PROJECTS & EXPERIENCE
Over 30 years of experience has created a substantial resume. Click the links below to go directly to project descriptions for these key areas of environmental consulting, permitting, and management.
SOLID WASTE INVESTIGATIONS AND PERMITTING
Solid Waste Management
Land Application of Dairy Wastewater
Project manager and chief investigator for land application of dairy waste project which includes compliance monitoring and field work to evaluate agricultural fields in Vermont for use in dairy wastewater disposal program. These programs conducted under the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) guidelines for land application of dairy wastewater disposal program managed by the VTDEC Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection’s Indirect Discharge Permit program. Results of the field investigations used to support applications to amend existing permit and/or obtain new permit for whey and dairy washwater disposal under auspices of Vermont’s Indirect Discharge Rules. Perform client’s environmental monitoring requirements for permit compliance, including providing expert witness testimony at public hearings.
Solid Waste Management
Municipal and Domestic Wastewater Disposal Plans
Project manager for solid waste issues including permitting and management for land application programs for disposal of municipal wastewater treatment plant sludge, domestic septage, and dairy waste sludge. Performed groundwater investigations, wastewater investigations, and hydraulic loading tests to provide technical assistance for both new and existing permit applications. Performed client’s environmental monitoring requirements for permit compliance.
Waste Characterization and Hydrogeologic Investigation
Lime Processing Plant
Project Manager and lead investigator performing a waste characterization and hydrogeologic investigation for a carbonate mineral processing facility in western Vermont. This investigation was conducted to help characterize the nature of the waste mill tailings generated by the calcium carbonate processing plant, and, ascertain the impact(s) from mill tailings disposal on the surface and groundwater quality at the plant, and included collection of mill tailings waste samples, surface water samples, and groundwater samples, collected from locations determined by The Johnson Company to adequately represent background conditions. The Johnson Company’s A700 drill rig was used for sampling through four tailings piles (60 feet deep), and a hand auger was used at the fifth location. All samples were submitted to a certified analytical laboratory and analyzed for the suite of compounds listed in the Vermont Hazardous Waste Management Regulations by the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and, the flotation reagent used in the mill. All water samples were specified for analyses of the major ionic compounds, Priority Pollutant metals (PP13) plus barium, and the mill’s flotation reagent. Depth to groundwater measurements were collected to estimate the groundwater flow direction based upon the distribution of hydraulic head in the sampled wells. Of all the tailings pile locations tested, the results of the TCLP analyses reported no toxic constituents present at or above regulatory limits. This investigation indicated low groundwater impacts from the mill tailings disposal, and localized surface water impacts near the active disposal areas. The results of this investigation and characterization are being used by the facility for amending their permit.
HAZARDOUS WASTE SITE INVESTIGATIONS
Adhesives Manufacturing Facility
Switzerland
Supervised the installation of 14 boreholes/monitoring wells in unconsolidated glacio-lacustrine sediments in northern Switzerland. The project entailed oversight of drilling crew using a drill rig equipped with Sonic technology for advancing boreholes to targeted depths of up to 59 feet (18 meters) below grade. Tasks included siting and locating boreholes and logging the lithology at each location by examining soil cores extracted into polyethylene casings and field screening for presence of VOC using a PID. Generated geologic cross sections that presented the subsurface stratigraphy and hydrogeologic setting, including the presence of a previously undiscovered artesian aquifer.
Bedrock Coring Project
Office Label Manufacturing Facility
Supervised the installation of a network of bedrock monitoring wells at a facility in northwest Georgia. The project conducted in three phases over the course of four years entailed oversight of a crew using drill rigs equipped with both downhole air hammer and/or wireline diamond drill bits to advance the boreholes to the targeted depth of up to 100 feet beneath the top of the competent bedrock layers. Tasks included siting and locating the boreholes, arranging for access to each location, assuring proper casing and bentonite grout seals preventing co-mingling of bedrock aquifer with the surficial unconsolidated aquifer, logging the lithology via examination of rock cuttings brought up by the air hammer, drill core logging and downhole geophysics, generation of well logs, and management of investigation-derived wastes for proper off-site transport and disposal via state and federal regulations.
Hazardous Waste Site Investigation
Former computer testing facility in Essex Junction, Vermont
Investigation was prompted by review of ESA reports documenting a release of chlorinated solvents to on-site septic system. Phase II ESA and subsequent investigation led to discovery of toluene-contaminated groundwater. Performed detailed water, soil, and sludge sampling in and around the facility’s sanitary wastewater septic tank which triggered the discovery of toluene-contaminated sludge in the septic tank. This tank was remediated, and the site designated with the Site Management Activities Complete (SMAC) designation, pursuant to Vermont regulations.
ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS & FACILITY AUDITS
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
Various Locations
Technical Reviewer and investigator on over 150 Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) performed for siting of wireless communication facilities and for commercial real estate transactions in Vermont and New Hampshire. ESAs are performed pursuant to the ASTM Practice E 1527-13 and 40 CFR Part 312, Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries.
