Environmental
Environmental Engineering & Testing Services
Environmental Engineering is the design and problem solving to protect people, wildlife and ecosystems from pollutants and to improve environmental conditions. Over the past 100 years, engineers have learned that some of the practices and procedures or materials that were once thought as safe, are actually harmful. This could result in harmful conditions that landowners could be responsible for.
SGS provides professional environmental services and testing for industrial and construction sites. We are a trusted source of information for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Superfund sites, local and state governments, and regional and municipal public facilities. SGS provides accurate assessments and reports that are critical for the success of any project. Our thorough reports and superior expertise provide you with a realistic portrait of a property’s integrity.
SGS provides you with the insight necessary to make the most informed business decisions and avoid hidden surprises down the road.
Drilling: Sampling & Cleaning Up Contamination
Avoid the risk of criminal or financial liability and ensure your land meets all state and federal health and environmental regulations.
SGS monitors wells to determine the scope of contamination in soil and groundwater. Any site that demonstrates recognized environmental hazards can be outfitted with a monitoring well. A Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) well, which has a vacuum applied to draw out contamination through vapors or fluids, is used in conjunction with a Multi-Phase Extraction (MPE) system. This applies positive pressure to move contaminants towards SVE walls.
As part of the remediation system, a Soil Vapor Extraction well and a Multi-Phase Extraction system are both installed. All projects meet EPA, local, and state regulations, and are overseen by a Licensed Engineer.
Phase-I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
Environmental Site Assessments ensure there are no problems at the time of sale that might influence a buyer’s decision. These studies research the current and historical state of a site and neighboring properties to determine if any recognized environmental conditions (RECs) are affecting the site that could pose a threat to the environment or human health.
A Phase-I ESA is the first step in researching a site. This process involves reviewing records, inspecting the site, and interviewing owners, occupants, neighbors, and local government officials. We investigate historical sources to determine a timeline of development for the site and surrounding areas, then inspect the site in search of equipment or materials that have the potential to be hazardous.
This report assesses if current or historical uses of a property have impacted the soil or groundwater below in a way that could pose a threat to environmental or human health.
Phase-II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
Performed after a Phase-I ESA in which contamination was determined to be likely, a Phase-II ESA seeks to determine the scope of recognized environmental conditions that were found during the Phase-I assessment. During a Phase-II ESA, we collect and test samples of air, water, and soil on the site. Using analytical testing, SGS provides you with concentrations and locations of the contamination.
A Phase-II ESA is an intrusive investigation that involves collecting original samples of soil, groundwater, and building materials to analyze for quantitative values of their contaminants. The most frequent substances we test for are hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, asbestos, and mold. When necessary, a Phase-II ESA will also provide recommendations for any additional site investigation needs and potential remedial actions to clean up the property.
Understanding the scope of contamination and materials present can help you make more informed decisions regarding a property.
On-Site Inspections: Mold, Asbestos, Water, Lead, & Meth
On-site inspections protect lives, the environment, and wildlife. They provide the client with the exact analytical results in order to make the best decisions for their project.
Mold – improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of structural damage on your property
Asbestos – ensure occupants are safe from potentially hazardous building material that would otherwise go undetected
Water – identify contaminants and prevent water-borne diseases by ensuring drinking water is safe and meets all local, state, and federal standards
Lead – determine if there is lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in your home or business
Methamphetamine – a professional test of your property is the only way to guarantee a building is uncontaminated. The hazardous materials in meth can seep into walls, ceilings, floors, and carpets, posing serious health risks.
SGS prides ourselves on offering the best personal customer service and the most qualified testing staff. We tailor each sampling method to meet your specific project requirements, ensure your scope of work is completed on time, and guarantee the highest standards of care.
Additional Information About SGS Environmental Services
SGS meets all state, federal, and EPA guidelines for drilling and sampling, ensuring you conform to all applicable health and environmental regulations.
All SGS labs are accredited, follow all industry standards, and meet state and federal sampling guidelines.
Asbestos testing is required by the US EPA prior to demolition or renovation to determine if asbestos is present in any building materials that will be disturbed.
Lead testing is conducted if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You are renting or buying a building built before 1978
- You plan to remodel, renovate, or repaint
- A building has occupants under the age of 6
Phase-I ESA reports can be completed on all types of properties, including cell tower, agricultural, multi-family residential, commercial, and industrial sites, as well as vacant land.
Issues found during a Phase-I ESA could present potential liabilities for the lender and/or owner and affect the value of the property.
All SGS reporting and investigation methods comply with American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines and address the All-Appropriate-Inquiry aspect of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
CERLA contains national policy and procedures for containing or removing hazardous substances and provides funding and guidance for cleaning up some abandoned and contaminated hazardous waste sites.
Boundary/Tower surveys allow you to see the boundary of what you own or plan to purchase. A boundary survey can identify boundary lines for the construction of cell tower lease areas, driveways, buildings, and other structures.
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