SITE ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION SERVICES

As environmental consultants, GEL Engineering’s professional geologists are adept at performing detailed land surface and subsurface studies of the soil, saprolite, rock, and groundwater underlying any site. Geologic and hydrogeologic studies aid in the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites, the design of infrastructure, and the layout of properties such as landfills and treatment facilities.

Soil and groundwater assessments are a critical step in the study and planning for the remediation of contaminated sites. Chemical releases from sources like accidental spills, industrial accidents, and equipment failures require study and intervention to protect our natural resources.

Sediment and surface water are fragile natural resources that may allow human contact with contamination. GEL Engineering provides sampling and assessment of ponds, lakes, rivers, and oceans from the land and water. Based on the results of our investigation, we can help our clients determine the next steps for site rehabilitation.

Aboveground and Underground Storage Tanks (ASTs and USTs) are unique in their assessment and remediation methods when compared to other release sites. Most states have special divisions that regulate the operation of ASTs and USTs and therefore, the closure and assessment of those systems. GEL Engineering’s environmental consultants have managed hundreds of tank closures and the follow-up assessment and remediation for commercial clients and the federal government.

Site assessment projects that require the management and handling of hazardous substances and waste materials under the guidelines of federal and state regulations including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), are often complex and require advanced technical knowledge and high-level management skills. GEL Engineering’s seasoned professionals have years of experience managing the most complex problems involving hazardous material site assessment, remediation feasibility studies, and cleanup implementation within the RCRA and CERLCA structures.

Volatile chemical releases that occur into the soil and groundwater are at risk of evaporating and creating a health hazard in the vapor state within building interiors. GEL Engineering conducts soil vapor gas assessments and evaluations to determine if a release poses such a threat to human health and if so, designs engineering controls to mitigate the environmental threat.

Environmental forensic studies are the detective work of the consulting industry. These studies consist of the sampling and analysis of contamination at a site, performing hydrogeologic tests to determine groundwater flow directions and speeds, and the detailed evaluation of the stratigraphy to identify potential flow paths for chemicals of concern. Our geologists use the results of the study to determine the source of impact on a site, the mode of transport for the contamination, and the severity of the environmental impacts resulting from the incident.

Contaminated sites require varying degrees of study and cleanup. GEL Engineering has broad experience with the assessment and remediation of fuels, solvents, metals, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil, groundwater, sediment, and surface water.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are chemicals identified as potentially harmful pollutants found in soil, groundwater, surface waters, and air. Also called “forever chemicals,” PFAS / PFOS chemicals are gaining much attention as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). GEL Engineering and our sister company, GEL Laboratories, are at the forefront of sampling and analytical techniques specially designed for the collection of legally defensible data and the detection of extremely low concentrations of these chemicals.

A conceptual site model is a planning tool employed by scientists to develop a model of the subsurface conditions and the chemicals of concern that are impacting the area. Geologists use strategic data from geologic and hydrogeologic studies, contaminant testing and analysis, and contaminant source information to develop detailed 2-D and 3-D models. GEL Engineering’s geologists and environmental engineers use the conceptual site model to develop remediation strategies for heavily impacted sites that save our clients time and money.

Along with the conceptual site model, GEL Engineering’s hydrogeologists use contaminant fate and transport models to predict the movement and concentration of the chemical plumes at a site. These sophisticated models can run cleanup scenarios employing a variety of remediation types or determine the plume movement that will occur without intervention. Fate and transport models are valuable tools in the protection of sensitive environmental receptors in the vicinity of a chemical release.

The remediation of contaminated sites can be a complex issue involving members of state or federal regulatory agencies, client representatives, and a team of GEL Engineering professionals. Our staff has built solid relationships with regulators across many agencies which enables us to navigate the myriad of complex regulations and negotiate the cleanup goals for a site that meets the satisfaction of the regulators, adheres to established remediation guidelines, and helps our clients meet their business objects and environmental obligations.

GEL Engineering’s geologists work closely with our environmental engineers to design cost-effective remediation systems that work for site conditions. A Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study (RI/FS), often a component of federal projects, can be an effective tool for any impacted site that requires cleanup. The RI/FS uses all the site investigation data, contaminant distribution, and concentration information, and hydrogeologic data to evaluate a wide selection of remediation types that may apply to a property. Once the type of remediation is chosen, the RI/FS details are used to design the system to ensure that it meets the regulatory and environmental objectives.

GEL Engineering provides evaluations, design, permitting, and operational oversight of environmental treatment systems and engineering controls to reduce exposures and remediate contaminated surface water, soil, and groundwater. GEL Engineering develops and implements field investigations, laboratory analyses, sampling and analysis plans, soil and groundwater management plans, and pilot studies to support treatment technology selection and design.

Once an active remediation method is chosen, our environmental engineers, geologists, and field technicians install the system to the design specifications. Our staff often collaborates with trusted vendors for some aspects of the remediation systems to ensure that the method works at optimal levels. GEL Engineering has experience with air sparge systems, soil vapor extraction systems, pump and treat, aggressive fluid recovery methods, phytoremediation, chemical injection, in-situ remediation methods, steam injection, chemical oxidation, and bioremediation.

Sites that exhibit contamination above regulatory standards but are not a threat to human health or nearby sensitive receptors often qualify for remediation by monitored natural attenuation (MNA). This passive method of site cleanup allows site contaminants to naturally degrade on their own while routine sampling analysis is conducted at the site. GEL Engineering performs MNA services for dozens of clients ensuring that the contamination at the sites is steadily reducing and not migrating from the original plume area. If movement or increased contaminant levels are detected, GEL Engineering’s professionals work with the regulatory agencies and clients to determine the cause of the increase and take steps to mitigate the changes.

GEL Engineering’s professional geologists and environmental consultants have extensive experience as expert witnesses in a variety of litigation support. Our staff is well known throughout the southeast as excellent scientists with integrity and the utmost ethics.