Services

The CP Environmental Group (CPEG) team has a solid history of providing quality and cost-effective environmental services. We specialize in working with clients during renovations, acquisitions, and divestitures of environmentally-impaired sites, as well as assisting with environmental compliance at operating facilities. We have contributed to the success of hundreds of redevelopment and compliance projects for our industrial, commercial, and municipal clients by providing a combination of technical excellence, practical experience, and responsiveness.

Virtually every site development project must contend with at least one unique environmental issue. In addition, operating facilities must comply with environmental regulations and sometimes require assistance with response to environmental releases. CPEG's professional services have proven equally successful when provided individually, as outlined below, or as turnkey services to assist our clients with brownfield redevelopment, commercial business expansion, or orphan property site closure:

CPEG managers offer over 100 combined years of professional experience in meeting the environmental needs of our clients, providing these services throughout the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic Regions. Our clients include developers, major oil companies, government, transportation companies, industrial and commercial clients across the United States. Our multi-disciplined Pittsburgh-office team has a wide variety of expertise including asbestos management, environmental science, engineering, geology, hydrogeology, and microbiology. CPEG associates represent our most important asset.

CPEG is a privately held woman-owned business. Our diversity certifications include: 8(a) Business Development and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) by the U.S. Small Business Administration; Woman's Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services and Women's Business Enterprise National Council; Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) via the Pennsylvania Unified Certification; and Pennsylvania Socially and Economically Restricted Business (SERB).

The CPEG management approach is conveyed by our Mission Statement:

"CP Environmental Group associates are dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our clients by providing quality, responsive, cost-effective business solutions for their environmental challenges. We are committed to growing our company profitably, providing personal growth opportunities for our associates, and contributing to the betterment of our communities."

Asbestos Inspection and HazMat Surveys

CP Environmental Group (CPEG) provides United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) certified and State-licensed asbestos building inspector(s) to conduct National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) asbestos surveys to identify suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACM). The inspector collects bulk samples of suspect ACMs for laboratory analysis. If requested by our clients, our limited NESHAP asbestos surveys are non-destructive and do not include selective demolition of finishes or structural components to gain access to concealed materials. The inspector(s) record the approximate measurements, location, and hazard assessment of each suspect ACM, and collects samples of accessible materials only

Bulk samples are transported to a laboratory with accreditations from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) for analysis of asbestos fibers content, in accordance with the U.S. EPA Method and the guidelines of the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program administered by NIST. Sample analytical results are provided for each distinct layer of each sample submitted per the U.S. EPA “Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building Materials”. CPEG then prepares a NESHAP Asbestos Survey Report. The report includes laboratory results, material descriptions, locations and approximate quantities of each ACM, and the associated hazard assessment.

At our client’s request, CPEG can also perform Hazardous Materials Screening Surveys for materials other than asbestos during the same inspection event, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead-based paint, mercury vapor, and radon gas. These screening surveys give our clients a better perspective on what existing building materials may need to be addressed when planning future occupancy or proper demolition procedures. After receipt of the analytical data for samples collected as briefly described below, CPEG prepares a HazMat Screening Survey Report, including material descriptions, locations, and approximate quantities.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

The CPEG surveyor looks for possible PCB-containing electrical equipment, noting the presence and quantity of fluorescent light ballasts and/or transformers. The equipment labeling, where accessible, is evaluated for indication of PCB content. In the absence of definitive non-PCB labeling, the equipment is assumed PCB-containing or may be sampled, at the client’s option.

Lead-Based Paint

Paint chip samples are collected by the CPEG surveyor for laboratory analysis of lead content. The samples are analyzed by a laboratory accredited under the Environmental lead Laboratory Accreditation Program, which is administered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. The results are tabulated in the final report as a percentage of lead by weight.

Mercury Vapor

Fluorescent lighting equipment may contain mercury vapor bulbs. The CPEG surveyor visually notes the presence of fluorescent lighting equipment and estimates the number of tubes.

Radon Gas

A radon screening is performed at sites where an existing basement or other sub-grade, normally-occupied space is planned for renovation. The screening is conducted by placing activated charcoal canisters for a period of one to four days. The canisters are collected and submitted to a State-certified radon laboratory for analysis.

Asbestos / Lead Abatement and Demolition Management

Asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint are major concerns for building owners when planning a facility renovation or demolition. OSHA standards and EPA regulations have placed management constraints on building owners in order to protect building occupants and general construction workers.

