Demolition and renovation projects require building permits and lawful disposal of demolition/renovation debris. In advance of proposed demolition/renovation projects, existing hazardous materials (e.g., Asbestos and Lead) must be identified and appropriate precautions taken prior to their disturbance in order to protect workers and the environment. To facilitate proposed demolition/renovation activities PECS is licensed to complete Hazmat Surveys in Virginia on behalf of its private and public clients.

PECS uses mold and chemical specific sample media and associated pumps strategically located throughout an affected facility to determine the concentrations of mold spores or chemicals of concern (COCs) encountered during a typical work day. The mold spore and COC concentrations are compared with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) and OSHA Action Levels (ALs). Data collected from the air monitoring is used to determine if there are exceedances of safe worker exposure limits to the identified mold spores or COCs. Results of the evaluation are used to provide recommendations for proper personal protective equipment (PPE), mitigation measures and/or corrective actions.

PECS completes Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to evaluate properties to determine whether obvious or reasonably likely on-site potential sources of environmental concern, or recognized environmental conditions (RECs) are present. Adjacent properties and those sites identified on the various environmental lists that may adversely impact the subject property are also reviewed. RECs means the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a material threat of a release of any hazardous substances or petroleum products into structures on the property or into the ground, ground water, or surface water of theproperty. The Phase I ESA is used by most banks and their attorneys as part of the review process for lending money and acquisition of real property.

When recognized environmental conditions (RECs) involving hazardous substances or petroleum products are identified in the Phase I ESA, PECS customarily completes a Phase II ESA. The Phase II ESA usually involves soil, groundwater and vapor sampling and testing. Analytical results from the sampling and testing are compared with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) regulatory thresholds. Where exceedances are found PECS provides recommendations for those measures required for getting a letter of “No Further Action” from VDEQ. If appropriate, cost estimates for additional testing, remediation alternatives, risk assessments or remediation are provided.

Where less onerous due diligence is required by the client, PECS completes an Environmental Transaction Screen Process Investigation (ETSPI). PECS completes the required ETSPI questionnaire and includes the supporting documentation for commercial real estate transactions where the user wishes to conduct limited environmental due diligence (that is, less than a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment). If the driving force behind the environmental due diligence is a desire to qualify for one of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Landowner Liability Protections (LLPs), this practice is not recommended. Instead, the ASTM E1527 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process or ASTM E2247 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property is used.

PECS completes Environmental Compliance Audits (ECAs) for clients to identify minimum requirements for environmental regulatory compliance with applicable Federal, State and local regulations. Various benefits have been attributed to audits. These benefits may include a better understanding of the compliance status of a facility or organization, identification of opportunities for environmental management systems improvements, reduction or elimination of potential legal and financial liabilities when implemented as part of a comprehensive compliance management program, better communications and improved relationships with governmental agencies, communities, and other stakeholders, providing information for development of both short-term and long-term environmental expenditures, and education of employees.

A number of important legal issues are associated with audits. Example legal issues include the qualification for one or more evidentiary privileges, the qualification for limited immunity, the protection of trade secrets and confidential information, the application of a number of government policies associated with environmental audits (including Federal and State programs that provide incentives for detecting, disclosing, and correcting potential violations through auditing), the form and language of audit reports, the necessity of reporting certain information to the government, the potential liability of auditors, and the importance of promptly addressing issues identified during audits. Prior to initiating and during an audit, interested parties should consider potential legal issues and consult legal counsel or other experts as appropriate.

PECS maintains a strong working relationship with laboratories throughout the region who provide analytical and certified industrial hygiene (CIH) support for environmental sampling and testing. Projects involve the development of a comprehensive sampling plan and an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliant Health and Safety Plan (HASP) prior to the initiation of field sampling activities. Field sampling and direct measurements where appropriate are taken to evaluate site conditions on behalf of our clients. Results are provided with recommendations for mitigation measures, remediation, reporting requirements and worker safety.