Adjacent Former Dry Cleaner
Barre, Vermont
Performed a Phase I ESA for a non-profit group on a prospective property planned for their use as headquarters office in downtown Barre, VT. Although no recognized environmental conditions (RECs) were identified associated with the property of interest, through process of the Phase I ESA, it was discovered that there was an adjacent former dry cleaner immediately upgradient in terms of inferred groundwater flow direction of the property of interest. It was also uncovered during process of the Phase I ESA that the adjacent dry cleaner had one or more spills that had been officially reported to the VTDEC. The recommendation was to perform a Phase II ESA to identify if groundwater impacts in the form of presence of dry cleaner solvents were associated with the property of interest. The Phase II ESA consisted of collecting a groundwater sample from the sump in the basement of the property of interest; results of which revealed highly elevated concentrations of dry cleaner solvents. Since the Phase I ESA satisfied the due diligence obligation of the prospective purchasers, the additional investigation work was undertaken by other parties, and not the prospective purchaser.
Phase II and Phase III Environmental Site Assessments
Various Locations
Performed numerous Phase II and Phase III ESAs throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. Delineated presence of subsurface contamination under various unconsolidated environments from which results were used to ascertain magnitude of risk to client for cleanup liabilities associated with the properties. Phase III ESAs consisted of obtaining concurrence and approvals from State environmental agencies; such as, a soil cleanup at a New Hampshire concrete plant prior to the buyer taking ownership of the property; and, closure of an automotive hydraulic lift in Vermont, prior to finalizing a lease agreement.
MANUFACTURED GAS PLANT (COAL TAR) SITES
Superfund Site
Burlington, Vermont
Served as The Johnson Company QA/QC Officer for a Superfund Site in Burlington, VT. Responsible for assuring the field and sampling tasks are performed pursuant to the Quality Assurance Project Plan. Performs field work, and/or schedules staff for DNAPL recovery from passive recovery wells installed adjacent to the barge canal, and visual sheen monitoring on monthly, and bi-weekly basis during April through November each year. Collects groundwater quality samples for Compliance Monitoring in Spring and Fall of each year. Performed soil core investigation and field screening during installation of monitoring wells for Compliance Monitoring at the Superfund Site, a former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) site in Burlington, Vermont. Designed and programmed an automated stormwater sampling system with storm detection, and alarm call-out capabilities via Remote Telemetry for unattended collection of stormwater-event samples as part of Long Term Compliance Monitoring. Collected soil core samples using Drive Point Technology (DPT); logging cores for stratigraphy and screening soils with a photoionization detector (PID) for delineation of saturated permeable units for monitoring and field screening for coal tar impacts in the subsurface. Performed water quality and stormwater sediment monitoring during Additional Remedial Investigation (ARI) in 1994 (Phase I ARI) and 1995 (Phase II ARI). Utilized Hydrolab H2O Multiprobe to collect baseline water quality information on pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and conductivity. Field operations leader in 1992 during Supplemental Remedial Investigation which entailed soil coring and sampling for MGP suite of contaminants volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC), metals. Included evaluation of soil and sediment sampling data for potential use as alternative fuel source of wood-burning power generator
Coal Tar Site
Project Manager for $200,000 State contract for environmental services related to a State-managed (orphan) former manufactured gas plant site in Barre, Vermont. Responsible for the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of 22,000 gallon per day groundwater extraction and recharge system; Hazardous Waste management; Groundwater Sampling and Monitoring; Risk Assessment and, Feasibility Study to delineate the most viable remedial alternative for permanent site remedy. Routinely corresponded with, and reported to State of Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
Litigation Support
Connecticut
Provided technical review and support services for an opposing party on a planned shopping mall development in Connecticut. This work entailed the technical review of a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) prepared by the mall developer’s consultant for site clean-up of an 11 acre former MGP. Flaws in the RAP were pointed out to clients who testified in hearings against the planned development. The planned development was ultimately abandoned.
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs)
Former Landfill site
Cuyahoga Falls National Park, Ohio
Served as on-site representative for landowner (National Park Service) on 40+ acre hazardous site cleanup operation at Cuyahoga Falls National Park. Duties included review and assessment of current cleanup operations in compliance with agreed-upon cleanup work scope, conducting surface and groundwater monitoring as well as specialized sampling as project needs require. Generated daily inspection reports documenting the progress of on-going cleanup of PCB, metals, PAH and dioxin contaminated soils.
Paper Sludge Disposal Site
Ohio
Field operation leader during a Phase II ESA at a paper sludge disposal site in southwest Ohio. Tasks involved installing 20 soil borings using a Geo Probe drill rig to delineate thickness and horizontal extent of PCB-laden paper sludge disposed in a 25 acre field. Utilized immunoassay test kit to delineate levels of PCB contamination. Installed monitoring wells to ascertain groundwater quality and groundwater flow direction beneath Site. Results of investigation used by client to evaluate potential cleanup costs associated with site, prior to purchasing site.
