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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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"

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".