Cox Colvin & Associates, Inc. Blog

•Upward Flow Constructed Wetland for Groundwater Remediation

2012-01-19T09:15:00.003-05:00

Cox-Colvin recently signs Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with US Air Force and Wright State University to commercialize a patent-pending upward flow, subsurface supply wetland system for the treatment of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated VOCs.

OSHA's Top 10 Violations for FY2011

2012-01-12T13:29:00.003-05:00

OSHA recently published its Most Frequently Cited Standards and Highest Penalty Standards for FY 2011. Scaffolding and fall protection continue to lead both categories, as in recent years. OSHA publishes this list annually to alert employers about these commonly cited standards so employers can take steps to find and fix recognized hazards before an injury occurs or OSHA shows up for an inspection.
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EPA Report Links Hydraulic Fracturing and Drinking Water Contamination near Pavillion, WY

2011-12-27T16:25:00.002-05:00

EPA has released a highly-anticipated report in which they claim there's a link between hydraulic fracturing for enhanced natural gas production and drinking water contamination in the area of Pavillion, Wyoming. Results of EPA's investigation may or may not be conclusive; however, the report does indicate that regional geological conditions must be taken into consideration whenever hydraulic fracturing is proposed. The report also supports Department of Energy recommendations for more extensive groundwater investigation before and after hydraulic fracturing activities, greater transparency on the chemical composition of hydraulic fracturing fluids, and greater emphasis on well construction and integrity requirements and testing. Read More>>

Vapor Pin Receives Pollution Engineering 2011 Editor's Choice

2011-12-14T13:38:00.000-05:00

Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc's Vapor Pin has received Pollution Engineering's 2011 Editor's Choice Award. The Vapor Pin is a unique, patented, reusable sub-slab soil gas sampling device designed to eliminate many of the problems associated with traditional sub-slab soil gas sampling methods. For more information on the Vapor Pin, click here.

California Sets Public Health Goal for Hexavalent Chromium

2011-12-12T14:52:00.003-05:00

The State of California has set a public health goal (PHG) of 0.02 parts per billion (ppb) for hexavalent chromium (CR6), the first drinking water standard for the metal in the United States. The move by California is prompting calls for EPA to accelerate their pursuit of a national MCL for Cr6.
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EPA Proposes Sweeping Revisions to UST Regulations

2011-12-06T15:06:00.008-05:00

EPA is proposing sweeping revisions to the 1988 40 CFR Part 280 underground storage tank (UST) regulations that will have far-reaching impact on all existing and new UST systems. While fuel distribution facilities ultimately will bear the greatest burden of these changes, the proposed revisions also will end the leak detection deferral for USTs used for fueling emergency power generators, field constructed tanks, airport hydrant systems, and wastewater treatment tanks not covered by Clean Water Act regulations. Read More>>

Ohio Vows to Leave National Association of Clean Air Agencies

2011-12-05T13:46:00.003-05:00

Ohio has vowed to leave the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) over non-consensus support of recent US EPA rule-makings and guidance. In addition, Ohio is spearheading the development of a competing group of state air officials. The NACAA currently represents air pollution control agencies in 53 states and territories and over 165 major metropolitan areas across the United States.
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California Releases Final Vapor Intrusion Guidance

2011-12-02T14:03:00.003-05:00

In October 2011, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (California DTSC) released the final version of their Vapor Intrusion Guidance. Many states have followed California's lead on vapor intrusion issues, and this could be a preview of EPA's final guidance, which is expected in 2012.
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Renewable Energy Production on Contaminated Sites

2011-11-29T12:35:00.003-05:00

As part of the RE-Powering America's Land Initiative, the EPA and US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are evaluating the feasibility of developing renewable energy production on Superfund, brownfields, hazardous waste, and former landfill or mining sites. EPA is investing about a million dollars for the project that pairs EPA's expertise on contaminated sites with the renewable energy expertise of NREL. Wind, solar, biopower, or geothermal production on use-restricted property makes a lot of sense, and should be considered in evaluating long-term use of contaminated property. For more information, visit EPA's Repowering website.

Cox-Colvin Presented on Soil-Gas Prospecting at AIPG Meeting

2011-11-21T11:38:00.005-05:00

I presented a talk in September 2011 at the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) National Meeting in Bloomingdale, Illinois titled "The Use of Innovative Soil-Gas Sampling Methods to Locate VOC Sources". The presentation, which discussed how Cox-Colvin used the Vapor Pin to collect soil gas from beneath the floor of a large industrial facility to locate sources of volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination, was very well received. The use of the Vapor Pin, combined with collecting soil gas into disposable, evacuated glass vials, allowed us to collect approximately 240 samples over the entire building footprint in one week, using only hand-held equipment.

