Saturday, March 31, 2018

Phase 2 Soil Vapor Testing For SBA Loan

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 2 Vapor Intrusion Testing To Meet SBA Lender Requirements 
Client: Prospective Buyer  
Location(s): Rochester, Minnesota Area

Key Elements: Phase 2 Site investigation, Soil Vapor IntrusionTier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment, ASTM E2600-10

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment for this commercial property located in a historic downtown district of a southern Minnesota city. Phase 2 was conducted to meet the requirements of the Bank and the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program. The Phase 1 ESA on the property determined that several potential soil vapor intrusion sources were located on and near the site. The Phase 2 collected subslab soil vapor samples to determine if vapor encroachment was a significant risk that could affect the future use of the property. The testing was conducted in accordance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)  "Vapor Intrusion Assessments Performed During Site Investigations. Guidance Document 4-01a.

The Phase 1 environmental also included a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E2600-10. Numerous current and historic vapor sources were identified in the area. The screening assessment determined which, if any, could be a potential soil vapor encroachment risk for the property being assessed.  

 Canister Used For Subslab Soil Vapor Testing To Evaluation Soil Vapor Encroachment potential
Canister Used For Subslab Soil Vapor Sampling


 Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

   
Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 
and Remediation Partner

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Oshkosh, WI Area Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase I Environmental Assessment 
Client: Food Sector Industry 
Location(s): Oshkosh, Wisconsin Area

Key Elements: Phase 1 environmental site assessment, ASTM 1527, soil vapor intrusion risk screening

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a pre-acquisition environmental assessment for an industrial property located near Oshkosh. The property had a long history of industrial uses covering a range of industrial processes and chemical use. Records of underground storage tank removals conducted for prior Owners also had to be acquired and reviewed. Based on the Phase 1 ESA results, no significant issues were identified and the property sale was completed on schedule.

  Large Floor Drain And flammable waste trap
Large Floor Trench And Oil-Water Separator


Phase 1 environmental inspections, environmental site assessment, phase 2 testing, site cleanup 
Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 
and Remediation Partner

Friday, March 16, 2018

Environmental Site Assessment In Minnesota Historic District

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA To Meet SBA Lender Requirement
Client: Prospective Buyer 
Location(s): Minnesota

Key Elements: Phase 1 environmental assessment, Tier 1 Soil Vapor Intrusion Screening

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for this commercial property located in a historic district in southern Minnesota. A Phase 1 assessment was conducted to meet the requirements of a prospective Lender and the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan guarantee program.  The building in the property was constructed in 1884 and had a long history of commercial uses which had to be evaluated to determine if SBA "environmentally sensitive uses" of the property had occurred in the past. Caltha conducted a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment in accordance with ASTM Standard E2600-10 in which numerous potential vapor sources were screened to determine if they presented a risk for soil vapor encroachment at the Subject Property. Caltha issued a Reliance Letter to the Bank and SBA for the assessment.

  Spills and Leaks on floor In Former Oil storage Tank area
Spills and Leaks In Former Oil Tank Room



Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

  Phase 1 environmental inspections, environmental site assessment, phase 2 testing, site cleanup 
Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 
and Remediation Partner

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota Environmental Site Assessment

Environmental Assessments In Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota

Caltha LLP provides rapid response Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment and Phase 2 Environmental Assessments for clients across Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota.

 Click here to review example projects and regulatory updates for:

Minnesota
South Dakota
North Dakota
Abandoned Chemical Drums Found During
Phase I Environmental Assessment
 

What Makes Caltha Unique?

We believe that our clients expect and value technical expertise. Our clients also expect that when they hire a consulting company that claims a wealth of expertise and past experience, the staff they will ultimately work with should actually have that same expertise and experience. By choosing Caltha, our clients will always work directly with our senior professional staff, most of which have twenty or more years of experience. At Caltha, technical work does not get delegated to inexperienced staff. Because we rely on experience and expertise, work is done correctly the first time and tasks are completed in much less time. The result is a better product at a lower cost.

Proper Storage And Recycling of PCB Containing Wastes

Client Sectors

Caltha provides expert services across a range of clients in the private and public sectors, including:

Industrial and Manufacturing

  • Light Manufacturing
  • Heavy Manufacturing
  • Chemical Sector
  • Food Products Sector
  • Healthcare and Medical Device Sector
  • Mining Sector
  • Paper and Wood Products Sector
  • Primary Metals and Metal Fabrication
  • Electronic and Electrical Equipment
  • Electric Generation and Transmission
  • Transportation Sector

Professional and Institutional Clients

  • Banks and Other Lending Institutions
  • Real Estate Professional
  • Law Firms
  • Engineering Firms
  • Schools and Universities

Public Sector Clients

  • Airports
  • Public Utilities
  • Port Authority
  • Governmental Agencies
Caltha provides expertise in a 
wide range of business sectors

Community Involvement

Caltha LLP believes in maintaining strong connections within the professional community and our local communities. Caltha staff have had leadership roles within a number of professional organizations, including the Institute of Internal Auditing, Air & Waste Management Association, Alliance of Hazardous Material Professionals, and the Industrial Council on Environmental Management.

