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Site Assessment and Contaminant Characterization Services
Site Assessments and Characterizations (also known as Phase II investigations) are critical in identifying environmental issues and the nature and extent of contaminants in soil and/or groundwater. Waterstone stays at the forefront of investigative technologies and selects cost-effective methodologies, equipment, and subcontractors so that the client’s ultimate goals for the property, such as regulatory closure, are achieved. Where appropriate, a risk-based investigation may be used to achieve regulatory closure by deriving site-specific cleanup levels in soil or groundwater if remediation is deemed necessary.
Fate and Transport Modeling
Models are often employed to determine potential source/release locations or migration pathway of an aromatic or chlorinated volatile organic compound groundwater plume. Waterstone utilizes fate and transport modeling to support regulatory closure requests for a variety of sites. Waterstone applies a variety models including Visual Modflow, Path3D and MT3D. Waterstone also uses modeling techniques and programs required by local agencies, for example, Waterstone has applied the Domenico Non-Steady State Analytical model to estimate Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) and other oxygenates travel time to reach a down-gradient receptor as required by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) for MTBE investigation and groundwater remediation projects. Natural attenuation models have also been used by Waterstone for both the RWQCB and Los Angeles County Fire Department to obtain site closure status saving Waterstone’s clients additional characterization and remediation costs.
Groundwater
Waterstone has conducted many site specific groundwater quality assessments throughout southern California and has participated in regional groundwater investigations involving multiple sources of groundwater contamination and commingled plumes of contaminated groundwater. Waterstone employs a variety of drilling and sampling technologies to obtain groundwater data including installation of groundwater monitoring wells using hollow stem auger, mud rotary, and reverse circulation air rotary drill rigs, installation of temporary well points using direct push technology and collection of grab groundwater samples using cone penetration rigs and other direct push rigs utilizing hydropunch and other discreet interval samplers.
Innovative Technologies
Unusual site conditions, large project sites, short completion deadlines, or other site or project specific conditions may require the utilization of innovative assessment or investigation strategies and technologies. Waterstone has successfully applied Rapid Optical Screening Tool (ROST) technology to screen for subsurface contamination and to maximize soil sampling efficiency, cone penetration testing (CPT), surface sensing geophysical surveys, soil vapor surveys, and limited access drilling methodologies to conduct thorough, cost effective and expedited Phase II Environmental Assessments.
Site Investigations in Faulted or Fractured Media
Occasionally soil and groundwater investigations are conducted at sites underlain by complex geology where faulting, highly inclined or dipping strata, or fractured bedrock can affect the investigated media. Conducting vadose and/or groundwater characterizations under these conditions is challenging and requires a significant knowledge of geology and effective investigation methods. Waterstone has investigated sites throughout southern California area located along major regional fault trends or within areas containing other complex surface and subsurface geological features and have applied less traditional drilling methods including air rotary, mud rotary, and dual wall reverse circulation and a variety of surface and subsurface investigation methods to assess groundwater migration, emplacement, and recharge in faulted media and highly dipping strata.
Expedited Phase II (as part of property transaction)
Often when environmental issues are identified during a property transaction assessment, Phase I Environmental Assessment, or other due diligence investigation, at least minimal screening assessment can be completed to determine the extent of environmental concerns without extending escrow. Waterstone has performed expedited soil, soil vapor, and groundwater sampling as well as asbestos, lead based paint, mold, and lead in drinking water surveys to meet our clients needs. Waterstone’s close affiliation with Millennium Environmental, a field services company that operates a StrataProbe direct push sampling rig, allows Waterstone the flexibility to conduct field activities on short notice.
Sampling in Sensitive Ecosystems
Waterstone has performed assessments and conducted sampling in sensitive ecosystems and areas, including wetlands areas with endangered or threatened species or with grading and run-off issues as well as those subject to faulted areas and geotechnical conditions. Waterstone understands the needs and requirements of conservancy agencies in property acquisition matters and has conducted and reviewed Environmental Impact Reports for major land redevelopers.