As we've seen at other sites, VOC contamination at this site was not located beneath former degreasing operations or storage tanks. Instead, using aerial photos and historic maps to reconstruct the building's history, we found that the contamination was located where loading docks and back doors used to be prior to building expansion. Before the Clean Water Act in 1977, it was accepted practice to dump used solvents on the ground - commonly through the nearest door. By now it's unlikely that any present employees remember dumping of waste, or would be comfortable discussing it if they did. But by sampling subslab soil gas in a grid over the entire building, and tying the analytical results to the building expansion history, we located an unsuspected source of VOCs and determined that it probably resulted from spillage or dumping prior to 1952. Better yet, the sample points were installed, sampled, and plugged each day at minimal cost and without interrupting plant operations. And when we're done locating sources, the soil-gas data will be useful for assessing vapor intrusion.

EPA to Study Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources

2011-11-21T11:26:00.002-05:00

EPA recently published its plans to conduct a comprehensive national study on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The study will evaluate the impacts associated with the entire hydraulic fracturing water life cycle. The results, which will be available in 2014, have the potential to significantly impact the perception and regulation of hydraulic fracturing.
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Vapor Pin Video

2011-05-30T13:33:00.006-04:00

FINALLY! Sub-slab vapor sampling equipment that installs in minutes, eliminates the need for grout or other adhesives, and is easily retrieved for reuse.

See for yourself just how easy it is to install, use, and retrieve Cox-Colvin's patented Vapor Pin sub-slab vapor sampling device!

For more information on the Vapor Pin, click here.

Cox-Colvin Announces Commercial Release of the Vapor Pin™ - An Innovative Sub-slab Soil Gas Sampling Device

2011-05-27T11:32:00.011-04:00

Cox-Colvin proudly announces the commercial release of the Vapor Pin, a patented, reusable sub-slab soil-gas sampling device that eliminates many of the frustrations associated with traditional sub-slab vapor sampling methods. Because of its ease and speed of installation, sample collection, extraction, and reuse, we believe the Vapor Pin will become the new standard for sub-slab soil gas sampling.
Click here for Vapor Pin Press Release.
Click here for more information on the Vapor Pin.

Cox-Colvin to present posters at RemTEC Summit 2011

2011-05-15T16:00:00.006-04:00

Two Cox-Colvin & Associates Principal Scientists are heading to Chicago this week to present posters at the RemTEC Summit 2011 on May 17 - 19. George Colvin, Vice President of Cox-Colvin, will present a poster titled "Benefits of Incorporating GSR Concepts into an Inherently Less Green and Sustainable Alternative: Case Study on a HVDPE System". Craig Cox, President of Cox-Colvin, will present a poster titled "Methods for Dissecting Large Commingled VOC Plumes".

C0x-Colvin also will be exhibiting at RemTEC Summit 2011. Visit us at Booth 59 and check out the Vapor PinTM - Cox-Colvin's new innovative sub-slab vapor sampling device!

Additional Labs VAP-Certified for Cis-DCE in Air

2011-04-27T14:39:00.008-04:00

In August of last year our newsletter discussed the fact that only one lab was certified to analyze cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) in air under Ohio’s Voluntary Action Program (VAP). Cis-DCE is a breakdown product of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE),which are present at more than half of all RCRA sites, and is a ubiquitous constituent of concern in vapor-intrusion investigations. Unfortunately, cis-DCE has long been an orphan in the regulations, since it is a breakdown product and rarely or never a manufactured product. Many of us are familiar with the phrase “Appendix IX-plus-CIS” when discussing groundwater under RCRA. Until recently, only one lab was certified to analyze cis-DCE in air under Ohio’s VAP, and it used EPA Method 8260, which was designed for groundwater, not air.

TestAmerica’s Knoxville lab and Pace’s Indianapolis lab are now certified for cis-DCE in air under the Ohio VAP. Both use EPA Method TO-15, which is specifically designed for air and gives more accurate results. The availability of two new labs will allow far more flexibility for air sampling, and will prove to be especially helpful when dealing with vapor intrusion issues.

Cox-Colvin Lends Support to ODNR Core Lab & Coauthors Publication

2011-04-19T10:03:00.001-04:00

For several years, I’ve participated as a committee member at the ODNR Division of Geological Survey’s H. R. Collins Core Lab at Alum Creek State Park, Delaware County. The Core Lab is a priceless repository of rock and soil cores from Ohio, which are extremely useful for study and research. The cores were gathered from various sources, including Cox-Colvin, at significant expense and are permanently archived and available for public use.

