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Table of Contents
Section A - Company Profile
- Introduction
- Mission Statement
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control
- Environmental Health & Safety Commitment
- Professional Insurance
Section B - ECMS Environmental Consulting Services
- Asbestos Management Services
- Lead Management Services
- Environmental Engineering Services
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management
- Asbestos Training
- Construction Management
Section A
Company Profile
- Company Introduction
- Mission Statement
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control
- Environmental Health & Safety Commitment
- Professional Insurance
Company Introduction
Environmental & Construction Management Services, Inc. (ECMS) is a Boston-based environmental consulting firm founded to specialize in asbestos, lead-based paint and environmental/hazardous materials management as it relates to site development and building construction. Its founders have a dedicated perseverance to provide all of our clients with the best possible technical consulting services at a competitive cost. ECMS provides environmental consulting services to clients in both the public and private sector. As indicated by our firm's name, we focus our technical expertise on a best management strategy for our clients environmental concerns. These issues may range from environmental liabilities associated with real estate financing, soil and groundwater remediation to health and safety concerns regarding asbestos, indoor air quality or lead-based paint. Regardless of a client's issue, it is ECMS' role to assist our clients in addressing their individual concerns in the least burdensome manner.
ECMS' commitment is based upon providing the highest quality service to our clients, not by meeting profitability goals mandated by large holding corporations. Each of the firm's Principals get directly involved with our clients with a "hands on" approach and have managed large environmental assessment and remediation projects in the New England area including the Central Artery/Tunnel (CAT) project, many local schools, hospitals, colleges and universities, property management companies, commercial and industrial clients. Our resources include Licensed Site Professionals (LSPs), Certified Hazardous Materials Managers, Master Lead Inspectors EPA and DLWD Accredited Asbestos Professionals and other state certified professionals.
ECMS' environmental consulting service areas include:
- Asbestos Management
- Environmental Engineering Services
- Indoor Air Quality Management
- Lead-Based Paint Management
- Asbestos Training
- Construction Management
ECMS Mission Statement
ECMS will offer high quality innovative alternatives for consulting
services in asbestos, lead-based paint, indoor air quality and environmental
disciplines as it relates specifically to site development and building
construction. These services will be offered with an emphasis on providing
superior environmental consulting expertise, to balance all applicable
regulatory as well as client fiscal objectives. Clients will understand
that working with ECMS is a more personal, professional, cost
effective and less risky alternative to assist them in managing their
environmental and hazardous waste issues.
Quality Assurance/Quality
Control
ECMS ensures the quality of its work through a comprehensive
internal QA/QC program. Specific client needs are reviewed on a continuous
basis to ensure that all deliverables are consistent in format and of
the highest quality attainable.
All technical reports are reviewed by a Principal of the firm to ensure that work is performed in accordance with all applicable regulatory guidelines, technical specifications, if applicable, and proposal requirements.
Environmental Health & Safety Commitment
ECMS is committed to the health and safety of all of its employees. To accomplish this objective, ECMS has established a stringent health and safety policy that clearly stipulates the proper operating practices and procedures that protect employees during the performance of their jobs. The following items comprise the key components of ECMS Health and Safety Program, which has been developed in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120(b)(1):
- 40 Hour OSHA Health and Safety Training in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120(e)(3)(i), followed by a minimum of three days of field training under the direct guidance of a supervisor, for all employees engaged in field activities. Beyond the training required by OSHA, ECMS will provide supervised on-site training for any new task employees are expected to perform. Demonstrated competency in completing the task will be required of employees before they perform unsupervised work on site.
- Annual Employee Health & Safety Refresher Courses in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120(e)(8) for all employees engaged in field activities.
- Regular meetings between employees and management for feedback on the Health and Safety Program and suggestions for improvements of current programs and plans.
- Medical Surveillance Program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120(f), 29 CFR 1910.20 and as outlined within this document.
- Site-Specific Health & Safety Plans for all work sites, developed in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120(b)(4).
The medical monitoring program, safety training courses, and health and safety plans mandated by the company provide the framework for maintaining the health and safety of ECMS employees. Although this policy provides each employee with proper health and safety training, the company recognizes that course work alone does not guarantee an accident-free work environment. Therefore, ECMS encourages that safety awareness be practiced at all times during all work activities.
Since safety awareness is integrally related to accident prevention, ECMS encourages its employees to devote the time and energy necessary to evaluate the potential safety hazards that may be encountered on a site so that appropriate safety measures can be implemented prior to the commencement of work. ECMS also encourages employees to make suggestions to management for improvements in the current programs, and to ask questions if any part of the current programs is not clear to them.
Safety consciousness is the responsibility of all employees at all levels within the company. ECMS, as an integral part of its corporate policy, will continually strive to foster an accident-free work environment. This statement encapsulates ECMS concern for the health and safety of all of its employees and reaffirms the company's commitment to achieve this goal.
