Resolve Environmental Engineering, Inc. services

In the 1970’s, after the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program had been implemented for point source discharges to U.S. waterways, EPA became aware that control of these sources alone would not protect our rivers and lakes for recreational enjoyment.  Non-point sources, or pollution washed into streams during storm events, remained a significant source of impairment.  In response to this, EPA required all “industrial activities” to obtain discharge permits (40 CFR 122.26).  The regulatory definition of “industrial activity” is very broad, and includes most types of raw material handling and manufacturing facilities.

The Clean Air Act places stringent air emission requirements on industry.  These already stringent requirements are becoming more stringent with phased changes in legislative and regulatory requirements included in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, and in state and local regulatory programs.  These changes mandate the reduction in emissions of air toxics, particulates, chlorofluorocarbons, and pollutants which contribute to acid precipitation.

The National Oil Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Program was implemented when its regulations became effective on January 10, 1974, under the authority of the 1970 Federal Water Pollution Control Act.  Its constitutional authority dates back to the Commerce Clause, which vesting the United States Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states, most of which was waterborne in the 18th and 19th centuries.  The original Program was intended to protect “navigable waters” from petroleum discharges in “harmful quantities”.

Steel aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are susceptible to degradation from internal and external corrosion and stress due to climate and settling.  Various regulations, including the EPA"s updated SPCC Rule (40 CFR 112), now require periodic integrity testing of storage tanks to ensure their continued reliability.

There is a well known catch phrase associated with commercial real estate transactions: “let the buyer beware”.  It is critical for those who deal in real estate transactions to ensure that they minimize their liability.  From an environmental perspective, this is accomplished by meeting the requirement for “all appropriate inquiry” to establish landowner liability protections under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).  Phase I Environmental Site Assessments conducted in accordance with ASTM Practice E 1527 meet the requirements for all appropriate inquiry and are therefore an important element in minimizing landowner liabilities.