Last year, several Geological Survey employees and committee members put together a core workshop to help people hone their soil and rock examination skills. The workshop will be repeated on April 20 and 25 of this year. The group also put together a manual for the workshop, which has been published as:

Schumacher, G.A., Angle, M.P., Mott, Brian, and Schmidt, M.A. 2011. Central Ohio's Geology in Core and Outcrop Workshop II:, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey Open-File Report 2011-1, 44 pages.

We hope that the significance of the Core Lab will be understood by higher-ups in state government, and that budget cuts will not result in the loss of this irreplaceable asset.

Online Waste-Related Resources

2011-04-12T15:20:00.002-04:00

Are any of you old enough to remember calling the RCRA Hotline with waste-related questions, and actually talking to a real person? Although a similar phone operated service still exists as the Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP, and Oil Information Hotline (1-800-424-9346), it no longer handles waste-related questions. At the federal level, there are several web-based services worth visiting, including RCRA Online and the recently started Wastes - Frequent Questions. RCRA Online is your best bet for finding published resources, while the newer "Wastes - Frequent Questions" site includes frequently asked questions and allows you to e-mail questions to technical staff. If you miss talking to a real person, you may stand a better chance working through your state agency.

Green and Sustainable Remediation Progress

2011-04-06T16:17:00.004-04:00

I'm headed to Minneapolis this week to attend the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council's (ITRC) spring meeting. As a member of the ITRC Green and Sustainable Remediation (GSR) team, I will be assisting with the completion of the draft GSR Technical Regulatory Guidance Document. An earlier team document, the GSR Overview Document, will be published in the near future. Both documents will provide a significant contribution to the further evolution of the GSR approach.

On a separate, yet related note, Cox-Colvin & Associates was recently profile in Green Business Quarterly. The article discussed the firm's industry-leading efforts in the realm of GSR. Click here to read the article.

EPA Re-Evaluates the Risk from Fluoride Exposure

2011-03-29T11:24:00.010-04:00

There has long been a debate about the use of fluoride in drinking water, pitting those who strongly believe in the benefits of fluoride to dental hygiene against those who even believe that there is no safe exposure level for fluoride. Recent EPA risk analyses of fluoride in groundwater will likely result in lower drinking water standards for fluoride. While the major impacts of these efforts will likely be to drinking water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-based insecticides in agriculture, industries with environmental issues that include fluoride will also feel the backlash, resulting in greater investigation and remediation costs. Click here to Read More.

Will EPA Meet Its 2020 Goals for the RCRA Corrective Action Program?

2011-03-18T12:40:00.004-04:00

EPA recently reported in its annual performance report for 2010 that remedy construction has been completed at 37 percent of the 3,746 facilities on the RCRA Corrective Action 2020 baseline. To meet the goal of the 2020 Initiative, EPA and authorized states need to have achieved remedy construction status at 95 percent of the baseline facilities by the year 2020. With only nine years to go, what are the chances of meeting this ambitious goal?
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Is Excavated Soil Considered Hazardous?

2011-03-02T17:07:00.006-05:00

Through the use of the Area of Contamination (AOC) policy, soil contaminated with a listed waste or exhibiting a hazardous waste characteristic which is excavated during pipeline work or construction may not need to be managed as hazardous if the soil is kept within the immediate area and returned to the trench. Read More

EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

2011-02-11T14:50:00.006-05:00

On October 30, 2009, EPA released a final rule requiring the mandatory reporting of green house gas (GHG) emissions from suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial GHGs, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, and various other applicable public and private sector facilities. Generally, applicable facilities and suppliers were required to begin collecting data and complying with the requirements of the GHG rule on January 1, 2010. Click here to read more.

Planning, Implementing, Maintaining, and Enforcing Institutional Controls

2011-02-09T14:17:00.004-05:00

On November 30, 2010, EPA released for public comment its interim final guidance titled Institutional Controls: A Guide to Planning, Implementing, Maintaining, and Enforcing Institutional Controls at Contaminated Sites. Comments were accepted through January 14, 2011. The guidance document applies to CERCLA, Brownfield, federal facility, underground storage tank, and RCRA site cleanups. Click here to read more.

EPA Considers Establishing an Enforceable MCL for Hexavalent Chromium

2011-01-21T13:22:00.010-05:00

Since 2008, EPA has been re-evaluating its 20-year old drinking water standard for total chromium with respect to the carcinogenicity of orally ingested hexavalent chromium (chromium-6), the more toxic species of the metal. EPA is being pressured about the findings of a draft assessment of chromium-6 by both industry (claiming overestimate of risk) and environmental groups (claiming underestimate of risk). Whatever the outcome of the argument, EPA is likely to establish a chromium-6 MCL that is significantly lower than the current total chromium standard. This will have major implications for sites investigating, monitoring, or remediating media impacted by chromium-6, as well as for our nation's municipal drinking water supply systems. Click Here to read more.