Professional Insurance
ECMS' liability insurance is designed to protect against claims for damages that may occur as a result of our operations. A brief description of our insurance coverage is summarized below:
Comprehensive General Liability Insurance - Our comprehensive general liability coverage is provided by American International Group (AIG), and has been rated "A" for financial stability by the A.M. Best Rating Company. An "A" rating is the highest general level category that is awarded, and is a measure of the financial stability of this particular carrier. Our coverage provides a limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $3,000,000 for the aggregate, with first dollar defense costs provided in addition to the stated limit. The coverage is provided on a broad form, although specifically excluded are such areas as contractual and professional coverage. Please note, however, that these exposures are protected under our Professional Errors and Omissions coverage to the degree created by our operations. An explanation of this policy follows.
Professional Errors and Omissions Coverage - Our professional liability coverage is provided by American International Group. This carrier possesses an "A" rating by the A.M. Best Company. This coverage provides a limit of $1,000,000, and $3,000,000 for the aggregate, and has no pollution exclusions. This coverage protects against claims made as a result of errors, omissions or negligent acts of our company arising out of our capacity as an architect, engineer or environmental consultant, for which we are legally liable. Included in this coverage is our exposure to environmental impairment risks.
Workers Compensation Coverage - We currently carry statutory limits for Worker's Compensation coverage in all states that we conduct operations, with Employer's Liability coverage limits of $500,000 per accident, $500,000 per disease per policy, and $500,000 per employee for disease. Our policy carries All State's endorsement to expand our coverage in other states.
For a copy of the ECMS Professional Insurance Certificate, refer to Section E of this document.
SECTION B
ECMS Environmental Consulting Services
- Asbestos Management Services
- General consultation
- ACM hazard assessment
- Management plan development
- Abatement project cost estimating and program budgeting
- Abatement project design specification development
- Project Management and Construction Monitoring
- Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
program development
- Lead-Based Paint Management
- Lead Consulting Services
- Lead-Based Paint Inspection and Testing Services
- Risk Assessment
- Abatement Project Design
- Project Administration and Monitoring
- Environmental Engineering Services
- Comprehensive Site Investigations
- Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)
- Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional (LSP) Services
- Soil and Groundwater Remediation
- Underground Storage Tank Management
- Hazardous Materials Management Services
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management
- Asbestos Training Services
- AC-Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Refresher
- AM-Project Monitor Initial and Refresher
- AI-Asbestos Inspector Initial and Refresher
- AD-Project Designer Initial and Refresher
- AW-Asbestos Worker Refresher
- PW-Associated Project Worker Initial
- Construction Management Services
- Agency Construction Management
- At Risk Construction Management
- Construction Management Procedures
- General consultation
- ACM hazard assessment
- Management plan development
- Abatement project cost estimating and program budgeting
- Abatement project design specification development
- Project Management and Construction Monitoring services
- Operations & Maintenance (O&M) program development
- Asbestos Abatement Contractor Submittal Review
- Continuous observations of the Contractor's preparation, removal, clean-up, and lockdown/encapsulation for each removal area. Observed deficiencies will be immediately brought to the Contractor's attention for correction and recorded in a project logbook
- Air Sampling before, during and at completion of abatement activities
- Inspection of waste transfers from the facility to the transport vessel by the Contractor and completion of forms in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance.
- Participation in Project Initiation Meetings
- Participating in Weekly Progress Meetings
- Preparation and distribution of weekly progress reports (if required)
- Review of the Contractor's requests for changes in work methods, equipment, schedules and extensions in time, as well as providing related recommendations to the Construction Manager for acceptance/approval.
- Regulatory consultation
- Development of testing protocols
- Comprehensive lead inspection and testing
- Risk assessment
- Management program development
- Development of abatement specifications
- Abatement monitoring
- Post abatement inspections and final clearance testing
- Reoccupancy certification
- Waste disposal consultation and determination
- Laboratory analysis
- Contract administration
- Maintenance/contractor employee training;
and
Tenant awareness education. - ECMS personnel have conducted
hundreds of assessments for both private and public sector clients.
The ESAs determine/update the history of the property, including current
and former ownership and use and evaluate the site for evidence of oil
and/or hazardous materials (OHM) that are, have been, or potentially
could be released onto the site or in the vicinity of the Site. Our
work encompasses all aspects of due diligence, from preliminary assessment
to complex subsurface exploration which delineate the extent and source
of OHM to the environment. Our ESAs include but are not limited to the
following components:
- Conducting a site reconnaissance, interviews of knowledgeable key site personnel to document the current and past land use and operations from building types and uses; the location and status of underground and aboveground storage tanks, visual evidence of subsurface or surface contamination, such as areas of visibly distressed vegetation and soil staining; types, quantities, and locations of oil or hazardous materials, including polychlorinated biphenyl's (PCBs); and wastes generated, stored, or disposed of on or from the Site.
- Reviewing readily available current and historical records to establish the history of the site and nearby properties for approximately the past 50 years. Sources may include but are not limited to, Federal, State, municipal, private, and insurance rate maps; aerial photographs; lists of previous owners or operators; title searches; and city atlases.
- Researching available technical information concerning the local geologic and hydrologic conditions to determine the likely impact of any actual or potential release on the site or from neighboring properties and identify nearby potential environmental receptors such as drinking water supplies, surface water bodies, catch basins, and detention ponds.
