, affordable homes for working families and seniors. Since it was founded in 1983, BRIDGE has participated in the development of over 16,000 homes in California and the Pacific Northwest.
More award-winning redevelopment projects of interest:
Petco Park and East Redevelopment – San Diego
Emerald Ridge Homes – East Alton
NFL Stadium Site – Los Angeles
Commercial Real Estate Transactions blog
The complexity of regulations that govern the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) is growing. We expect the pace of change will also increase based on recent headlines. To help you successfully address these ever-changing regulations and stay focused on serving your customers, SCS Engineers uses our Advice From the Field blog and Technical Bulletins.
Using the SCS Advice blog we recently posted a short overview of the WIIN Act and highlights of how the Act is being received. This is just the start. In the coming weeks and months, SCS Engineers’ staff will bring you timely, relevant updates and interpretations of the WIIN Act and other changing regulations. Most importantly, we’ll recommend what to do next, steps you should consider taking and when to take them so that you’re ready for whatever changes come.
Follow the SCS blog on LinkedIn or Facebook for the latest information about coal combustion residuals regulations, and to participate in the conversation that’s shaping our industry. Or contact us at if you have questions.
SCS periodically prepares Technical Bulletins to highlight items of interest to our clients and friends. These are published on our website. For example, this SCS Technical Bulletin addresses Inactive Surface Impoundments and EPA Direct Final Rules for Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities.
About Eric Nelson, SCS Engineers CCR National Expert
“I was afraid a consultant might give into the temptation to recommend extreme measures for personal financial gain, but SCS Engineers is not like that. They gave me and my buyers just what we needed.” ─ Patti Filkins | Mt. Horeb, WI
Today’s commercial real estate transactions both large and small must take environmental issues into consideration. Complex laws and rules can impose significant environmental liabilities on purchasers, sellers, and lenders, whether or not they caused an environmental problem, and whether or not they still own the property.
SCS’s nationwide presence and expertise make us the consultant of choice for companies requiring environmental due diligence on portfolios of properties with multiple locations throughout the country that require a quick turnaround. We have the capacity to expedite multiple, concurrent investigations, giving the parties adequate time to make informed decisions regarding potential liabilities.
We also serve individuals, like Patti Filkins (link to testimonial). SCS Engineers has conducted thousands of environmental assessments in connection with business transactions throughout North America and around the world. We offer a range of due diligence services, from Desktop Reviews to Phase I Environmental Site Assessments to Environmental Regulatory Compliance Reviews, for all types of assets. SCS has particular expertise in solid waste facilities and specialized industrial and manufacturing operations.
We have considerable experience supporting environmental due diligence for corporate mergers and acquisitions. SCS is particularly valuable evaluating environmental and operational risks to supporting private equity recapitalization used to fund solid waste infrastructure expansion.
Our staff includes engineers, geologists, hydrogeologists, risk assessment specialists, real estate experts, and other environmental professionals. Environmental regulation is complex. No matter how big or small the property, approaches to addressing hazardous substance contamination must satisfy local, state, and Federal requirements.
Lenders, insurance companies, buyers, and sellers trust our professionals to know and perform what is necessary to make a property safe and always within environmental compliance guidelines and the law.
Learn more about these services at SCS. Each link takes you to our services and related case studies, articles, and events:
Simply have a question? Contact our technical and business professionals at .
Listed here are the names and short bios of those currently serving on the transition team and new members announced by Catherine McCabe on Monday, January 23.
Catherine R. McCabe is EPA’s Acting Administrator. Previously, she served as the Deputy Regional Administrator of EPA’s Region 2 in New York City. In this position, she assisted the Regional Administrator in overseeing the Region’s operations and regional implementation of all EPA programs in the States of New York and New Jersey, in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She has also been a member of the national EPA’s Executive Management Council.
Mike Flynn serves as the Acting Deputy Administrator of EPA. Previously, he was EPA’s Associate Deputy Administrator, serving as a key advisor to the Deputy Administrator on management and policy issues. He was the Director of the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air in OAR for six years, where he expanded federal action to address health risks from radon exposure indoors, enhanced EPA’s preparedness for radiation emergencies and played a role in the Agency’s response to the 2011 Japanese nuclear incident.
Newly Announced:
Layne Bangerter is an Idaho native who most recently worked with Sen. Crapo. He has experience in the natural resources world related to farming and ranching.
Don Benton, Senior White House Advisor, is from Washington State and served in the State Senate there for 20 years. Don has a history in the private sector in addition to his service as the head of a large county environmental office in Washington.
Patrick Davis is a political consultant and strategist. Since 1992, he has advised candidates for President, Governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, and state/local offices. Patrick is an organizational, strategic, and communications consultant to corporations, issue committees, and non-profits.
Doug Ericksen, Communications Director, is a Washington State native and a current member of the Washington State Senate. Senator Ericksen has a background in energy and environmental policy. He holds a B.A. in Government from Cornell University and an M.A. in Environmental Policy.
Holly Greaves, Budget Issues, has a background in government accounting and Federal financial management. Ms. Greaves previously worked as a senior manager with KPMG and with the public accounting firm EY. She is a licensed CPA, CISA, and CGFM.