Ohio EPA Issues Latest Version of Draft 506 Rules (Multi-Program Groundwater Monitoring Rules)

2011-01-20T15:49:00.011-05:00

Ohio EPA's first draft of the multi-program groundwater monitoring rules (OAC 3745-506), issued in 2006, was met with substantial comment from stakeholders and interested parties. On January 3, 2011, Ohio EPA issued their revised draft 506 Rules. Other draft rules issued recently by Ohio EPA appear to indicate that they intend to fast track implementation of the multi-program rules. Cox-Colvin is currently reviewing the draft language and will be providing periodic updates as we approach the April 1, 2011 comment deadline. Click Here to read more.

Changes in Asbestos Reporting Requirements

2011-01-20T12:41:00.002-05:00

In the past, many asbestos assessments were reported in a highly casual way. Although they might have met the immediate needs of the property owner, the lack of documentation often made it difficult to interpret the results years later, and resulted in weak evidence when asbestos issues went to court. Consequently, effective January 1, 2011, as explained in a memo from the Ohio Department of Health on August 24, 2010, “Asbestos Hazard Evaluation Specialists shall collect all bulk samples for asbestos in accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 40 CFR Part 763.86 [O.A.C. 3701-34-06(C)(9)] and prepare a detailed AHERA type report for each site where bulk samples are collected [O.A.C. 3701-34-06(C)(10)].”

The AHERA rules were designed to protect public school students from asbestos, but increasingly are applied to other settings. Asbestos assessments in Ohio must now include the exact location where each bulk sample is collected, dates that samples are collected, and homogeneous areas where material is assumed to be asbestos-containing. The report must also describe the manner used to determine sampling locations, and must provide other documentation concerning the credentials of the asbestos inspector.

Cox-Colvin & Associates Staff to Speak at Ohio Brownfield Conference 2011

2011-01-10T13:49:00.003-05:00

Cox-Colvin staff will be presenting three talks at the Ohio Brownfield Conference 2011, to be held at the Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio on January 19 - 20, 2011. Craig Cox, CP will be presenting two case studies of brownfields successfully completed by Cox-Colvin, entitled "Remediation of a Skeet Shooting Range" and "Successful Closure of a DNAPL site". In addition, Nick Petruzzi, PE will be presenting his expertise on "Green and Sustainable Remediation: Application, Uncertainties/Barriers and Future Direction". Cox-Colvin also will have an exhibit booth at the conference. Stop by and see us!

Cox-Colvin Patents the Vapor Pin™, a Sub-Slab Soil Gas Sampling Device

2010-11-29T21:29:00.003-05:00

On May 4, 2010, Cox-Colvin applied for and received a patent for the Vapor Pin™, a sub-slab sampling device that we believe will eliminate many of the headaches surrounding sub-slab soil gas sampling. The goal of the design effort was to come up with a sub-slab soil-gas collection device that would reduce the potential for leaks, be easily installed and retrieved using commonly obtainable tools, be reusable, reduce the time and cost of sub-slab sampling, and improve the quality of samples obtained from the sub-slab.

The Vapor Pin™ fits the bill. It's installed using common hand tools, doesn't require use of grout (thus saving another day in the field), and provides a single leak-proof connection between the sub-slab and the sampling device. We've also devised a leak detection method that we believe could become the standard for the industry.

We're refining the design at this time and plan to publish our results in the near future. If you'd like to receive more information on the Vapor Pin™, please drop us an email at info@coxcolvin.com. Please include Vapor Pin in the subject.

Passive Groundwater Sampling - Should I Make the Switch?

2010-11-11T13:28:00.004-05:00

Most groundwater monitoring currently being conducted under various regulatory programs relies on some form of purging, or the removal of groundwater from a monitor well prior to sample collection. Within the past few years, however, passive groundwater sampling has evolved and continues to gain acceptance among regulators and industry as a reliable, cost saving, and environmentally friendly alternative sampling methodology. A change to a passive sampling program requires careful consideration, but it's a change worth evaluating in almost all groundwater monitoring applications.
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EPA Region 5 Releases Greener Cleanup Interim Policy

2010-11-08T15:12:00.004-05:00

EPA regional offices recently began developing their own Green Remediation (GR) policies to support the GR initiative in federal cleanup programs. EPA Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) released their GR policy in November 2009, entitled Region 5 Greener Cleanup Interim Policy.
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What is Green and Sustainable Remediation?