- Reviewing the available files held by Federal, State and local environmental regulatory agencies for records of past disposal practices; accidental releases; regulatory compliance history; fires, explosions, or other accidents; the status of any current operating or discharge permits; and status any existing storage tanks.
- Preparing a written technical report that interprets the research data, summarizes the research and findings and provide our clients with recommendations if any further actions are deemed necessary.
- Project management during installation of remediation systems;
- Post Remedial Closure Activities including Risk-based closure criteria comparisons.
- Remedial action plans;
- Design engineering for remediation systems;
- Plume control / containment systems;
- Construction dewatering and treatment;
- Construction management services;
- Subcontractor management;
- Operation and maintenance of remedial systems; and
- Feasibility studies and pilot testing.
- If less than 50 ppm PCB, then the transformer is a non-PCB containing transformer;
- If between 50 and 499 ppm PCB, then the transformer is considered to be a PCB-contaminated transformer and it must conform to the EPA Fire Rule for disposal;
- If greater than 500 ppm PCB, then the transformer is a PCB-transformer.
- Optimum use of available funds
- Control of the scope of the work
- Project scheduling
- Optimum use of design and construction firms' skills and talents
- Avoidance of delays, changes and disputes
- Enhancing project design and construction quality
- Optimum flexibility in contracting and procurement
- Architect/Designer Selection
- Design and Submittal Review
- Project scheduling
- Review of the scope of work
- Optimum use of other firms’ talents and resources
- Avoiding delays, changes, disputes and cost overruns
- Optimum flexibility in contracting and procurement
- Assuring the project is built to specification
- Feasibility Studies
- Site analysis and selection
- Selection of Design Architect
- Coordination with ongoing activities and other public and community concerns
- Development of a preliminary budget and schedule
- Establishment of information and reporting system to meet Client requirements.
- Review of detailed and complete bid documents
- Assistance in reviewing and analyzing bids and selecting contractors
- Ensuring that design is responsive to project goals
- Reviewing a design schedule and implementation
- Review design in progress to measure constructability
- Review component cost estimates at every design submittal
- Pre-bid conferences
- Provide assistance in reviewing and answering bidder questions
- Evaluate and compare bids
- Recommend bidders for contract award
- Review and comment on all project documents per the Owner or
- Architect’s request.
- Review and comment on all bids and proposals
- Review change orders for maximum effectiveness while minimizing delay and costs
- Review progress payments to ensure that work milestones are being met
- Prepare reports concerning construction progress, milestones, and other elements
- Attend meetings as requested
- Work with the Owner and Project Architect to ensure that all contractors, subcontractors and other participants understand the project’s design and requirements
- Prepare Field Engineer Daily Reports
- Monitor the construction process to anticipate difficulties, resolve issues early, and keep the work flowing.
- Review procedures to ensure that the contractor provides a safe workplace, both for project workers and, in renovations, for individuals who continue to use the facility during construction.
- Coordinate with the Architect the final stages of construction, including contractors’ punch lists and similar tasks that must be completed, often in a very compressed time period, before project close out.
Asbestos Management Services
Asbestos has been used in at least 3,000 different products, ranging from commercial and industrial products to a wide variety of products used by the average consumer. Many of these products were manufactured for use in the building construction industry. In 1988 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report titled "EPA Study of Asbestos-Containing Materials in Public Buildings: A Report to Congress". EPA found that "friable" (easily crushed) asbestos containing materials (ACM) can be found in an estimated 700,000 public and commercial buildings. About 500,000 of those buildings were believed to contain some damaged asbestos, and areas of significantly damaged asbestos can be found in half of them.
Asbestos material that is intact and not disturbed does not typically pose a health risk. The mere presence of asbestos does not mean that the health of building occupants, or those exposed to these materials, is at risk. When asbestos material is properly managed, the release of fibers into the air is eliminated or minimized, and the risk of asbestos related disease is greatly reduced. However, asbestos materials can become hazardous when due to damage, disturbance or deterioration over time, they release fibers into the air. Under these conditions, elevated airborne asbestos concentrations can create a potential hazard for workers and other building occupants.
ECMS offers a broad range of comprehensive asbestos management services to assist our clients in minimizing the risks associated with asbestos, including:
General
Consultation
Strict federal and state regulations were created to minimize the risks
associated with exposure to asbestos. The EPA's National Emission Standards
for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requires that a building "...owner
or operator of a demolition or renovation activity and prior to the commencement
of the demolition or renovation, thoroughly inspect the affected facility
or part of the facility where demolition or renovation activity will occur
for the presence of asbestos..." This is the first step in ensuring
occupant and worker protection. Building owners and operators have learned
that the impacts of ACMs are not solely health related. The materials
can significantly affect the market value, insurability, sale potential
and financing of a property.
