ESA, CEQA, and Other Environmental Services
Consolidated Engineering Laboratories (CEL) can provide services related to Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Phase 1 and Phase 2 ESAs can be provided by CEL geologists and engineers. The client is typically referred to other consultants for the Phase 3 remediation portion of a project. Asbestos, lead and mold surveys can be provided by CEL through subconsultants or referral to other qualified consultants. CEQA documentation includes soil and geologic assessments for inclusion into an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Soil testing for contamination for use onsite or exported to landfills or other construction sites is provided. Groundwater and surface water testing for contamination, drinking water quality, or erosion control documentation can be provided.
CEQA Documentation of Soil and Geologic Conditions
CEL engineers and geologists can provide soil and geology assessments for EIRs. These services typically include literature review and site reconnaissance. Complicated projects and sites may require drilling, coring, test pits, geophysics, or other subsurface investigative methods. EIR documentation related to soil and geology typically includes:
Soil Concerns
- Erosion Potential
- Capability
- Expansion Potential
- Corrosivity
- Collapse Potential
Other Geologic Impacts
- Bedrock Excavation Characteristics
- Groundwater Level
- River, Railroad, Highway, and Canal Crossings
- Fault Crossings
Geologic Hazards
- Liquefaction Settlement
- Liquefaction Lateral Spreading
- Surface Fault Rupture
- Earthquake Seismicity
- Landslides
- Volcanism
- Lava Tubes
- Ground Subsidence
- Tsunamis
- Seiches
- Unique Geologic Features
- Geologic Resources
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
A Phase 1 ESA is typically required prior to purchasing a property, usually by the lender. CEL provides Phase 1 ESA's for sites following the guidelines contained in the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E1527. A Phase 1 ESA utilizes research, site reconnaissance, interview, and questionnaire data to determine if land use on the site and the surrounding area has a potential for contamination of the site.
Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment
Phase 2 ESA's can be provided to determine if potential contaminants in the soil or groundwater identified in a Phase 1 ESA are present. This may include contamination from agricultural pesticides and herbicides, petroleum products, dry cleaners, industrial processes, and other sources. Schools, hospitals, and other projects falling under the jurisdiction of California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) may have stricter guidelines than for other private development.
Onsite and Export Soil Testing
Soil can be tested for contamination to determine suitability for use at a construction site or for export. CEL personnel collect and transport the samples to a California Certified Analytical laboratory. State, Federal, Regional Water Quality Board, and other agency recommendations are compared to the test results. Landfills and DTSC regulated sites may have their own standards for accepting soil from a site.
Groundwater Testing
Groundwater samples can be collected by CEL and tested for contaminants and constituents. The testing can be performed to determine if the groundwater is contaminated, or whether the water meets drinking water quality standards. Other uses are to determine if the groundwater is naturally occurring or from sewer or potable water leakage.
Storm Water Testing
Surface water can be tested for selected contaminants in order to determine conformance to local, state, and federal Storm Water Quality standards. CEL personnel collect and transport the water samples to a California Certified Analytical laboratory. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits are typically required for most new construction sites.