Caltha also provides continuing support to the Alliance of Hazardous Material Professional’s CHMMunity program. CHMMunity provides volunteer technical support of local certified Hazardous Material Managers to assist community projects.

 

What do our clients say?

In a recent survey of our clients, Caltha scored an average of 9.8 out of 10 on service, quality and overall client satisfaction. Here are some comments made by Caltha clients:
“Just a brief note to let you know how much our plant appreciates the exceptional performance your company provided us. You were able to quickly identify our unique concerns and responded with complete technical accuracy. More importantly, you educated me so I now have a comprehensive technical awareness of possible regulatory issues that I can use in the future. And if that were not enough, you were able to do that on a very compressed time schedule, enabling me to submit my report a day before the deadline. All this and at the lowest price of all competitors contacted. Thanks for a job well done.” Energy and Environmental Manager - Maryneal, TX
“provided excellent results on numerous environmental projects and divestitures… highly experienced, cost effective, thoughtful and smart!.” Corporate Audit Manager - Minneapolis, MN
“Leadership, collaboration, focus and expertise… skill set of engaging and enrolling others towards a common goal and/or purpose…extremely well educated in the broad scope of the environmental field.” Facility Environmental Health & Safety Manager - Arden Hills, MN
“We have hired many different consultants and have seen a wide range in responsiveness, expertise and quality… but, Caltha always provides consistently high quality services.” Environmental Attorney - Washington DC

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Phase 1 Environmental Consultants In Minnesota

Caltha offers Phase 1 Environmental Assessments  and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments at a very competitive cost for sites across Minnesota. Site assessments and site inspections are routinely conducted in cities across Minnesota, including:

This photo shows an example of Leaking Waste Solvent Drums contaminating soil and groundwater near the property line
Leaking Waste Solvent Drums Along Property Line


Clients should be aware that in November 2013, ASTM revised the Standard Practice for conducting a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. Caltha now uses the new ASTM E 1527-13 method. Click here to review a summary of the changes to the ASTM Phase 1 requirements in the new ASTM E 1527-13.

  Poor Maintenance Of Flammable Waste Trap Results In Leaks
Poor Maintenance Of Oil-Water Separator Results In Leaks

 Click here to review example Phase 1 Environmental Assessments and Phase 2 Investigations

  Click here to Request Phase I ESA Quick Quote 



  Phase 1 environmental inspections, environmental site assessment, phase 2 testing, site cleanup 
Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 
and Remediation Partner

Environmental Assessment Companies In Wisconsin

Caltha offers Phase 1 Environmental Assessments  and Phase 2 Environmental Assessments at a very competitive cost for sites across Wisconsin. Site assessments and site inspections are routinely conducted in cities across Wisconsin, including:

Leaking Hydraulic System On Trash Compactor Identified During Combined SWPPP SPCC Inspection
Leaking Hydraulic System On Trash Compactor

Click here for more Caltha project examples related to environmental site assessments, including Phase 1 ESA, Phase 2 site investigations, and site cleanup. Click here to review more project examples for facilities located in Wisconsin and Wisconsin regulatory updates.

  Click here to Request Phase I ESA Quick Quote


Phase 1 environmental inspections, environmental site assessment, phase 2 testing, site cleanup 
Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 
and Remediation Partner

Environmental Sampling At Minnesota Auto Repair Shop

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Site Investigation of Oil Releases From Waste Oil Storage
Client: Facility Owner/Operator 
Location(s): Minnesota

Key Elements: Soil and Groundwater Site investigation, Groundwater sampling, Soil sampling, Soil Vapor Sampling

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Soil And Groundwater Site Investigation for this commercial property located in Minnesota. A Phase 1 assessment had determined a higher risk for leaks from a used oil storage tank located on the property.  A limited site investigation (Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment) confirmed that petroleum releases outside the building had occurred from this unit.

  Spills and Leaks on floor In Former Oil storage Tank area
Spills and Leaks In Former Oil Tank Room

The release on the property had been reported to the MPCA and the Owner entered the MPCA Petroleum Brownfields Program to obtain a leak site closure letter. The site investigation was to define the magnitude and extent of the release and to identify any other contributing sources. The work included further soil borings, soil and groundwater sampling, and subslab soil vapor sampling, all done in accordance with MPCA guidance documents.