The identification of the potential asbestos hazard is the most critical part of any asbestos management program. This is done by performing a comprehensive asbestos survey as discussed in the EPA NESHAP and preparing a customized survey report for the clients use. ECMS' scientists have extensive experience in performing detailed asbestos surveys providing property Owners and Managers a strong understanding not only of the asbestos present on their property, but the real risks associated with the presence of this material. These comprehensive surveys are performed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols. With the information from this survey, asbestos management decisions can be made ranging from the development of an Operations and Maintenance Program to technical specifications for the removal of ACMs found on the property. ECMS employees have surveyed and developed programs in highly visible settings including hospitals, high-rise offices, airports, universities and numerous other private and public sector complexes.
Abatement Project Design Specification Development
Should removal of the asbestos containing material be the required or desired abatement option, technical specifications for the removal of this material can be developed. Utilizing the data obtained from the asbestos survey, a technical specification for the removal of asbestos containing materials can be developed. ECMS employees have earned reputations for excellence in the design and implementation of asbestos management programs for complex occupied facilities. This experience in our understanding of all applicable regulations and working directly with the regulators on complex issues translates directly to time and cost efficiencies realized by our clients; regardless of project size.
To further assist our clients, ECMS personnel have developed outstanding relationships with pre-qualified licensed asbestos abatement Contractors. If needed, we can refer several of these Contractors to bid on a project to ensure a competitively priced project will be performed by quality Contractors. This further ensures that a building Owner or Manager's concerns regarding their asbestos issues will be handled by professionals on both the Consultant and Contractor levels. ECMS employees have a proven track record of managing some of the region's most complex abatement projects, and an ability to respond quickly with highly trained and accredited personnel.
Project Management and Construction Monitoring
To further protect our client's liability, ECMS provides Project Management and Construction Monitoring services to ensure that the work is performed in accordance with applicable regulations. These services typically include:
Project Management tasks, if requested will include, but not be limited to:
Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Program Development
Finally, should asbestos materials existing on a project site require oversight and maintenance as opposed to removal, ECMS technical professionals have extensive experience in developing Operations and Maintenance Programs for commercial and residential Property Managers. These documents provide guidelines to managers that allow them to properly address their specific asbestos concerns.
Lead-Based Paint Management
Property owners and managers are increasingly burdened by strict regulations at the state level that require reduction of dangerous levels of lead in both commercial and residential buildings. In addition, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development continues to research methods to safely remove lead paint and lead dust from dwelling units. These actions have been taken because eating or breathing lead particles is known to cause irreversible neurological and behavioral health effects both in children and exposed workers.
ECMS offers a full range of lead paint inspection, analysis, design and monitoring services. Before the start of lead abatement operations, our industrial hygiene technicians perform inspections to determine the presence of lead-based paint. These surveys provide the information necessary for us to develop cost estimates for lead abatement of affected components and to aid in preparing project specifications.
Lead-Based Paint Consulting Services:
ECMS professionals are able to provide any of the following lead-related services:
ECMS is able to provide a broad range of services based on the experience and expertise of our staff as well as our knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations while providing the ability to adapt its scope of services to the specific needs of each client. ECMS has participated with regulatory officials at all levels in defining standards for lead-related work.
Lead-Based Paint Inspection and Testing
Services:
A lead inspection or survey is performed to locate, categorize, and evaluate the condition of lead-based paints (LBP). The outcome of this phase of a project is an inspection report that specifies the location and condition of any LBP discovered.
In compliance with federal (HUD), state or project specific protocols, a thorough inspection begins by reviewing all available records, followed by inspecting all spaces within the survey area, including common spaces and exterior areas (if applicable). Our licensed industrial hygiene technicians use state-of-the-art field survey procedures including; X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and chemical spot test techniques (Sodium Sulfide) to determine which surfaces are coated with lead-based paint. If required, both paint chip and dust wipe samples are collected for subsequent laboratory analysis. To complete the project, a final report is prepared to detail the analytical results for samples that were collected, and the locations of all components confirmed by laboratory analysis to be coated with lead-based paint.
ECMS staff has not only performed extensive testing for lead-based paint for numerous public housing authority and private entities, it is thoroughly familiar with HUD lead regulations and guidelines. In addition, we have provided similar services to numerous owners of private residential housing.
If requested, a risk assessment can be performed in accordance with federal or state regulations, based on the information developed in the inspection. A risk assessment evaluates the degree of risk to health and safety posed by the presence of lead-based paint or lead dust. The outcome of this phase is a report that identifies the degree, if any, of risk posed by lead-based paint or lead dust that is present.
A risk assessment notes the location of all LBP, including the degree of deterioration, substrate condition, as well as potential causes of the deterioration (water or impact damage). It also assesses accessibility, damage, etc. to result in exposure to lead-based paint or release of lead paint chips, dust or debris in the future.
By combining information regarding the location, condition, and physical characteristics of LBP, it is possible to assess the probability that lead paint chips, dust or debris will be released in the future, presenting a threat to health and safety, and design a management plan or interim control to prevent such exposure.
Once it is known where LBP is present, its condition, and the degree of hazard that it poses, project activities are planned and specifications for abatement are designed. There are several options for mitigation of lead-based paint hazards. Among them are the removal of paint, encapsulation (liquid encapsulant), enclosure (with a rigid material), removal of the substrate that contains LBP, and maintenance of the coating or surface coated with lead-based paint.
