Contingencies for Unexpected Contamination

Three Ways to Plan for Unexpected Petroleum Releases

 

Two of the biggest concerns in any construction project are safety risks and schedule delays.

Both can be avoided with environmental contingency planning. When considering any municipal improvement project, address environmental risks in the planning phase to keep the project moving and keep workers safe.

Petroleum releases can occur in many ways, including leaking underground storage tanks, deteriorated infrastructure, and/or unmarked pipelines. Consider the following strategies to manage your risk.

 

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

GPR can be used to identify subsurface utilities, structures, and other anomalies. In the event that utility lines are unmarked, GPR can be used to locate them and prior to construction activities.

 

Desktop Review

By completing an environmental records review prior to design and construction, we can identify areas of historic use that may have produced areas of contamination. Think gas stations, dry cleaners, or other sites that may have used hazardous chemicals.

 

Site Reconnaissance

In a field visit of the project area, trained environmental staff can spot any areas that may contain subsurface petroleum releases or other contamination. Engineering design plans can then be adjusted so as not to disturb suspect areas.

 

What Next?

If you encounter what you suspect to be environmental contamination, Gosling Czubak can help. Our team of trained environmental scientists can assess the site to determine necessary action. Contact us to learn more.

 

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