CP Environmental Group (CPEG) provides cost-effective abatement solutions for our clients that limit liability and ensure compliance with these standards and regulations. Our work force is trained following the EPA’s Model Accreditation Plan and is licensed in multiple states. CPEG’s abatement management services include:

Following the abatement of asbestos containing materials and lead-based paint, as needed, CP Environmental group provides demolition management and contracting to efficiently carry out our clients' pre-construction site preparation needs.

In summary, CPEG's variety of project experience enables us to effectively deal with regulatory issues and challenges that arise during site renovations/demolitions.

Brownfield Management / Act 2 Site Closure

CP Environmental Group (CPEG) specializes in working with clients during renovations, acquisitions, and divestitures of environmentally impaired sites (brownfields). We have contributed to the success of hundreds of redevelopment projects for our industrial, commercial, and municipal clients by providing a combination of technical excellence, practical experience, and responsiveness. We have obtained closure or are currently in the brownfields closure process for sites located in Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

CPEG associates began working on Pennsylvania Land Recycling Program (Act 2) projects before the final guidelines for implementing the Act were published by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The key to identifying optimum solutions for our clients then was developing good working relationships with DEP case managers so that we could learn and help guide their individual interpretations of the Act. Since that time, CPEG has worked on a variety of projects within the Act 2 framework, including over 60 projects directly within the Chapter 250 guidelines, and over 80 projects within the Chapter 245 UST site guidelines. As such, we have developed extensive experience on projects requiring knowledge of Act 2 and the ever-changing new developments within the associated DEP guidance and interpretation of the Act. The good working relationship we developed with DEP early in the Act 2 history continues to help CPEG succeed in this arena.

The CPEG team has safely addressed separate-phase liquids and a variety of hazardous and non-hazardous contaminants within the brownfields framework, including petroleum products, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chlorinated solvents, semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), metals, polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs), asbestos, and ammonia. Our expertise within the browfields framework includes site investigation and characterization; risk assessment and ecological screening; fate-and-transport modeling, including groundwater-to-surface-water discharge modeling; remedial strategy evaluation, selection, and implementation; and demonstration of attainment using background, state-wide health, non-use aquifer, and site-specific standards. This expertise is complimented by the professional licenses of our associates. Our clients rely on CPEG associates and their brownfields expertise to develop and safely implement superior solutions to even their most complex environmental issues in Pennsylvania.

Due Diligence (Phase I/II/III Environmental Site Assessments, Remediation & Site Closure)

CP Environmental Group provides value-added site development solutions on a single, multiple services, or turnkey basis so we can meet the specific needs of our valued clients. CPEG commits to being a trusted partner to make our client's project goals a reality in the most economical manner possible. We self-perform and manage the due diligence, environmental management, and remediation activities that are the foundation of site development packages.

All Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) are not created equal. Individuals or organizations lured by a low price and lulled by the apparent security of generic procedures risk significant liability if the assessments they accept are not up to industry standards.

A CPEG Phase I ESA supplies in-depth environmental information about a site, thus minimizing the associated liability and the risk of owning or financing an environmentally impaired site, according to the standard of the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). There is no cost efficiency in skimping on a Phase I ESA.

The purpose of a Phase I ESA is to evaluate the pre-purchase environmental condition of a site, identify recognized environmental conditions, and to comply with the due diligence property inspection requirements of the Innocent Landowner Defense under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 and subsequent amendments. CPEG Phase I ESA services include:

Conclusions and recommendations are drawn based on the observations and information collected by CPEG. The findings, including conclusions and recommendations, as warranted, are summarized in a written report. If the potential for contamination is discovered in the Phase I ESA, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment may be recommended

A variety of investigation methods are available for performing a Phase II ESA. These methods may include performing geophysical surveys to search for buried metallic objects; collecting and analyzing soil and/or groundwater samples; performing hydrogeological investigations to determine groundwater flow and aquifer properties; performing asbestos, mold, and lead-based paint surveys; and other methods appropriate to respond to the results of the Phase I ESA.

If contamination is discovered, CPEG can continue the investigation to determine the extent of the impact (Phase III ESA), and develop and implement a plan to address the impacts, keeping in mind the environmental regulations and their application to the planned use for the site. CPEG solutions are described on “ Remediation Engineering , System Installation, Operation and Maintenance”, “ Business Solutions” and “ Management Strategies” pages.

CPEG associates have a solid history of determining the best business solution (cost-effective, time-sensitive) for environmentally-impaired properties identified during the due diligence process. By assisting with our clients' profitable growth through site development excellence, we achieve our vision... to be the preferred and trusted partner of our clients and associates.