2010-11-04T12:58:00.006-04:00

In recent years, the term "green" has found its way into just about every aspect of our lives. The list of green terms is extensive and you're probably familiar with many of them, such as green construction, green automobiles, green energy, and green products. However, some green terms may deal with concepts which aren't so common place, and therefore, not well understood. Such is the case with green and/or sustainable remediation. What is green and sustainable remediation, and is it more than just a fad?
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Environmental Field Technician - Job Opportunity in Columbus, Ohio

2010-10-27T11:45:00.005-04:00

Cox-Colvin & Associates is seeking an entry level environmental field technician in our Columbus, Ohio office for field data collection activities, operation and maintenance of remediation systems, and detailed documentation of field activities. Position requires strict adherence to Health and Safety procedures and attention to detail. Position involves working outdoors, long work days (10 hours typical in the field), walking, and heavy lifting. Travel to out-of-town locations as much as 90% of the time; overnight stays required depending on distance to job site. Looking for a self-motivated individual who possesses good hands-on mechanical and electrical skills and is willing to learn. Click here to learn more about this position, or to apply.

Determining When a Hazardous Waste Container is Closed

2010-10-19T13:29:00.003-04:00

The regulations in 40 CFR 265, subpart I require, among other things, that "a container holding hazardous waste must always be closed during storage, except when it is necessary to add or remove waste." For many years, the regulated hazardous waste community has expressed some confusion over the application of the "closed container". Consequently, EPA recently has provided guidance on the federal RCRA hazardous waste regulations regarding the meaning of "closed containers." The guidance is in the form of a memorandum from Robert Dellinger to RCRA Division Directors, and is titled "Guidance on 40 CFR 264.173(a) and 265.173(a): Closed Containers."

New Ohio EPA Guidance for Solid Waste "Rule 13"

2010-10-14T06:54:00.004-04:00

The Ohio EPA Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management (DSIWM) has created a new guidance document regarding development on or adjacent to a closed landfill facility. The primary authorization required from Ohio EPA to proceed with construction on, and in some cases adjacent to, a closed landfill is prescribed by ORC 3734.02(H) and OAC 3745-27-13. "Rule 13", as it's known, establishes the procedure for obtaining authorization from the director to fill, grade, excavate, build, drill, or mine on land where a hazardous waste or solid waste facility was operated. The new guidance focuses on development activities and supplements 2005 guidance on implementation of "Rule 13".

Ohio EPA to Publish Second Draft of Multi-Program Groundwater Monitoring Rules

2010-10-06T10:06:00.002-04:00

In August 2006, Ohio EPA published draft Ground Water Rules that are intended to be codified under Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3745-506. Ohio EPA intends to replace the existing groundwater monitoring programs for individual landfill types (i.e., municipal, industrial, and construction & demolition debris [newly regulated]) and bring their monitoring programs together under one unified set of rules (multi-program groundwater rules). After four years of struggling through various iterations and numerous comments from the regulated community, Ohio EPA is set to once again issue draft rules. Click Here to read more.

Paradox Relational Database Turns 25!

2010-06-26T21:48:00.003-04:00

In 1985, the Ansa Software Company (Richard Schwartz and Robert Shostak) introduced Paradox for DOS, the first relational database for the PC market. This database was ahead of the curve from day one, offering true relational database capabilities, query-by-example, and a fairly robust form generating and reporting interface. Later versions included the Paradox Application Language (PAL) that essentially allowed users to develop stand alone database applications using a rudimentary graphical user interface. PAL’s user interface was a forerunner of many of the programming environments in use today.

As MS-Windows took hold in the 1990s, Paradox (then owned by Borland Software) was the only pre-Windows database software to successfully negotiate the transition, partly because of its basic file structure. It was so well designed that databases developed in the late 1980s can still be read by the latest versions of Paradox. Despite the recent dominance of MS-Access in the PC market, Paradox (now owned by Corel) still maintains a world-wide presence, a strong user community, and a passionate following. There aren’t many software products today that can boast that they’ve survived a quarter century. I bought my first copy (Version 1.1) in 1986 and still use Paradox everyday. It’s still a great way to manage data.

As a side note, Paradox was introduced to the computing public on page 11 in the September 23, 1985 issue of InfoWorld. On the facing page of that issue was the announcement that Steve Jobs, looking not a day over 15, had resigned from Apple.

