Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
A recent survey of major lenders indicated 70% of lending transactions are considered to present an environmental risk. This risk is attributible to the potential for the transfer of liability for cleanup costs as mandated by the Comprehensive Enviromnental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) should the lender become the owner of the property through foreclosure (Rodenhausen G.A. "Lender Liability for Cleanup Costs", JAPCA Vol. 40 No. 7 1990). Much of the concern over environmental cleanup liability can be eased through an "appropriate inquiry" property assessment prior to acquisition.
ERAtech Environmental Inc. is pleased to offer Phase I and Phase II environmental property assessments to the commercial lending community of southern Ohio. An ERAtech property assessment will provide the information necessary to make informed risk decisions concerning property as acquisitions or collateral.
The ERAtech Phase I assessment involves a visual site inspection and reviewing available information to determine the possibility of contamination. This includes documentation of property history, the past and present owners of the property; all know waste disposal practices at the property; the types, quantities, containments and usages of hazardous substances; and all contaminant releases, violations, and environmental permits. ERAtech adheres to the latest ASTM Standard ( E 1527-00) for Phase I site assessments.
If the results of the Phase I investigation are inconclusive or suggest that the property may be contaminated by hazardous substances, ERAtech is fully capable of proceeding with a Phase II confirmation. An ERAtech Phase II investigation is designed on a case-by-case basis to conclusively determine the extent of contamination and, if present, the associated risk involved with the contaminated property.
An Environmental Transaction Screen covers the primary aspects of a full Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. If the outcome of the transaction screen requires the need for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, a portion of the cost of the transaction screen will be discounted from the Phase I project cost. Transaction Screens are best used for apartments and office buildings.
Brownfield Redevelopment Assistance
ERAtech has assisted a municipality and a private developer with troubled properties and has assisted a non-profit organiztion in accepting a contaminated commercial property as a donation. These properties are in the process of being redeveloped. One building is being torn down, while the other two are in the process of studies determining the best use.
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ERAtech has completed numerous UST closures resulting in No Futher Action (NFA) letters from the State Fire Marshall's Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Removal (BUSTR).
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The indoor environment in a building can result from a complex interaction between the building system, construction techniques, and various contaminant sources (originating inside or outside). Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems may arise from any one of these sources, and may result in worker anxiety, missed work or reassignment.
ERA tech's industrial hygienist will provide an IAQ profile of the suspected building which includes: review of architectural and mechanical plans; a thorough walkthrough inspection of the facility; and the collection of detailed information on the HVAC system, pollutant pathways, pollutants sources, and building occupancy.
An IAQ investigation will include measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity and air movement in accordance with ASHRAE standards. Specific testing of chemical and/or microbial contaminates will be performed when necessary. Recommendations and suggestions will be made for the successful mitigation of the IAQ problem.
Our experienced staff can assist you in identifying ways to further improve your facility's compliance status with respect to all OSHA regulations, and in turn reduce your company's health and safety risks. ERAtech's OSHA Audit includes a survey and evaluation of unsafe work practices and safety and health hazards specifically developed for the wide variety of construction, manufacturing, commercial, and government facilities.
ERAtech can conduct on-site training to comply with the various OSHA standards. The training elements will familiarize employers and employees with relevant health and safety concerns, and will emphasize the importance of recognizing and effectively dealing with workplace hazards.
A selection of written OSHA programs which ERAtech can provide includes: Hazard Communication, Permit Required Confined Space Entry, Lockout/Tagout, Occupational Noise Exposure, Blood borne Pathogens, and the upcoming Ergonomics Standard.
ERAtech has on staff Ohio Licensed Lead Risk Assessors available to inspect and assess multi-tenant buildings and commercial buildings. Materials containing lead (including lead based paint) may pose a serious risk to those that come in contact with them. Especially children under six years of age are prone to lead poisoning.
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ERAtech Environmental's staff include Asbestos Hazard Evaluation Specialists (AHES) certified by the Ohio Department of Health who have experience in the identification, detection and assessment of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) pursuant to the regulatory requirements of OAC 3701-34. Prior to any renovation or demolition activities, and to be in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1001 and 1101, all buildings must be inspected for the presence of asbestos.
Asbestos evaluations provided by ERAtech personnel will include an assessment of the building for all suspect ACM. All suspect materials will be sampled in a thorough and systematic manner, and submitted to a reliable laboratory participating in the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for asbestos bulk sample analysis. Report findings shall include: Exact locations of all suspect materials; quantities; friability characteristics; and if desired; removal cost estimates. The development of feasible response actions, including removal options or operations and maintenance programs to reduce or eliminate the hazard will be discussed.
