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

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 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.

 
Fresh Oil Tanks and Dispensers


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

Phase 1 and Phase 2 Investigation For Iowa SBA Lender

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA and Underground Storage Tank (UST) Survey For Former Filling Station Property
Client: Bank - Lender
Location(s): Sioux City, Iowa

Key Elements: SBA Phase 1 ESA, Phase 2 Investigation, Ground Penetrating Radar UST Survey


Overview:  Caltha was retained to prepare a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, in accordance with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) lending requirements, for this commercial property. In recent years, the property had been redeveloped for commercial use. The Phase 1 ESA revealed that a former use of the property was for a filling station; no records were found on registration or removal of underground storage tanks that were assumed to be used by the gas station. A phase 2 investigation was conducted to determine if USTs remained on the property. The investigation used ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology as a non-invasive technical to survey the site. Four USTs were found on the property, when were then registered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, then removed prior to sale of the property.


Abandoned Tanks Marked During Ground Penetrating Radar Survey


For more information on Caltha LLP services, go to the Caltha Contact Page 

 

Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment 

and Remediation Partner

Phase 1 ESA of Minnesota Industrial Brownfield SIte

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA For Historic Industrial Brownfield Property 
Client: National Food Sector Corporation  
Location(s): Minneapolis - Saint Paul Area, Minnesota

Key Elements: Phase 1 Site investigation, Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment, ASTM E2600-10

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for this historical industrial property located in the suburban Minneapolis - Saint Paul Area. The property had been in industrial use since the late 1880s and had gone through several soil and groundwater cleanups to allow for redevelopment. The Phase 1 ESA looked at current operations on the property, but also reviewed documentation of past investigations and site remediation work completed by an earlier property owner. The Phase 1 assessment also included a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment using ASTM E2600-10. The prospective purchaser intended to renovate existing building and to construct new buildings on the site. Findings determined that some cleanup projects completed by the earlier owner were not finalized and residual contamination remained on the property. The Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment determined that on-site vapor sources should be further evaluated to determine if vapor mitigation should be incorporated into  site development plans.

 
Leaking Fuel Lines From Underground Tanks

Environmental reviews for sites previously investigated and cleaned up need to consider the potential impact of any contamination left on the property on future uses of the site.

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

Phase 1 On Gas Station In Minneapolis, Minnesota

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 1 ESA For Gas Station/Service Station 
Client: Developer  
Location(s): Minneapolis - Saint Paul Area, Minnesota

Key Elements: Phase 1 Site investigation, Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment, ASTM E2600-10

Overview: Caltha LLP conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for this gas station property located in the suburban Minneapolis - Saint Paul Area. The station had operated as a gas station and auto repair facility since the 1950s. The Phase 1 assessment also included a Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment using ASTM E2600-10. The prospective purchaser and developer intended to renovate existing building and to construct new buildings on the site. Findings determined that the status of underground storage tanks currently on the property and historic tanks associated with the station since it opened in the 1950s would need to be addressed during redevelopment. In addition, other potential areas of concern were identified. The Tier I Vapor Encroachment Screening Assessment determined that on-site vapor sources should be further evaluated to determine if vapor mitigation should be incorporated into redevelopment plans.


 
Abandoned Gas Station Property

Environmental reviews for older gas stations are especially important because records for underground storage tank removals were typically not kept prior to the 1980s.

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

Health Risk Limits For Trimethybenzene In Minnesota

The Health Risk Assessment Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health has started a full review of three trimethylbenzene (TMB) isomers (1,2,3-trimethylbenzene; 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene; and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene). TMB isomers are produced during petroleum refining and production of a component of gasoline. TMB isomers are also used in the production of solvents and are ingredients in paints, dyes, cleaning agents, and automotive fluids.

 The review will consider if the existing Health Risk Values (HRL) for the three trimethylbenzene compounds in groundwater are adequately protective. This review is particularly significant because trimethylbenzene compounds are commonly detected in soil and groundwater at petroleum release sites, such as leaking underground storage tank (LUST) sites.

Oil Contaminated Soil Identified During 

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

 MDH previously developed water guidance for 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene. Re-evaluation of these contaminants in 2017 resulted in a recommendation for full review.



