Site Investigation & Remediation

Determine the source, nature and scope of contamination.

Following the identification of recognized areas of environmental concern (AEC) in the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, investigative activities are conducted to determine the source, nature and scope of contamination for each AEC. For complex and time-sensitive sites, HCI employs iterative decision making, which enhances a project manager’s ability to change course as new information is obtained.

HCI has conducted investigative activities on hundreds of properties. Below is a sampling of the techniques frequently used:

• Surface and Subsurface Soil Sampling;
• Groundwater Sampling;
• Hydrogeologic Testing;
• Soil Gas and Indoor Air Sampling;
• Age-Dating;
• Natural Resource Damages Assessments and Risk Assessments.

In order to develop an effective remediation strategy, a thorough site investigation must be conducted and a site conceptual model developed. A site conceptual model should include a determination of the following:

• Source of contamination;
• Approximate time of release;
• Nature of contamination;
• Extent of contamination in affected media, including soil, groundwater, soil gas and indoor air;
• Transport mechanisms and migration pathways;
• Unabated fate and persistence of contamination,
• potential human and ecological targets.

Remediation
HCI has remediated hundreds of sites, ranging from large industrial facilities to residential properties. We use structured methodologies for every phase of our practice, including for the design and implementation of remediation strategies. The methodologies are designed to factor in known variables and minimize the effects of unknown conditions.

HCI uses the following performance metrics as a guide when designing and implementing remediation strategies:

• Cost;
• Time constraints;
• Cleanup goals;
• Sensitive target protection, and Stakeholder concerns.

HCI employs innovative as well as conventional technologies to achieve client and stakeholder goals. Innovative technologies considered by HCI during the remedial action selection process include:

• Insitu RegenOx™application;
• Insitu persulfate application;
• Steam-enhanced persulfate application;
• Surfactant flushing;
• In-situ ORC™ application;
• Soil Vapor Extraction;
• Permeable reaction barriers;
• Solidification, and Phytoremediation.