Investigation 

Site characterization, including soil and water sampling is performed to determine the type and extent of contamination present. Excavation or core boring of soil is performed and monitoring wells are constructed as required to permit visual observation and obtain samples. Real-time monitoring is utilized during the sampling process for protection of technicians, workers, and surrounding occupancies, and to assist in determining the extent of sample collection required. 

Evaluation 

The site characterization and all available data in regard to the contaminants and the release occurrence are studied and a risk assessment in regard to human health and the natural environment is made. Based on this assessment, review of regulatory requirements, and regulatory agency directives, recommendations for additional investigation, initial responses, establishment of a management program, and/or remediation will be made.

Management Program 

The facility owner/manager must initiate a management program containing responses, procedures, and controls to minimize health risk of occupants, workers, and the public to exposure, and to prevent the spread of the contamination. This program must remain in place until such time as the contamination has been completely remediated to regulatory requirements. The management program provides assurance that all possible steps are being taken to protect occupants, workers, and the public, and it serves as a legal document by providing detailed evidence of awareness of the problem and steps taken to comply with regulatory requirements, minimize risk, and reduce spread of the contamination. 

Each management program must be designed to suit the individual facility conditions and owner/manager operational needs. After a thorough review of the sampling and evaluation documentation, EHC Associates, in conjunction with the facility owner/manager, develop a concise and detailed written plan which includes the following:

• purpose and approach 

• initial responses 

• long-term remediation program 

• techniques for minimizing exposure 

• techniques or procedures for preventing or reducing spread of the contamination 

• notification 

• periodic monitoring 

• record keeping 

• Response actions, notifications, and updates to the management program should be conducted on an on-going basis as required. 

• Remediation Design 

Remediation design services have three components: 

Design Development Phase 

This phase includes conferences with the Client and regulatory agencies, after which the Consultant analyzes the project requirements. The site is carefully studied along with any required project phasing and completion schedules, the specific operational requirements of the Client, and regulations having jurisdiction over the project. From this information, a comprehensive remediation plan is developed for approval by the Client and regulatory agencies. Following approval of the remediation plan, preliminary design consisting of drawings and other documents which illustrate the remediation project's extent, procedures, phasing, testing, safety precautions, monitoring, and documentation are prepared for approval. 

Remediation Documents Phase 

The remediation documents phase includes the preparation of drawings and specifications, based on the approved preliminary design, which describe in technical detail the documentation, remediation procedures, monitoring and testing procedures, and other contract work required. Bidding documents are prepared, including proposal, bonding, insurance and contract forms. A cost estimate is submitted for the remediation work. 

Bidding Phase 

The bidding phase includes the reproduction of bidding documents for distribution to bidders and assisting the Client in qualifying prospective bidders, obtaining and evaluating bids, and awarding remediation contracts. Administration of the bidding, including issuance of addenda, attendance at a pre-bid conference, and preparation and issuance of minutes are part of this phase.

Remediation Administration 

Remediation Phase 

This phase involves the administration of the remediation contract and generally includes: 

attendance at a pre-remediation conference, and preparation and issuance of minutes; 

review and approval of the contractor's cost breakdown, proposed subcontractors, proposed remediation and safety procedures, progress schedule, sampling, shop drawings, bonds, and other required submissions; 

inspection trips to the site to review the progress of the work and its quality in order to determine if the work is proceeding in accordance with the remediation design documents. Formal job conferences will be held as required and will be followed by the issuance of job meeting minutes; 

review of the contractor's applications for payment, determination and verification of the amounts owed to the contractor and issuance of certificates of payment for such amounts; 

preparation of all supplemental drawings and sketches that may be required for the remediation sequence and issuance of any supplemental instructions or change orders covering required revisions in the work. The Client is informed of, and his approval obtained, for any changes in the work; 

complete documentation of the remediation work, including daily logs, monitoring/testing results, narrative description, disposal documents, photographs, etc., is forwarded to the Client upon completion of the contract work. Copies of all contract or regulatory related correspondence are forwarded to the Client upon initiation. 

Close-Out 

Final documentation for approval by regulatory agencies is prepared for submission by the Client. A project close-out report including notifications, technician's daily reports and inspection reports, testing and monitoring records, and disposal documents is also prepared and submitted to the Client upon completion of the project. 

Remediation Monitoring 

The purpose of remediation monitoring is to document and ensure that completion of the remediation contract work is achieved; that any required on-going remediation procedures are properly implemented; and that the remediation work conforms to all regulatory requirements, provides adequate protection for the workers performing the remediation tasks, and creates no short- or long-term threat to the health of persons in or around the premises now or in the future. 

Monitoring services include furnishing all labor, supervision, transportation, materials, services, tools, and equipment necessary for complete remediation monitoring and testing as specified and as otherwise required by all applicable regulations.

Inspections of the remediation work area preparation are performed prior to the actual start of remediation, and periodically thereafter, to look for any procedures or conditions that do not meet regulations or the requirements of the remediation contract documents. Sampling and real-time testing are performed to ensure regulatory and contract compliance. 

A narrative log that documents all notable events that occur each day and provides a comprehensive picture of conditions, problems, and progress in and around the job site during the course of the remediation work is maintained on a work shift basis. Sampling and real-time monitoring logs are maintained on a daily basis.