David Kreutzer finished nine years with the Heritage Foundation as Senior Research Fellow in Energy, Economics, and Climate Change. David taught economics at Ohio University for three years and at James Madison University for 22 years. His academic research has been published in numerous professional publications.
Charles Munoz, White House Liaison, comes to the EPA from Nevada, where he served in key capacities for Americans for Prosperity. For the last two years, Charles served The Donald J. Trump campaign in several high-level positions.
David Schnare, Esq., Ph.D., is an attorney and environmental scientist returning to EPA after a 41-year career in the field of environmental science, with 33 of those years at EPA. Most recently, Dr. Schnare has been associated with the Free-Market Environmental Law Clinic, The Energy and Environment Legal Institute and the Center for Environmental Stewardship at the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.
Justin Schwab, Legal Advisor, is an environmental and regulatory lawyer currently practicing in the Washington, D.C., area. Justin will be serving as a legal advisor on several fronts including environmental health and safety, in addition to other key areas of implementing EPA’s core mission.
George Sugiyama brings over 30 years of EPA experience with him to the transition team. George will be serving as a senior advisor to the team.
If you have questions about how regulatory policies could impact your business or service, please contact SCS Engineers for answers. SCS is a leader in environmental compliance solutions for business and industry.
The authors of this white paper entitled “Collapsing Range of an Endemic Great Plains Minnow, Peppered Chub Macrhybopsis tetranema,” examine range-wide declines in both abundance and distribution of the Peppered Chub from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Habitat loss and fragmentation include dams, loss of perineal flows, and alteration of flow regimes (flooding). These habitat alterations impact the spawning needs of pelagic-spawning fish and jeopardize the survivability of this species within its historical range. It is estimated that the Peppered Chub has been extirpated from more than 90% of its historic range.
A recovery plan for the Peppered Chub might consider restoration and maintenance of adequate seasonal fluctuating river flows, removal of barriers, and repatriation to river reaches that have experienced extirpation.
The authors suggest repatriation or supplemental stocking as is done elsewhere for small- bodied cyprinids as a necessary first step in recovery, but this alone might not be sustainable or sufficient without taking the proper actions to remedy habitat deficiencies. Specifically, removing or modifying to allow fish passage the remaining barriers impeding upstream recolonization of rivers throughout the species’ historical range and maintaining adequate seasonal river flows to support juvenile survival is likely necessary for recruitment.
Construction of a fish passage structure on the Arkansas River in Wichita, Kansas was recently completed in 2010. This fish passage was built with the passage of small-bodied fishes as a primary function and has already allowed for the recolonization of Emerald Shiner Notropis atherinoides into a reach of river from which the species was previously extirpated. This suggests that fish passage structures such as this can restore upstream connectivity for small-bodied Great Plains fishes.
The Authors:
CASEY A. PENNOCK and KEITH B. GIDO
Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506
JOSHUAH S. PERKIN
Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville 38505
VAUGHN D. WEAVER
SCS Engineers, Wichita, Kansas 67226
STEPHEN R. DAVENPORT
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Albuquerque 87109
JOHN M. CALDWELL
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Santa Fe 87504
Did you know that vapor intrusion is an environmental issue impacting property development? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and related state agencies continue to develop and refine vapor intrusion procedures. How and when you address vapor intrusion can have a significant impact on your bottom line. These tips will help minimize the risk:
Invest in Early, Accurate Detection
Vapor intrusion happens when volatile chemicals from soil or groundwater contamination migrate into nearby buildings. These vapors can come from places like dry cleaners, gas stations, or industrial facilities, and like radon can affect people who live or work in impacted buildings. Prioritize due diligence because waiting can drive up costs. In one recent case in the news, vapor mitigation systems had to be installed in more than 70 homes near a corporation in Wisconsin to mitigate vapor intrusion issues. Even a small error in the sampling technique can dramatically affect the results. So early, accurate detection is key before you buy or build.
Get to Know Your Options
Once assessed, developers have multiple options for saving time and money. For example, it is far more cost effective to incorporate vapor barriers or HVAC controls into building construction rather than to fix the problem after the fact.
Find a Partner Who Knows the Rules
In 2017, some state agencies will update their vapor intrusion guidance documents to include more details on requirements for remediation and redevelopment sites. These regulations are actively evolving, so it’s important to work with someone who knows the changes to regulatory requirements and how they apply to your specific property.
If you are buying or selling a property, it’s time to think about vapor intrusion. Even if a property doesn’t have a history of contamination, it may still be affected if a nearby property has soil or groundwater contamination.
Resources:
“Vapor Encroachment and Intrusion, What are the real estate risks?”
Journal of Property Management
Is Vapor Intrusion Threatening Your Site?
Public Works Magazine
Environmental Information and Related Services:
Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems
Environmental Due Diligence and All Appropriate Inquiries
Brownfields and Voluntary Remediation
Contact your local SCS Office to ask our professionals for guidance in your jurisdiction.
Corporate Headquarters
3900 Kilroy Airport Way Suite 300
Long Beach, CA 90806
Telephone
1 (800) 767-4727
1 (562) 427-0805 | FAX
Contact Us
