Hazardous Materials Discovery and Management
Hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead-based paint, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), can present potential risks to human health and the environment, if not managed properly. Consequently, the management of these products is highly regulated by federal, state and local agencies. Discovery and management of these recognized hazardous materials is well prescribed in scope and costs to remediate.
Other environmental risks may be present given the history of the property and the building’s use, which pose significant regulatory and budgetary challenges. For example, in buildings with past science and research operations, potential contaminants in the plumbing and exhaust systems should be evaluated. Prior to property acquisition and during pre-construction design, it is critical to have a clear picture of the potential environmental liabilities, what compliance needs may be present, and the impacts to the acquisition or construction schedule. Otherwise, the project runs the risk of violating regulatory requirements, unanticipated costs and inadequate reserves, and threats to the acquisition and construction schedule.
EH&E’s team of experienced and licensed professionals conducts hazardous materials assessments and supports notifications and negotiations with federal, state and local regulatory agencies. EH&E also brings expertise in engineering and building systems to the acquisition and construction project, which provides the critical advantage of a solution that reflects efficient and effective building operations and business goals.
Services:
- Site-specific environmental studies (asbestos, lead-based paint, PCBs, petroleum products, cleaning and maintenance supplies, process chemicals, etc.).
- ASTM environmental site assessments and due diligence studies.
- Regulatory notification, compliance and negotiations.
- Environmental remediation design and oversight.
- Human exposure assessments and health risk communications.
- Hazardous materials program implementation and management (written policies, permitting, training, etc.).
- Building systems engineering assessments.