I we can help you develop or maintain your Paradox application, please drop us a line at info@coxcolvin.com, include Paradox in the subject,

International Conference: Green Remediation - Environment, Energy, Economics

2010-06-22T13:06:00.006-04:00

On June 15-17, 2010 I attended the the International Conference on Green Remediation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The conference included a wide range of technical presentations which covered environmental, energy and economic aspects of green and sustainable remediation. Some of the presentation topics included energy requirements of treatment systems, air emissions, water use requirements and impacts on water resources, land and ecosystem use and impacts, energy use and renewables, material consumption, reuse, and waste generation. In addition to attending the presentations, I presented a poster during the conference poster session. The poster topic discussed the uncertainties and barriers associated with green and sustainable remediation encountered during a RCRA Corrective Action cleanup. Overall, the conference was very informative and provided a good indication of the current state of green and sustainable remediation from the perspective of government agencies, public and private sectors, and academia. Conference presentations and posters will be posted on-line by the end of this month. Manuscripts of proceedings will be posted on-line sometime toward the end of summer. It will be well worth your time to take a look at some of the presentations, posters, and manuscripts once they are posted on-line!

EPA Extends Comment Period on Plan for Stricter PCE and TCE Drinking Water Limits

2010-06-17T13:46:00.002-04:00

The Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to conduct a periodic review of existing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and to determine which, if any, need to be revised. The purpose of the review, known as the Six-Year Review, is to identify those and limits requiring revision to improve or strengthen public health protection. EPA published its detailed review on March 29 2010 (75 FR 15500, March 29, 2010) and believes that four compounds are candidates for regulatory revision including acrylamide, epichlorohydrin, and the ubiquitous groundwater contaminants tetrachloroethene (PCE), and trichloroethene (TCE). The review suggest that stricter limits may be required for the compounds. Lowering of the MCLs for PCE and TCE would not only affect public drinking water supplies, but would require significant changes in groundwater monitoring programs and, in some cases, would push monitoring programs into corrective measures. EPA established a 60 day comment period for the March publication. This most recent extension, announced in a June 1 Federal Register notice, provides an additional 30 days (until July 1, 2010) to provide comments.

DERR Biocriteria/QHEI Training

2010-06-02T09:55:00.003-04:00

On May 25 and 26 I attended an Ohio EPA, Department of Emergency and Remedial Response sponsored Biocriteria/Stream Habitat training. The training was geared toward environmental professionals working in the Voluntary Action Program (VAP) who may not be completing Biocriteria/Stream Habitat assessments on a regular basis, but need to know the basics because these types of assessments may be included in No Further Action (NFA) letters for VAP sites. During the training we were provided with an overview of the three components of Biocriteria/Stream Habitat assessments, including:

Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI, fish evaluation),
Invertebrate Community Index (ICI), and
Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI).

On day one, all the participants were given the opportunity to electro-fish and set out invertebrate samplers (Hester-Dendy) in Blacklick Creek, which flows behind the Ohio EPA Field Office. Day two was set aside for QHEI field work, which was completed in Blacklick Creek and a small recovering drainage swale near Brice Road.

Throughout the training, a general theme emerged - the biology of a stream is a better indicator of a VAP site's impact on that water body than chemical parameters monitored through surface water and sediment grab samples. Often, even if chemical standards are not met, biological/habitat assessment activities are able to demonstrate that the stream meets it Ohio EPA use designation, and that additional assessment or remedial activities are not needed. Interestingly, the instructors indicated that the stream and riparian habitat, or lack thereof, is more often the cause of stream impairment at VAP sites, not the release of chemicals of concern to the stream. The take home message was that chemical analysis alone may not give a CP the complete picture of how a VAP site affected the stream; rather a biological/habitat assessment including an IBI, ICI, and QHEI provides a better representation.

Ohio EPA Signs First Facility Lead Corrective Action Agreement

2010-05-21T14:20:00.002-04:00

Ohio EPA recently signed its first formal facility lead RCRA Corrective Action agreement. Facility lead RCRA Corrective Action is one of several ways some facilities subject to RCRA Corrective Action can address the requirements of the program. The facility lead agreement is a non-binding written agreement between Ohio EPA and the facility which charts a mutually agreeable path forward, promotes communication, less agency oversight, and focuses on results over process. For more information and to determine if this is an option for your facility, contact George H. Colvin at 614-526-2040. Click here to view the complete agreement.

pH Probe Maintenance

2010-05-19T13:24:00.002-04:00

Several of our clients perform some of their own routine groundwater sample collection or wastewater monitoring. Parameters such as pH, conductivity, and temperature, commonly are measured in the field. Proper pH probe maintenance ensures a faster response, more reliable measurements, and a longer life. A few tips to get the most out of your pH probe are provided below.

The pH probe should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedure and at a frequency dependent on the fluid being measured. Clean probes with a mild detergent solution. When deposits are difficult to remove from a probe, a diluted hypochlorite solution may be used, but it is always best to learn manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Different probes require different cleaning methods. Calibration should be performed after every cleaning.