Facility Audit/Environmental Site Assessment, Soil Remediation
Paper Mill Facility
Performed an environmental site assessment/facility audit (ESA/Audit) on a 100 ton per day paper mill in New York. The ESA/Audit consisted of interviews with key site managers regarding the past and present mill operations and permit requirements, a freedom of information law (FOIL) review at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and a site reconnaissance to inspect the mill operations and the exterior grounds. Provided technical assistance/oversight on the remediation of petroleum, solvent, and PCB-contaminated soils discovered during the ESA; corresponded with former facility owner’s consultant, and NYSDEC regarding site remediation progress; which was completed in time to facilitate the property transaction.
ASBESTOS AND METALS
Remediation
Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania
Provided on-Site representation for National Park Service during remediation actions at the Valley Forge Asbestos Release Site. Duties include field oversight of remediation contractors to ensure RA tasks are performed pursuant to approved plans. Reported on a daily basis to NPS on each day’s activities. Collected additional soil samples for post excavation confirmation and new boundary delineation in the event of post excavation exceedances of RGs.
PETROLEUM SITES
Oxygen Injection Remedial Action
West Lebanon, New Hampshire
Project Manager for remediation site using Matrix Environmental (Albany, New York) pure oxygen (O2) injection process into a granular water table aquifer at former bulk petroleum fuel distributor in West Lebanon, New Hampshire. This work is being performed under the auspices of the New Hampshire Petroleum Cleanup Fund and pursuant to NHDES approved methods. Remediation system included installation of 60 injection points and 4 additional monitoring wells for tracking the dissolved oxygen concentrations with time in the impacted aquifer. Additionally, VOC concentrations, ferrous and total iron, pH, temperature, conductivity and ORP are being monitored as well. Results of the pilot study after the first full year of implementation have revealed 70-100% reduction in total VOC concentrations in impacted wells.
Buried Waste Drum Investigation
Sharon, Vermont
Project manager and principal investigator on a buried waste drum investigation at a construction site in Sharon, Vermont. Conducted preliminary waste characterization of contents of a buried drum (waste oil) which was exposed during construction of the wastewater disposal system for a community health center project. Subsequent investigation using test pits indicated the presence of one other drum which leaked, and impacted the underlying soils. A remedial action plan was generated which included excavation and off-site transport and disposal of approximately 125 tons of contaminated soil via low temperature thermal desorption. Successful delineation of the impacted soils and abatement action was undertaken in a manner that did not impinge on the contractor’s planned construction.
Fuel Bunker Closure
Claremont, New Hampshire
Project manager for the permanent closure of a 210,000 gallon capacity #6 fuel oil storage bunker at a paper mill in Claremont, New Hampshire. Designed a closure plan that was submitted to New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) for review and approval, and following approval by NHDES, coordinated with the contractors conducting the tank closure, and conducted the environmental site assessment required as part of the permanent closure. Follow-up work was necessary due to the discovery of a release of oil beneath two of the three storage compartments. The follow-up investigation was conducted under NHDES’ Oil Discharge Cleanup Fund in accord with NHDES protocols for Initial Response Action at a cleanup site. A total of approximately 150 tons of petroleum contaminated soil, concrete and steel were transported off site for disposal by state and federal regulations. Presently, there is an Initial Site Characterization study on-going to ascertain the nature and extent of impacts if any to groundwater and soils beyond the fuel bunker.
Contaminated Well Site Investigation
Vermont
Project Manager for well investigation at a residential water supply in Central Vermont. Owners had their well tested and found to be contaminated with fuel. Work consisted of conducting an initial inspection and survey of the well and vicinity to identify potential sources. This included a basement survey, where approximately 15 cubic yards of petroleum contaminated soil was delineated. The initial inspection of the well revealed over 2 inches of #2 fuel oil floating on the top of the well. Immediate measures were taken to remove the product by swabbing it out with absorbent pads while the well was drawn down slightly, using a low flow sampling pump and checking the well for re-emergence of fuel. A remedial plan for removing these soils via vacuum equipment was proposed and accepted by VTDEC. Subsequent monitoring and sampling for VOCs revealed that the water quality had improved to the extent that the site has been closed.
MINING AND EXPLORATION GEOLOGY
Mineral Resource Evaluations
Western US
Worked for six years in the early to mid-1980’s as Staff geologist for mining and exploration programs evaluating mineral resource property portfolios in western U.S. Responsible for underground mine mapping and sampling, surface and underground diamond drill sampling and surface geology and geophysics. Assembly and analysis of data for presentation to mining companies.
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Hard-rock mining geology for exploration of gold, silver, copper, and lead-zinc deposits in the Western US
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Underground mine mapping
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Diamond drillhole siting
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Core logging Surface geophysics (Scintillometer, magnetomer; VLF surveys)
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Geochemical soil and rock chip sampling
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Surface geologic mapping
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Mineral claim staking
