EPA Considers Establishing an Enforceable MCL for Hexavalent Chromium

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)

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

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

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

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.
Read more>>

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.
Read more>>