Many probes are sealed and the reference solution can’t be replaced; however, some have a small opening near the top of the probe where fresh solution can be added - check with the manufacturer of the probe regarding correct solutions and filling procedures. The reference electrode chamber should consistently have the appropriate amount of reference solution and without air bubbles. Most manufacturers recommend that probes should not be wiped; this is to prevent transfer of static charge onto the glass bulb resulting in slow or drifting readings.

If the probe is used routinely, store the probe in a pH 4 solution or a storage solution (usually obtainable from the manufacturer). If the probe isn’t used for weeks at a time, dry storage is recommended; however, immerse the probe in a pH solution, allow sufficient wetting time, and calibrate before proceeding with measurements. Storing the probe in distilled water isn’t recommended (the filling solution will become diluted and probe response will be slow). With proper maintenance, a probe will have an average life of two years.

Cox-Colvin Employee Honored by AIPG

2010-05-13T13:58:00.005-04:00

Martin (Mort) Schmidt, my colleague at Cox-Colvin & Associates, recently was honored for his distinguished service to the Ohio Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG). Mort received the Outstanding Service to the Institute Award for his outstanding contribution of time and effort to the Ohio Section. Details were provided in the May/June 2010 issue of AIPG's The Professional Geologist magazine, as follows: "As editor of the Ohio Section newsletter from 1992 through 2009, Martin (Mort) A. Schmidt, has greatly contributed to the Ohio Section's effort of promoting the geologic profession in the State of Ohio. In fulfilling his duties throughout these many years, Mort has devoted countless hours to compiling information, designing and distributing the Ohio Section newsletter (even before email), and sending special announcements, as warranted. Through his exceptional dedication and perseverance, Mort Schmidt has shown an outstanding level of devotion and service to the Ohio Section".

Mort received his BS and MS degrees in Geology and Mineralogy from The Ohio State University, and has been a Cox-Colvin & Associates employee since 1997. His areas of expertise include vapor intrusion and contaminant investigation and analysis, and he currently serves as Cox-Colvin's Health & Safety Officer. Mort is a Certified Professional Geologist with AIPG (CPG-08432), and is a registered Geologist in Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Congratulations, Mort!

ODNR Core Lab Workshop

2010-05-03T09:47:00.002-04:00

On April 20th, I assisted with the Ohio Department of natural Resource's (ODNR) Ohio Geological Survey's (OGS) first core workshop. As a board member on OGS's Collins Core Repository, we decided that we could provide the public with a better understanding of how rock cores are collected, analyzed, and used, and that we could teach them how to recognize Ohio's various rock formations when they examine cores.

The morning consisted of presentations on Paleozoic bedrock from Ohio's Chief Geologist, Larry Wickstrom, Assistant Chief Mac Swinford, and Greg Schumacher and Mike Angle of the OGS. Brian Mott of DLZ and I discussed the collection and interpretation of the younger Ice Age sediments. In the afternoon, students did hands-on exercises with the cores. We had a turnout of 30 people of various backgrounds and experience levels. The results were very positive, and we plan to repeat the exercise later in 2010. We assembled a workbook for the exercise that includes fact sheets for the Glacial Sand and Gravel, Ohio Shale, Berea Sandstone, and other formations that are encountered in Central Ohio. Over time, the workshop will be expanded to cover other parts of Ohio. When the workbook is put on ODNR's website, we'll add a link to it from the Cox-Colvin website.

ITRC's Green and Sustainable Remediation Team

2010-04-05T12:06:00.002-04:00

I recently became a member of the Interstate Technical and Regulatory Council (ITRC) Green and Sustainable Remediation (GSR) Team. The team's purpose is to facilitate discussion, information exchange, and technology transfer about GSR among regulatory agencies and other interested parties. As a team member, I'm looking forward to contributing to the evolution of the GSR initiative, including the development of a technical guidance document. Check out the team's webpage, and let me know if you have any input.

EPA Region 5 Greener Cleanups Workshop

2010-04-05T11:56:00.003-04:00

I recently attended EPA Region 5's Greener Cleanup Workshop, which provided an overview of Region 5's progress and future direction associated with green and sustainable remediation. I summarized the information presented at the Workshop for the benefit of those interested in green and sustainable remediation who could not attend. My summary was incorporated into Cox-Colvin's first Green & Sustainable Remediation Bulletin.

LIDAR - A great resource for Ohio Environmental Scientists

2010-03-10T20:22:00.002-05:00

Did you know that Ohio is one of only 5 states to have complete LIDAR coverage? Did you also know that it is available for free?

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a technology used to create detailed topographic maps known as digital elevation models (DEMs). In Ohio, these data were collected during the creation of detailed, orthographically-corrected aerial photography. The DEMs, aerial photography, and LIDAR raw data files are available through Ohio's OGRIP and OSIP sites. A simple google search will get you there.