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA, 40 CRF Part 763 Subpart E) requires that public and private elementary and high schools conduct inspections, sampling, analysis and assessment activities. Our asbestos assessment can be tailored to the AHERA guidelines if desired.
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Hazard Communication Programs/Training
ERAtech can develop OSHA HazCom programs and provide training in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.1200. Hazardous chemicals in the workplace can pose a risk to employees. Through an effective HazCom Program, employees can become aware of the risks associated with these chemicals. HazCom Training can be accomplished for most businesses within 4 hours. ERAtech provides this training in accordance with the employees "right to know" regulations in a customized format using your MSDS's and your HazCom Program
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ERAtech can assist you with developing a PRCS Entry Program in accordance with OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.146 regulations. OSHA reguires industry to set-up practices and procedures to protect employees from the hazards of entry into PRCS's. ERAtech can also provide your employees with the necessary training to be in compliance with this regulation.
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Stormwater Runoff Permit Applications
On November 16, 1990, the United States Environmental Protection Agency published storm water discharge regulations, which became effective December 17, 1990. The new regulations require that certain businesses with standard industrial classification codes (SIC) in groups 10-15, 20-45 or those with codes 5015, 5093 or 5171 which have point-source storm water discharge to waters of the United States associated with the industrial activity should have submitted the permit applications by May, 1992 or 90 days before the commencement of discharge for new facilities.
Discharges associated with certain industrial activity include storm water run-off from industrial plant yards, immediate access roads and railroad sidings, drainage ponds, material handing sites, refuse sites, process waste water sites, equipment handling and maintenance areas, residual treatment areas and loading and unloading areas.
ERAtech Environmental, Inc. is prepared to assist your organization in assembling the data to prepare and submit the storm water discharge application in a timely manner, and to conduct any required associated storm water sampling and reporting.
Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans
ERAtech Environmental can prepare a new SPCC Plan or review your facility's existing SPCC Plan. ERAtech Environmental will insure the content required in 40 CFR 112.7 is clearly and completely presented in the required sequence. Recommendations concerning compliance with the standard are also provided.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3)
All storm water discharge permits require preparation of a SWP3. The SWP3 requires industrial facilities to identify potential sources of storm water pollution at their site, evaluate the potential risk of storm water contamination from various sources, and implement best management practices as deemed necessary, to reduce the risk of storm water pollution. The deadline for completion of most SWP's in Ohio was April 1, 1993. The deadline to implement the SWP3 was October 1, 1993. ERAtech Environmental is able to assist you in preparing your SWP3. Typically, our first step is to review your site for potential sources of storm water pollution. Next, the risk of storm water pollution from all identified sources is evaluated and the plan is prepared. Finally, the SWP3 is reviewed on a regular basis or when changes at your facility result in new or increased risk of storm water pollution .
Surface and Ground Water Sampling
ERAtech can provide you assistance in complying with SARA regulations. If your facility is subject to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, and (1) Stores or uses a hazardous chemical(s) in excess of 10,000 pounds or more, or (2) Stores or uses one or more "extremely hazardous substances(s) in quantity (ies) of 500 pounds or less Then your facility may be subject to the "Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know" Act (SARA 312) due by March 1st annually.
In addition, if your facility's: (1) Operations are classied within SIC codes 20-39, (2) Has 10 or more employees, (3) Manufacurers, processes or otherwise uses at least 10,000 pounds of one or more of the listed toxic chemicals or chemical categories you may be subject to SARA 313 reporting due by July 1st annually.
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Hazardous Energy Control Lockout/Tagout
ERAtech has developed Lockout/Tagout programs for industrial clients in accordance with OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.147 regulations. Lockout/tagout applies to the control of energy during servicing and/or maintenance ofmachines and equipment. ERAtech can also provide your employees with the necessary training to be in compliance with this regulation.
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DOT Hazardous Materials Training
ERAtech Environmental provides Department of Transportation (DOT) recurrent safety training for the Handling and Transporting of Hazardous Materials (HM-181). All employees who directly affect hazardous material transportation safety must be properly trained for each hazmat function in accordance with DOT requirements. This mandatory training is required at least once every three years from the date of the original training. ERAtech provides the required DOT training in General Awareness/Familiarization, Function-Specific Training and General Safety Training.
DOT requires all personnel that are involved with the transportation of hazardous materials must receive training. This includes even those involved in just filling out shipping papers.
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ERAtech Environmental, Inc. .. 3508 Wilmington Pike || Dayton, OH. USA 45429 || (937) 859-8998 Ext. 1 .. Fax: (937) 859-9132 dkohnen@eratech.com
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