This phase includes development of project contract documents, specifications, and drawings, which govern how an abatement project will be accomplished. ECMS project designers provide overall guidance regarding how a lead abatement project will be organized and implemented.
Important elements of the ECMS project design process include the following: prioritizing materials to be abated, estimating the cost of abatement (including material replacements), potential exposure of other trades to lead-based paint, development of project drawings, specifications and bid documents and recommending the most cost-effective solution (removal, enclosure, encapsulation, etc.). Our project managers are available to clients for project consultation throughout this process.
ECMS project specifications are based on industry standards including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), HUD and Construction Standards Institute (CSI) model specification formats, depending upon project requirements. Project drawings are developed with state-of-the-art computer-aided design (CAD) equipment.
ECMS staff has developed guidance lead abatement specifications for many clients, including the Central Artery/Tunnel (CAT) Project.
Project Administration and Monitoring:
After abatement activities have been designed and the project is underway, ECMS personnel monitor all abatement activities to ensure contractor compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as the requirements of project specifications. The outcome of this phase is project completion, including progress and meeting notes, letters, and filings with appropriate regulatory agencies.
There are two major categories of monitoring activities: (1) determining whether contractors are conducting the lead abatement work in compliance with all applicable regulations and the project specification and: (2) determining lead dust in air and lead dust concentrations before, during, and after the completion of abatement activity.
Areas that have been determined to have post-abatement lead dust concentrations below the regulatory level are certified to be in compliance with the specification and its requirements. Dust and airborne lead concentrations are monitored by collecting samples for laboratory analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS).
Project Report:
After completion of all abatement activities, ECMS typically provides a final report as a permanent project record. This record includes the identification and status of any lead-based paint still remaining at a site, including recommendations to prevent future contamination. This permanent record will prove to be a useful management tool in the event that occupants or workers at a facility file future complaints of exposure to hazardous materials.
A final project report includes all documented records related to the project, such as notifications to appropriate regulatory agencies, waste disposal documentation, medical monitoring and training records of contractors' employees, and records of air and wipe sample analysis. In short, the final project report provides a comprehensive record of the project, from preliminary planning through final testing results, in one bound volume.
Environmental Engineering Consulting Services
Environmental
Site Assessments (ESA)
The Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a reconnaissance intended to discover and evaluate general and document specific environmental hazards associated with a property. Such an assessment can be used to assist the property owner and/or lending institution in establishing an "innocent landowner" status, should it be required. To be considered for "innocent landowner" status, as indirectly defined in CERCLA, Section 101 (35)(A)(i), the affected party(s) must show that they "did not know and had no reason to know that any hazardous substance...was disposed of on, in, or at the facility". To establish that the affected party had no reason to know, it is necessary to undertake an inquiry consistent with good commercial and customary practice to address "commonly known or reasonably ascertainable information about the property, the obviousness of the presence or likely presence of contamination at the property, and the ability to detect such contamination by appropriate inspection."
An important step of the due diligence process, an environmental property assessment is one component used to develop a framework for establishing whether or not to proceed with a real estate transaction.
ECMS has the regulatory knowledge and expertise to conduct comprehensive site investigations and assist potential and current owners to determine the environmental status and potential environmental liabilities (site and third party) of a property.
Comprehensive Site Investigations
Various Federal, State, and local regulations govern the release of oil and OHM to the environment. If a release (as determined by Federal and/or state-specific standards) of OHM to the environmental exists, a Comprehensive Site Investigation will likely be required to determine the type, source, nature and extent of OHM release.
A Comprehensive Site Investigation (most
commonly referred to a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment) of site
conditions provides ECMS essential information that can be used
to recommend to the client remedial action alternatives so as to remain
in compliance with applicable environmental regulations as well as address
client concerns and budgets.
Site characterization generally includes the direct observation of subsurface conditions. This is performed by use of various methods, including, but not limited to, hand augers, hole diggers, and push tube samples for surficial soils to a depth of less than 15 feet, and the use of backhoes, machine-driven drill rigs, Geoprobe (TM) units for deeper depths.
The location, type of samples collected, sampling equipment and analytical method is selected in accordance with the sampling plan developed in a detailed site investigation plan. This information is usually derived from historical research on potential compounds of concern as well as available previously prepared environmental reports or information.
ECMS personnel have personally performed and or reviewed hundreds of subsurface investigations throughout the country. Our experienced geologists and environmental engineers have over 15 years of field experience with all varieties of subsurface exploration techniques including air-rotary, hollow stem-auger, cased borings, Geoprobe (TM) and rock coring. ECMS professionals have also performed a variety of pilot tests (aquifer, hydraulic conductivity, vacuum extraction and air sparging) for gathering necessary data for the design of soil and groundwater remedial systems.
A Comprehensive Site Investigation report generally presents, contains, or appends relevant information, data, findings, and Opinions related to the Comprehensive Site Assessment of the site. ECMS technical reports are written not only to present the data, summary and conclusions to the appropriate regulator (technical reader), but also are routinely tailored for those who are not as environmentally proficient.
Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional (LSP) Services
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) has implemented the 21E program through a set of regulations known as the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP). The MCP lays out the state's rules for conducting cleanups of oil and/or hazardous materials contaminated sites. The MCP requires private parties who are financially responsible under Massachusetts law for assessing and cleaning up confirmed and suspected hazardous waste sites must retain a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) to manage and/or oversee the required assessment and cleanup work.
The LSP collects data on conditions at the site, interprets this data, assesses the risks posed by the site to health, safety, public welfare, and the environment, and recommends and oversees necessary cleanup activities. In providing these services, the LSP is responsible for making sure that the formal, written opinions that he or she provides about response actions at a disposal site, and the activities that lead up to these opinions, are consistent with the requirements set forth in the MCP.
At key stages in the cleanup process, these formal, written opinions describing the work that has been completed must be sent to MADEP. When a cleanup has been completed, the LSP provides a final opinion [Response Action Outcome (RAO)] stating that the response actions have achieved an outcome that complies with the MCP and protects health, safety, public welfare, and the environment. Only an LSP can sign and stamp these formal opinions submitted to the MADEP.
LSPs are licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals, commonly called the "LSP Board." Applicants must meet stringent education and experience standards set by the Board, and they must pass an examination that tests their technical and regulatory knowledge. The LSP Board also requires that LSPs take continuing education courses in order to maintain their licenses. These licensing and continuing education requirements, along with the LSP Board's ongoing disciplinary program, were designed to ensure that LSPs have the knowledge and experience to guide their clients properly through the assessment and cleanup process mandated by the state regulations.
ECMS LSPs have extensive experience since the inception of the LSP program in the revised MCP in 1993 with preparation and submission of every aspect of the MCP including; Phase I through Phase V reports, Downgradient Property Status (DPS), Activity and Use Limitations (AULs), Method 1, 2 and 3 Risk Characterizations, Class A, B and C RAO's, Numerical Site Ranking, Immediate Response Action (IRA) Plans and Release Abatement Measure (RAM) Plans, status and completion reports, Tier I Permit Applications and Major Permit Modifications.
Our LSPs work directly with our clients not only to meet the regulatory requirements of the MCP but also maintain the highest sense of budgetary discretion, which we fully understand, is of utmost importance to our clients. Our LSPs provide our clients with a logical understanding of the myriad of environmental and sometimes legal ramifications of the ever-evolving environmental policies and regulations. We not only provide superior technical consulting services but also educate our clients to better understand their options and alternatives to achieve necessary regulatory endpoint goals and in the process to remain fiscally rational.
Soil and Groundwater Remediation
ECMS provides environmental consulting and remediation services to petroleum, manufacturing, and specialized industries. ECMS offer our clients cost-effective remedial solutions and we are committed to state-of-the-art technological innovation and excellence.
ECMS implements site restoration (whether it be active mechanical or non-mechanical method) approaches that have gained regulatory acceptance and approval. ECMS utilizes innovative solutions that meet our clients' demands and is the most cost effective and fiscally balanced alternative. Finally, ECMS provides our clients with our vast technical experience that provides them with a sense of security and comfort until ultimate site closure is achieved. ECMS services include, but are not limited to the following:
Advanced technologies for soil vapor extraction, air sparging, groundwater extraction, high-vacuum extraction, bioremediation;
Underground Storage Tank Management
An underground storage tank system (UST) is a tank and any underground piping connected to the tank that has at least 10 percent of its combined volume underground. The federal UST regulations apply only to underground tanks and piping storing either petroleum or certain hazardous substances.
The EPA estimates that there are about 1.1 million federally regulated USTs buried at over 400,000 sites nationwide. Nearly all USTs at these sites contain petroleum. These sites include marketers who sell gasoline to the public (service stations and convenience stores) and non-marketers who use tanks solely for their own needs (fleet service operators and local governments).
EPA estimates about 25,000 tanks hold hazardous substances covered by the UST regulations. Until the mid-1980s, most USTs were made of bare steel, which is likely to corrode over time and allow UST contents to leak into the environment. Faulty installation or inadequate operating and maintenance procedures also can cause USTs to release their contents into the environment.
The greatest potential hazard from a leaking UST is that the petroleum or other hazardous substance can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans. A leaking UST can present other health and environmental risks, including the potential for fire and explosion.
EPA recognizes that, because of the large size and great diversity of the regulated community, state and local governments are in the best position to oversee USTs. Subtitle I of RCRA allows state UST programs approved by EPA to operate in lieu of the federal program, and EPA's state program approval regulations set standards for state programs to meet. States may have more stringent regulations than the federal requirements.