 Lube Oil Storage Tanks and Dispensers
Fresh Oil Tanks and Dispensers


Click here for more information on Caltha's Environmental Assessment Services for commercial and industrial property transfer.

  Phase 1 environmental inspections, environmental site assessment, phase 2 testing, site cleanup 
Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 
and Remediation Partner

Monday, March 5, 2018

Does State Get A Copy Of Phase 1 Environmental Report?

Does a Phase I Environmental Assessment Report need to be sent to State or EPA?

This is a Frequently Asked Question, along with the similar question, "Does the State or EPA have copies of old Phase 1 ESA reports?"

The simple answer to both is No; performing a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment on a property you intend to purchase or lease is voluntary. It is a risk management step taken to identify contamination issues on the property or nearby properties which can impact both the value and usability of the property. Once completed there is no requirement that the Phase I Environmental Assessment Report be submitted to any government agency, whether or not potential issues are identified.

  Abandoned Gas Station and Bulk Fuel Depot Being Sold For Redevelopment
Abandoned Gas Station Being Sold For Redevelopment

 However, if issues are identified on a property for which either the Owner or Buyer wishes to get some type of landowner liability protection (LLP) from the State or Federal agency, then agency will typically require all prior reports be submitted for review, including the Phase 1 Report. This is necessary to document that the party requesting liability protection conducted "All Appropriate Inquiry" and is eligible for the protections being requested. Records of these requests are maintained by the agency and the Phase 1 report(s) can typically be reviewed by formal request.

  More Information On Landowner Liability Protections and AAI


Phase 1 environmental inspections, environmental site assessment, phase 2 testing, site cleanup 
Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 
and Remediation Partner

Does A Phase 1 Report Require A Professional Engineer?

If you need your assessment to meet the ASTM standard, then the “environmental professional” you use will need to provide documentation that they meet the specific qualification requirements contained in ASTM E 1527-13. The ASTM specifies the professional qualification, education and experience needed to qualify as an Environmental Professional. These qualifications are different than professional engineer qualifications, or in other words, not all professional engineers would have the necessarily qualifications to be an Environmental Professional.  Most banks and government agencies will require that the Phase 1 be done in accordance with ASTM E1527, and therefore the person preparing the report must meet the Environmental Professional qualifications.


  Poor Maintenance Of Flammable Waste Trap Results In Leaks
Poor Maintenance Of Oil-Water Separator
Results In Leaks Identified During Phase 1 

Different organizations and lenders may have additional requirements on who can conduct Environmental Site Assessments they will accept. For example, the Small Business Administration (SBA) requires that the environmental professional has a minimum of $1,000,0000 professional liability insurance, in addition to meeting technical qualifications.


   Phase 1 environmental inspections, environmental site assessment, phase 2 testing, site cleanup 
Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 
and Remediation Partner

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Do I Need Environmental Assessment If Paying With Cash?

A Frequently Asked Question Caltha receives is "Do I need a Phase I Environmental if I am not getting a bank loan?".

The simple answer is No; performing a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment on a property you intend to purchase or lease is voluntary. It is a risk management step taken to identify contamination issues on the property or nearby properties which can impact both the value and usability of the property.

  Historical Map Reveals A Previously Unknown Gas Station On Property
Historical Map Reveals Old Filling Station On Property

The more complete answer is Possibly. The Phase 1 Assessment provides information which can be important to the value of a piece of property, which is not considered in other property valuation assessments. It is important to consider that a Phase 1 may be required in the future, if you use the property as collateral, or if you sell the property and a prospective Buyer uses a bank that would require a Phase 1. If in the future potential issues are identified, you can be responsible for cleanup,even if you did not cause the issue. The advantage of conducting an ESA most often cited is that it can establish you as an "innocent landowner", allowing some protection against this type of liability. Therefore it is better to have this information before purchasing a property.

  Oil Staining on floor around Used Oil Burner
Oil Staining At Used Oil Burner

Another tangible benefit of conducting an ESA is the knowledge gained in conducting a formal assessment of a property. This benefit is greatly augmented by adding issues to the ESA that are often outside the scope of a standard ASTM Phase 1. This could include:
  • Describing the manufacturing process
  • Evaluating environmental compliance
  • Identifying potential "bottlenecks" created by permit limits or regulations
  • Considering environmental compliance implications of your future plans for the facility
  • Assessing impacts of upcoming regulations on a facility
  • Understanding the current environmental management system.
  • Evaluating the status of asbestos, lead-based paint and other issues typically excluded from a Phase 1 ESA; this issues are especially important if you intent to demolish and/or renovate existing structures.


Phase 1 environmental inspections, environmental site assessment, phase 2 testing, site cleanup 
Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 
and Remediation Partner