I commonly download DEMs for the 7.5 minute quads associated with my environmental sites. I then use the TatukGIS viewer (see my March 2009 blog) to do color renderings or shading. The renderings show an amazing amount of detail and can be easily draped over the associated topographic map revealing buried valleys, geomorphic features, etc. It is really a powerful tool for environmental scientists and the great part is that it's all there for free.

Finally, GIS for Everyone!

2009-03-17T22:27:00.004-04:00

GIS is an important tool for many of us in the environmental field. In general, its use has been limited to a few within an environmental organization - largely due to cost. There is, however, a free GIS Viewer on the market that is extremely powerful and easy to use. The TatukGIS Viewer is free to download and use. With TatukGIS you can import just about any spatial data format including your own data in comma delinited format. You can render complex surfaces, produce maps, just about anything...all for free!

TatukGIS was constructed using Delphi, the same programming environment that Cox-Colvin uses to produce Data Inspector. In fact, you can expect to see a full fledge GIS system built in Data Inspector soon using TatukGIS' powerful GIS tools. Stay tuned...in the mean time download the Viewer, or the Editor ($350) at www.TatukGIS.com and learn how easy and affordable GIS can be.

Outlining President Obama's Agenda for the Environment

2009-01-29T09:21:00.010-05:00

On January 23, 2009, Lisa P. Jackson, US EPA Administrator-designate, sent a memo to US EPA employees introducing herself and outlining the President's agenda for the environment. According to the memo, President Obama has articulated three values that he expects EPA to uphold. These include 1) science must be the backbone for EPA programs, 2) EPA must follow the rule of law and 3) EPA’s actions must be transparent. Both the regulated community and environmental groups alike should be satisfied with these values. As Ms. Jackson states in the memo, "When scientific judgments are suppressed, misrepresented or distorted by political agendas, Americans can lose faith in their government to provide strong public health and environmental protection."

According to the memo, the administration's priorities for the environment include: 1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions, 2) improving air quality, 3) managing chemical risks, 4) cleaning up hazardous-waste sites and 5) protecting America’s water.

Cox-Colvin is very involved in the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, with many of these sites on the EPA's 2020 universe of sites to be cleaned up by the year 2020. The driving force for the cleanup of the hazardous waste sites falls under two general categories, real estate development driven cleanups and agency driven cleanups. Real estate development driven cleanups are entered into more or less voluntarily by developers that are looking to profit from the redevelopment and re-use of the property. Over the past ten years, real estate market forces have resulted in the cleanup and the productive re-use of many former hazardous waste sites. However, in today's economy, few developers are willing to take on the risks associated with former hazardous waste sites. We should, therefore, expect to see an increase in agency driven cleanups, through orders and permits, as EPA struggles to meet its priorities addressed by the new Director and identified in the RCRA Corrective Action 2020 Initiative. For assistance in cleanup of hazardous waste sites, look to the leader in agency driven RCRA Corrective Action: Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc.

You can view the full memo at http://www.epa.gov/administrator/memotoemployees.html .

Clean Ohio Fund on Ballot in November-YES on Issue 2

2008-08-29T08:23:00.001-04:00

Following nearly eight years of resounding success, the Clean Ohio Fund will be on the November ballot for re-approval by Ohio voters. Voting YES for Issue 2 ensures continued funding for greenspace preservation and brownfield redevelopment. The Clean Ohio brownfield program has awarded nearly $200 million in grants to Ohio communities, leveraging over $2 billion in public and private investment with over 14,000 jobs created.

Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc. is the only environmental firm in Ohio with former Urban Development personnel on staff, ready to help turn your brownfield property into a successful redevelopment opportunity for your community. To learn more about Cox-Colvin's Clean Ohio program support and Brownfield services, please contact Jake Elder at (614) 526-2040 or by email. For more information regarding the Clean Ohio Fund, please visit www.cleanohio.org.

Data Inspector updated to READ scanned files

2008-07-15T23:01:00.004-04:00

A recent update to our Data Inspector software actually READS scanned documents in your project's database. Now you can find any project file, then retrieve a PDF of that file through the internet with a simple query. This is a very powerful addition. For instance, if your project files include a letter from 1956 discussing the installation of an underground tank, you can actually retrieve a PDF of that letter by typing in "underground tank", or "1956", or any other text that may apply.

Maybe you want to find all the documents that mention "arsenic trioxide", or the name of a specific individual, all you need to do is enter the words in the Search Text field. It is unbelievably fast...searching through thousand of scanned documents in seconds.

It can also be a great way to search for specific citations in regulations that apply to your project. Just have the regs scanned into your project's filing system and you're ready to go.