ECMS understands the technical,
regulatory and administrative procedures encompassing UST management and
remediation. ECMS consulting services include but is not limited
to assessment, management, remediation and closure of various types UST
systems. With over 15 years of project-related experience working with
more than 200 tank systems at over 100 locations nationwide, our technical
expertise and up-to-date knowledge of local, state and federal regulations
allow us to provide superior technical and fiscally responsive recommendations
to achieve both regulatory and client goals. ECMS' underground
storage tank management services include:
UST Assessment:
EPA's technical regulations for USTs are designed to reduce the chance of releases from USTs, detect leaks and spills when they do occur, and secure a prompt cleanup. To meet the requirements, owners must upgrade, replace, or close existing UST systems by 1998. Tanks remaining in operation must have leak detection and leak prevention components. UST owners and operators are responsible for reporting and cleaning up any releases. ECMS personnel evaluate active and inactive tank systems with respect to their compliance with operating requirements, regulatory requirements and closure/remediation strategies to ensure that risk of a release to the environmental is prevented or minimized. We will advise our clients on their financial responsibility and their risk of third-party damages associated with a release.
UST Management:
ECMS will also aid our clients with their design and performance of tank system and monitoring systems upgrade. We also coordinate for our clients the performance of UST tightness testing, leak detection monitoring well system sampling and analysis and UST historical research regarding UST systems.
UST Closure:
Most state regulations require that an assessment be performed at the time of an UST closure to look for possible leaks from the UST and associated piping to and contamination of the environment. In addition, this requirement to measure for contamination also applies to UST closures-in-place before the permanent closure is completed.
ECMS personnel monitor the UST excavation utilizing current/regulatory approved in-situ contaminant detection devices and sample both soil and groundwater for contaminants of concern in accordance with state specific collection protocols and analytical methods.
The UST owner/operator is generally responsible for financing the UST closure and any subsequent cleanup actions that may be necessary, as well as for remaining in compliance with applicable regulations throughout the closure process. Specifically, he/she is responsible for obtaining the required permits prior to UST closure, hiring qualified professionals to perform the UST closure and to measure for and manage contamination, notifying the appropriate authorities of contamination when necessary, and retaining all documentation pertaining to the UST Closure and any subsequent cleanup actions. ECMS provides our clients with the above referenced services to ensure that the UST is closed in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and local regulations. We directly coordinate with all parties (excavation contractors, utility markout contractors, local Fire Prevention Departments) to ensure a rapid, cost effective and least client intrusive method of removal.
UST Remediation:
ECMS technical professionals have successfully remediated to regulatory closure dozens of petroleum releases from USTs. ECMS personnel have implemented many varying soil and groundwater remediation techniques which have included "dig and haul", soil vapor extraction (SVE), air sparging, biosparging, landfarming, biopiles, bioventing, low-temperature thermal desorption, enhanced biodegradation and natural attenuation.
ECMS remediation techniques are selected based on careful study, interpretation and analysis of the nature and characteristics of the release, geologic and hydrogeologic factors, budgetary restrictions, immediate risk to human health and the environment, regulatory criteria and logistical constraints.
Hazardous
Materials Management :
Polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs are environmental contaminants associated
with fluids in electrical equipment, especially transformers and capacitors.
Fluorescent lighting units with ballasts manufactured before 1978 often
used PCB-containing dielectric cooling fluids. Transformers, capacitors,
and fluorescent lighting units that do not use PCB-containing oils are
generally identified by labels bearing the words "No PCBs".
The EPA banned the manufacture and sale of PCB-containing transformers in 1976. Prior to this date, transformers were frequently filled with a dielectric fluid containing PCB-laden oil. By 1985 the EPA required that commercial property owners with transformers containing more than 500 parts per million (ppm) PCBs must register the transformer with the local fire department, provide exterior labeling, and remove combustible materials within five meters of the transformer (40 Code of Federal Regulations 761.30: "Fire Rule").
The EPA has the following categories for PCB-containing transformers:
ECMS offers a full range of hazardous materials inspection, analysis, design and monitoring services. Before the initiation of hazardous materials or hazardous waste abatement operations, our technicians perform inspections to determine the presence of (PCBs) and other materials described in 49 CFR 171-180 Hazardous Materials Regulations. These surveys provide the information necessary for us to develop cost estimates for PCB or hazardous materials/waste abatement of affected components and to aid in preparing project specifications.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management :
Health complaints about poor indoor air quality have increased steadily over the past several years. Building occupants exposed to adverse indoor environmental conditions can experience a variety of health effects - from minor physical discomfort and emotional strain to long-term health damage.
An unhealthy work environment often contributes to decreased worker productivity, higher absenteeism and increased workplace accidents. Consequently, worker compensation claims, insurance premiums and the potential for litigation against a company increase. A building labeled "unhealthy" is more difficult to market.
Indoor air quality problems are caused by a variety of building-related, occupant-related and external environmental activities. To minimize and eliminate the impacts of unhealthy indoor conditions, ECMS offers comprehensive indoor air quality services, including preliminary air investigations, advanced air quality studies and regulatory assistance.
ECMS identifies potential indoor air quality problems by conducting a preliminary investigation that includes indoor air testing and visual assessments. The goal of a preliminary investigation is to resolve air quality problems without cost-intensive testing for each potential contaminant. If an air quality problem is identified, ECMS can help adapt building systems and establish a quality management program.