Caltha LLP | Your Environmental Site Assessment
and Remediation Partner

Are Electric Transformers A Recognized Environmental Condition?

Electric transformers are found at almost every larger commercial, institutional and industrial facility. Sometimes this equipment is owned by the facility owner and sometimes by the power company. For some facilities, it is not always clearly understood who owns and is responsible for transformers.

Can Electric Transformers Leak Oil?

Yes, electric transformers can leak oil, but only if they actually contain oil.

How Can I Tell If Electric Transformer Contains Oil?

For newer transformers, the quantity of oil in the unit is usually found on the label. For older equipment, this information may not be on the label, or the label may have been removed or is illegible. In this case, a visual inspection of the equipment by a knowledgeable person can usually determine if it contains oil or not.     Not sure?   Send Caltha a photo and we may be able to determine this - send to info@calthacompany.com

Who Is Responsible To Clean Up Leaks From Transformers?

This will depend on State laws. In general, the Owner of the equipment is responsible. However, for a property owner whose property has been impacted by a leaking transformer, the issue could affect the value of the property and they may voluntarily elect to clean up leaks.

What Are The Environmental Risks For Electric Transformers?

A risk for oil spills exists for any oil-filled transformer. Older transformers commonly contained PCB oils. Use of PCB oils has been phased out and newer equipment is often labeled "No PBC"; however older electric transformers could still contain PCBs which makes clean up more involved.

Leaks can occur over long periods and accumulate slowly. The other risk is an emergency spill caused by a fire or the transformer being damaged by vehicles, etc. These risks are minimized by ensuring equipment is included in pollution prevention plans and spill plans (such as SWPPP, SPCC Plan or other spill plans) and is regularly inspected and maintained. Whether or not an individual transformer is a Recognized Environmental Condition will be determined by the Environmental Professional after considering these factors.

Typical Leaking Electric Transformer

Minnesota Based Environmental Consultant For Site Cleanup and Investigations

Minnesota-based Environmental Consulting Firm

Caltha LLP, a Minnesota headquartered environmental assessment company, investigates the sources of contamination and remediates them. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of Health has recognized soil contaminates to be an environmental issue with potential health impacts. Soil pollutants such as lead, cadmium, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, asbestos, and petroleum-related products can be found in urban and rural sites across Minnesota. As a result, parties that buy or sell commercial or industrial property in Minnesota are urged to complete an environmental site assessment as part of their due diligence and mitigate potential liability.

If past spills or leaks are found, remediation services may be required. Caltha LLP is a trusted environmental consulting and engineering firm serving Minnesota with Phase I and Phase II site assessments and remediation services. Led by a member of our experienced staff, your environmental site assessment and remediation will be streamlined and completed thoroughly, thoughtfully, and to minimize current and future costs.

We perform Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments and remediation work across Minnesota, including:

Minneapolis	St. Paul	Rochester	Duluth	Bloomington
Brooklyn Park	Plymouth	Woodbury	Eagan	Maple Grove
Coon Rapids	Blaine	Eden Prairie	Burnsville	Lakeville
St. Cloud	Apple Valley	Minnetonka	Edina	St. Louis Park
Moorhead	Mankato	Maplewood	Shakopee	Cottage Grove

Oil Contaminated Soil Left On Property 

Observed During Phase 1 ESA

Minnesota Environmental Firm Performs Vapor Intrusion Assessments

A vapor intrusion screening and soil vapor sampling has become a crucial component of Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. Volatile organic compounds migrate through soil and groundwater and can potentially form harmful gases which can migrate into buildings, similar to radon gas. Soil vapor mitigation eliminates a key environmental liability and when needed is an component of our site remediation services.

Leaking Tank And Fuel Pump 

At Rural Minnesota Property

Minnesota-based Consultant With MPCA, MDH, MDA and Local Agency Knowledge

Caltha LLP maintains close ties with the key State and local agencies that oversee waste management and contaminated site cleanup. In Minnesota, most environmental laws and regulations fall under the authority of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The MPCA provides businesses with a wide variety of programs and resources to comply with environmental regulations. The Minnesota Department of Health also plays an important role in reviewing and setting health-based cleanup goals used by MPCA. Many projects to investigate and cleanup contaminated sites are managed through two MPCA programs, the Voluntary Investigation & Cleanup (VIC) and Petroleum Brownfields Program (PBP)

 The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) also has voluntary programs which effectively help farms and agrichemical businesses follow best practices to protect the environment. The MDA has a similar voluntary program to assess in the investigation and cleanup of agricultural chemical spills and leaks.

  Click here to request further information or to get a quote for services.

Geoprobe Investigation of Former Bulk Fueling and Maintenance Facility

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Phase 2 Soil & Groundwater Limited Site Investigation
Client: Regional Bank
Location(s): Minnesota

Key Elements: Geoprobe survey; soil sampling; groundwater sampling

Overview: Caltha LLP was retained by a regional bank to conduct a Phase 2 investigation on a property located in central Minnesota. A Phase 1 ESA had revealed that a bulk fueling operation and heavy truck maintenance facility had been operated on the site, which had been demolished prior to redevelopment. No records of tank closure or demolition records could be located.


The site investigation included soil borings in the area of bulk fuel tanks, along the foot print of the maintenance building and downgradient of these areas to detect if past petroleum releases had occurred.


Click here to review more example project summaries for Caltha LLP site assessment services.

Phase 1, Phase 2 Investigations and Site Cleanup For Former Minneapolis Gas Station

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Site Remediation For Redevelopment of Former Gas Station
Client: Redeveloper
Location(s): Minnesota

Key Elements: Site investigations, Response Action Plan, Oversight of corrective actions

Overview: This former filling station was located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was planned to be demolished to construct a new mixed used retail/restaurant building. A Response Action Plan (RAP) was prepared by Caltha to address potential petroleum impacts associated with the former use of the property that might be encountered during excavation activities. During excavation, it was discovered that the building had been constructed on top of an ash waste dump. Caltha quickly prepared a supplemental RAP to address removal, handling and disposal of the lead-contaminated ash during excavation and got the RAP approved through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Voluntary Investigation & Cleanup (VIC) program. Caltha coordinated all waste analyses required to gain waste acceptance at a disposal site. Ash was removed from the site and redevelopment of the property preceded as planned.

For more information on Caltha LLP services, go to the Caltha Contact Page

Response Action Plan and Construction Monitoring To Address Soil Contamination

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project:Site Investigation, Response Action Under Voluntary Site Cleanup Program
Client:Site Redevelopment Company
Location(s): Minnesota

Key Elements: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, Phase 2 Limited Site Investigation, Response Action Plan

Overview: Caltha LLP was retained by a site redevelopment company to conduct a Phase I ESA on this previously developed property. The assessment determined that past chemical releases had occurred on the property due to historical industrial activity on the property. A Phase 2 investigation was conducted which confirmed that contamination was present which would need to be addressed during the demolition and redevelopment of the site. Caltha prepared a Response Action Plan to be implemented during site redevelopment, which as approved by the State agency. Caltha then oversaw implementation of the RAP in coordination with the redevelopment contractor.

For more information on Caltha LLP services, go to the Caltha Contact Page

Tank Farm Phase 2 Investigation At South Dakota Farm Operation

Caltha LLP Project Summary

Project: Tank Farm Investigation
Client: Agricultural Production Sector
Location(s): South Dakota

Key Elements: Phase 2 Investigation, leaking tank, SPCC requirements

Overview: Caltha LLP was retained by a potential investor group to conduct a Phase 2 Limited Site Investigation (LSI) at this large farm site. During a Phase 1 Environmental Site Investigation, visual evidence of past leaks and spills were identified within the tank farm. Due to recent changes to Federal Spill Prevention, Control & Countermeasure (SPCC) rules which would require above ground tanks at agricultural facilities to comply with SPCC rule, the tank farm was expected to require upgrades. The key question was what cost impact would be expected during tank farm upgrade to address existing contamination. The results of the investigation provided clarity to the potential investors on the range of cost impacts.

For more information on Caltha LLP services, go to the Caltha Contact Page