Geotechnical Consulting / Investigation

Geotechnical subsurface investigations evaluate the properties of the underlying site materials with respect to building design and construction to ensure future stability and safety. These investigations are an integral part of site development. CP Environmental Group (CPEG) relies on extensive technical expertise and skilled project management to provide high quality geotechnical engineering design services. These services include:

Geotechnical services are provided for projects that include structures, pavements, embankments and containment facilities. CPEG provides recommendations for:

For sites which contain poor soil conditions, methods for soil improvement, modification or reinforcement are presented to determine the best suited and most economical solutions. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of geosynthetics, lime or cement stabilization and deep dynamic compaction

Soil testing is an integral part of geotechnical engineering services. CPEG utilizes laboratory testing to determine:

A report is then prepared by a geotechnical engineer that presents the findings of the investigation and recommendations based on the intended use, including a site plan and test boring logs. Recommendations included in the report address soil conditions and characteristics, bearing capacities, and anticipated settlements. In addition, general construction recommendations including excavation and backfill requirements, paving design, as well as groundwater conditions and control, can be provided by the geotechnical engineer.

Hydrogeological Assessments

CP Environmental Group’s (CPEG) hydrogeological investigation services are crucial in providing innovative techniques to limit potential long-term liabilities. The primary objectives of the hydrogeological assessment are to evaluate the extent of the contaminants, to assess how contaminant phases are affected by hydrogeological conditions, and to provide data necessary to design and implement the appropriate remedial action. CPEG’s staff of hydrogeologic professionals provides quality, responsive, and cost-effective assessment services.

CPEG’s hydrogeologic services can be utilized in a broad range of projects such as:

Before implementing full-scale hydrogeologic investigations, our professionals utilize preliminary planning techniques such as:

Aquifer parameters are typically determined after monitoring well installation and development by performing:

Computer models are also utilized by CPEG to describe time-drawdown, and distance drawdown relationships in confined, unconfined, and leaky confined aquifer systems, and to model contaminant movement. Depending on the complexity of the site conditions and the level of data required, the modeling activities can vary from the analysis of slug test data to the simulation of complex aquifer systems.

If modeling is desired, it can be invaluable in performing:

Mold Inspection and Air Monitoring

Mold is considered by many in the environmental industry as “the new asbestos” due to its pervasiveness in buildings, potential toxic side effects, and its recent entry into the environmental arena, yielding a problem without regulations that specify standard methods for addressing. Many high profile mold-related lawsuits have been taken to court and netted million dollar settlements. At the request of our clients, CPEG gained expertise in this area, including the addition of a microbiologist, and has added mold services to our capabilities. CPEG currently performs mold inspections and air monitoring in accordance with the recognized guidance, and manages mold abatement projects.

As long as moisture and oxygen are present, molds can grow on virtually any organic substance. Molds only need a food source to grow and reproduce. Mold can be found any place that moisture can gather; behind walls on drywall, above ceilings, inside HVAC systems, and in carpeting, wood, paper, foods, insulation, basements, and crawlspace areas. Both the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Center for Disease Control have reported that all molds have the potential to adversely affect health. In addition, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has published a Safety and Health Information Bulletin on mold. Although several other guidelines and informational papers have been published regarding mold, the New York guidelines remain the generally accepted document. Even though no regulation has been promulgated, employers can still be cited by OSHA under the General Duty Clause for not taking reasonable steps to prevent or abate mold.

Testing Procedures.

There are several procedures that can be used to determine if a mold problem exists. If mold is present and visible, there are two different types of testing that can be done. A tape sample can be taken, or a swab sample can be collected. Using the samples gathered, a lab can grow cultures to determine what types of mold are present.

If mold colonies are not visibly present, air samples can be collected in the area where the potential problem exists. Two types of air sampling methods are used. The first method uses a Zephon cassette. When air is drawn through the cassette, mold spores, if present, are impacted on a slide, which is then used to grow cultures. With Zephon cassettes, only the total number of spores present in the air can be determined. The second method uses an Anderson impactor, with which spores are also impacted on a slide and then grown. This method, however, enables the lab to differentiate the types of spores present in the air sample. For large mold manifestations or to be sure that mold does not return, it’s wise to contact a trained professional to conduct a thorough investigation.

Regulations.

Currently, there are no regulations for the amount of spores permissible in the air, and there are no regulated standards used for the testing of molds. However, in 1994 the New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology, published Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments (NY guideline), which serves as the accepted standard for managing mold. The NY guideline establishes that a contamination zone of 30 square feet or larger requires personnel trained to handle hazardous materials, respiratory protection, and special containment procedures. It concludes that “ prompt remediation of contaminated materials and infrastructure repair is the primary response to fungal contamination in buildings.” Although several other guidelines and informational papers have been published regarding mold, the New York guidelines remain the generally accepted document.

Remediation Engineering Design, System Installation, O&M

The successful implementation of a treatment system or combination of systems to remediate soil and/or groundwater contamination depends on a comprehensive understanding of a site's hydrogeologic conditions and soil/water chemistry. CPEG professionals and associates have experience using site environmental and hydrogeologic data to evaluate various remediation technologies. When evaluating technologies and costs, regulatory compliance and long-term facility planning are also considered. In addition, risk assessments can be performed to identify and to quantify site-specific potential liabilities and facilitate permit applications. Overall remediation costs can be reduced through the selection of technically feasible and cost-effective alternatives that comply with applicable regulated clean-up goals. Once a site is characterized, our remedial specialists and engineers develop recommended remedial solutions by dividing this task into four key steps:

Our professionals are experienced in the design, implementation, and operation and maintenance of various soil and groundwater treatment technologies such as:

Remediation System Troubleshooting and Optimization

Many existing remediation systems are unable to achieve site closure in a reasonable time frame. The cost of operating an improperly designed treatment system can at times exceed the cost of redesigning the system so that it can effectively achieve site closure. Troubleshooting a problematic system involves review of the regulatory clean-up goals, evaluation of both the aboveground and below ground construction, and evaluation of the operation and maintenance of the system. Remedies range from optimization of the system operation and maintenance to the last resort of system redesign. In some cases, simple modifications to the aboveground equipment can result in major reductions in the cost and time to closure. CPEG professionals can provide full cost-benefit and time-to-closure analyses for any modifications to allow clients to evaluate the modifications from both an economic and a risk standpoint.

Risk Assessments

A site-specific risk assessment can effectively reduce potential corrective action costs by focusing on the actual and reasonable land uses of the site, instead of simply quantifying the traditional maximum-exposure worst-case land use scenarios for day care centers or hospitals. CPEG uses reality to the client's advantage. Our experienced associates have prepared risk assessments that alone lead to no-further-action letters, or significantly reduced the scope and cost of the selected corrective action.

Storage Tank Management

Storage tank management is a regularly performed service by CP Environmental Group (CPEG) even though the 1998 deadline for UST upgrade compliance has come and gone. Our storage tank facility related services include:

When environmental impacts are encountered, CPEG applies our expertise in performing environmental investigations and providing site closure solutions. Experience and consistent quality performance are the necessary foundation to achieve environmental liability protection at the lowest cost. A critical element in reducing our clients' costs for addressing environmental impacts at storage tank sites is full use of available reimbursement funds. Maximizing reimbursement comes down to one word - Planning:

In some instances, just that check alone, before the project began, has enabled our clients to become eligible for reimbursement that they would have otherwise been denied had the project started without the appropriate fees being paid or paperwork being submitted. Once the reimbursement program is verified and the required paperwork/fees submitted, CPEG managers make it a point to know the reimbursement rules to maximize client reimbursement. Example procedures that have helped to maximize our clients' allowable reimbursement have included having subcontractors direct bill our clients to eliminate non-reimbursable consultant mark-up; charging subcontractor management and invoice review time on a time-and-materials basis; and acquiring pre-approval of remediation costs, if required by the applicable fund, since some state funds may disallow a percentage of the reimbursement costs regardless of the success of the technical approach or regulatory approval of the remediation plan.

In recognition of our success in storage tank management, CPEG's President was invited to be the guest speaker on "Innovative Remediation Alternatives for the Trucking Industry" at the Terminal Properties Exchange Conference. This conference is designed specifically for the Trucking Industry whose typical attendees represent the Top 100 Trucking Companies in the U.S. She has also presented storage tank site remediation strategies at other conferences and meetings, including the Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Ground Water: Prevention, Detection, and Remediation Conference, sponsored by API and NGWA.

Waste Disposal Facility Management, Permitting and Compliance

The management of non-hazardous and hazardous waste, including characterization, remediation and proper disposal, continues to be a concern in America today. The CP Environmental Group (CPEG) team is experienced in providing cost-effective approaches for handling the permitting, regulatory and disposal issues related to both non-hazardous and hazardous wastes.

Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal Facilities

CPEG associates have been involved in the permitting, construction, operational compliance and closure of solid waste facilities. These activities have included:

Hazardous Waste Disposal Facilities

Over the past 15 years, CPEG professionals have provided services for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation Liability Act (CERCLA) projects, as well as for operating industrial facilities in the assessment, remediation and disposal of hazardous waste. Services provided include:

Environmental Compliance Plans / Monitoring

The CP Environmental Group (CPEG) team has prepared multiple environmental permit applications and compliance plans as well as performing the subsequent compliance monitoring and reporting required to maintain these plans/permits. The proper application and analysis of the resulting data using a business solutions mindset saves our clients time, frustration, and money.

Environmental Compliance Plans and Permits

Various types of environmental compliance plans and permit applications have been successfully prepared by the CPEG team including Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) plans; National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permits; Encroachment permits; Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP); Work Plans; Municipal Waste Landfill Permits, including minor and major modifications; Beneficial Reuse permits; Preparedness, Prevention and Contingency (PPC) plans; Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPP) plans; Spill Prevention Response (SPR) plans; and the One Plan (combination of SPCC, PPC, SWPP, SPR, and emergency response plan) for operating facilities.

Sampling

The proper collection of soil, groundwater and waste materials (leachate, spoil piles, etc.) is the foundation of any site investigation or compliance monitoring activity and is, therefore, of the utmost importance. CP Environmental Group (CPEG) associates are thoroughly trained in appropriate sampling procedures for environmental media as outlined in the CPEG Field Standard Operating Procedures (FSOP) Manual. These FSOPs are designed to establish internal procedural consistency at CPEG. Client specific procedures, requirements, and scopes of work are also maintained. Additionally, CPEG has a comprehensive health and safety policy manual that must be used in conjunction with the implementation of any FSOPs, as applicable. Our team ensures that adequate control and documentation procedures are utilized from initiation to completion of the sampling activities so that the data collected are of the highest quality and representative of actual site conditions.

QA/QC, Statistics and Reporting

During field activities, the field data (including Daily Activity Logs, Soil Boring Logs, Monitoring Well Construction Diagrams, Water Sampling Summary Logs, Chain-of- Custody Records, and other field data) are submitted on a minimum of a weekly basis to the CPEG Project Manager for initial review. Aquifer testing data is downloaded to a personal computer and input into an aquifer testing program, as applicable. After completion of the initial review and data evaluation, including statistical analysis as applicable, a project manager will begin report preparation. After completion of the report and compiling data, the report is peer-reviewed. After completion of the review process, the report is submitted to the client program director/CPEG principle for final review, data evaluation, and approval. During the final review process, remedial options or recommendations are evaluated, as applicable.

Compliance Monitoring Services

CPEG associates offer cost-effective compliance monitoring services, as outlined below.

Site Reclamation

Site reclamation is playing an increasingly significant role in projects where surface disturbance has occurred, whether from industrial processes, mining or hazardous/residual waste remediation. Site reclamation involves a comprehensive approach to accomplish one of two goals: 1) return a site to near pre-disturbance conditions; or, 2) reclaim a site in accordance with local, state and federal regulations in consideration of developing proper slopes, erosion control measures, capping features (if necessary), and vegetative cover. Sites that typically involve the attempt to return conditions to pre-land disturbance conditions include small-scale waste burial sites (e.g., drums) and underground storage tanks where surface conditions can be returned to near original. However, most reclamation projects entail large areas of land disturbance which preclude the feasibility of trying to reclaim to original conditions because of pit excavations (e.g., surface mining, large waste piles from the storage of by-products created in industrial processes, landfills). Proper site reclamation can also be the final step in receiving bond release (e.g., mining industry) or 'No Further Action' (e.g., some environmental remediation projects such as hazardous waste removal).

CP Environmental Group (CPEG) realizes the key to successful reclamation is proper project planning and site preparation. Project planning provides for a cost-efficient reclamation program designed and executed to achieve proper site closure. Improper site preparation is a common aspect of old facilities that have sat idle for many years. Proper site preparation involves factors such as addressing unstable slopes and site drainage (such as acid mine drainage from coal tailings piles) before reclaiming or capping a site, as opposed to just 'filling over' unstable areas. Proper site preparation can address numerous post-closure problems related to slope failure, cap integrity and site effluent discharge.

Reclamation Services

CPEG associates offer cost-effective approaches in addressing the proper regulatory reclamation of environmentally disturbed excavation sites