Advanced indoor air quality studies may be conducted if the preliminary investigation does not provide sufficient information to meet management goals or resolve occupant conflict. Advanced air quality studies are conducted to characterize additional indoor air pollutants that lack applicable standards. These pollutants include microbiological contamination, environmental tobacco smoke, airborne particulates, ozone and volatile organic compounds.
Indoor air quality management is based on adherence to recognized engineering standards, application of available air contaminant exposure guidelines, and compliance with existing and emerging regulations. ECMS has a comprehensive understanding of these, as well as ventilation system design principles, pollution source emission systems, and human health effects. Our highly experienced staff can assist building owners and operators manage their indoor air quality concerns.
Environmental & Construction Management Services, Inc. is a Massachusetts Department of Occupational Safety licensed training provider for Asbestos Training courses (AT000070).
Utilizing training materials developed and compiled by ECMS staff, our training courses are delivered by asbestos and health and safety professionals who are still actively contributing and working in the field, this ensures they are fully up to date and knowledgeable about the different issues faced by our clients. To successfully deal with asbestos issues, knowledge of current regulations is critical.
Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Supervisor
Certification as an Asbestos Supervisor allows an individual or agent of an asbestos abatement entity to have managerial or supervisory authority over asbestos workers or act as a foreperson with responsibility for the completion of asbestos response actions or portions thereof.
Certification as an Asbestos Project Monitor authorizes the consultant to function as the on-site representative of the facility owner or other persons, interpret project specifications or asbestos management plans and monitor and evaluate contractor or employee compliance with applicable rules, regulations, or specifications, including collection of the air samples at asbestos project sites.
Certification as an Asbestos Inspector authorizes the consultant to review building records, perform visual inspections, collect samples, prepare written inventories and conduct other forms of investigation necessary to determine and document the presence and condition of known or suspect ACM in facilities. Certified Asbestos Inspectors must apply current concepts and state-of-the-art knowledge to evaluate the conditions and accessibility of ACM and shall otherwise conduct their activities according to procedures described in current EPA guidance documents or applicable federal laws or rules and regulations.
Certification as an Asbestos Project Designer authorizes the consultant to design Asbestos Response Actions through preparation of job specifications, bidding documents, architectural drawings and schematic representations of material locations. Except as mandated by AHERA for Asbestos Response Actions conducted in school facilities, the preparation of asbestos project designs is not required by 453 CMR 6.00. Where asbestos project designs are prepared, such preparation must only be performed by persons certified as Asbestos Project Designers pursuant to 453 CMR 6.07.
Certification as an Asbestos Worker authorizes a person not acting as a supervisor to perform asbestos work as an employee, or to perform such work under the direction and control of another, with or without compensation.
Certification as an Associated Project Worker allows an individual or agent to perform a work operation involving the disturbance of three or fewer linear feet of asbestos surfacing located on pipes, ducts or wires or three or fewer square feet of asbestos surfacing located on structures or components other than pipes, ducts or wires and which does not have as it’s principal purpose the removal, enclosure or encapsulation of asbestos.
Construction Management Services :
Construction Management is a professional service that applies effective management techniques to the planning, design, and construction of a project from inception to completion for the purpose of controlling time, cost and quality.
Construction Management
is a discipline and management system specifically created to promote
the successful execution of capital projects for owners. These projects
can be highly complex. Few owners maintain the staff resources necessary
to pay close, continuing attention to every detail--yet these details
can "make or break" a project.
A professional CM can augment the owner's staff with pre-planning, design,
construction, engineering and management expertise that can assure the
best possible project outcome no matter what type of project delivery
method used.
Agency Construction Management
"Agency" Construction Management is a fee-based service in which the construction manager is responsible exclusively to the owner and acts in the owner's interests at every stage of the project. The construction manager offers advice, uncolored by any conflicting interest, on such crucial matters as:
At-risk Construction Management
"At-risk"
Construction Management is a delivery method that entails a commitment by
the construction manager to deliver the project within a Guaranteed Maximum
Price (GMP). The construction manager acts as consultant to the owner in
the development and design phases, but as the equivalent of a general contractor
during the construction phase. When a construction manager is bound to a
GMP, the most fundamental character of the relationship is changed. In addition
to acting in the owner's interest, the construction manager also protects
him/herself. Construction
Management Procedures
ECMS’s professional Construction Managers can support Owners with
proven management skills to assist Owner’s and Project Architects
in delivering the best possible projects, on time and within budget.
ECMS’ Construction Managers assist Owners in ensuring more effective
control of complex construction, delivering high quality finished projects
on time and within budget. ECMS’ Construction Manager represents Owners
in such crucial areas as:
ECMS’ team of Construction Managers assist Owners in the following:
During the Design Phase, ECMS assists Clients in:
During the bid process, ECMS assists Owners and Architects in the following:
During construction, ECMS provides a Supervising Engineer and a Field Engineer. The Supervising Engineer is the Clients point of contact. The Supervising Engineer is responsible for oversight of all project tasks.
During construction, the Supervising Engineer will typically perform the following duties:
The Field Engineer will typically perform the following duties: