EGS was retained by the owner’s attorney to evaluate the proximate causes of damage and collapse of a factory in Tijuana, B.C. Mexico. For this case our Principal Geologist provided evaluation of damage to a recently constructed manufacturing facility caused by flooding that triggered a slope failure, and subsequent partial collapse of the hillside factory building. Our scope entailed site geologic reconnaissance, review of construction drawings, and soil engineering reports, and field reports, interview and consultation with the owner and his geotechnical engineer, review of engineers investigative report and boring logs, review of insurance policy and formulation of professional opinion as to cause of damage.

EGS was contracted to prepare Seismic / Geologic Hazards and Hazardous Materials sections of the EIR for the 2020 Sonoma County General Plan Update. We are coordinating EGS’s work with Nichols-Berman the Project Manager, Fehr & Peers Associates, transportation / traffic engineers, Questa Engineering, Civil and water resources engineering, Illingworth & Rodkin, acoustical and air quality consultants, and the Environmental Collaborative, biologists. Our Scope of Work includes review of current General Plan, research and analysis of post 1989 seismic data, geologic (landslide and erosion) and hazardous materials research and publications, current Hazmat practices, and incorporating these into new plan, followed by analysis of the impacts of the new information on the General Plan. We have completed preparing the Draft EIR sections. Ongoing work is to, attend public meetings and hearings, complete the final draft of the EIR section, followed by responding to Public Comments, analysis and response.

The USACoE 3246 Skaggs Springs Road construction yard / corporation yard , fish hatchery and pump station sites contained several gasoline and diesel USTs that required removal and investigation. EGS responded to the US Army Corps of Engineers’ RFB and was selected to prepare Work Plans to conduct the Phase 1 subsurface investigations of these three sites. After Work Plan approval by the Sonoma County Environmental Health Department and CoE, we implemented Investigations at each site by drilling borings and collecting groundwater and soil samples, analyzing samples for TPH-G/D/MTBE/BTEX and lead. Based on findings we determined there was contamination at all sites and we prepared Work Plans for UST removals and subsequent investigation / remediation.

EGS has conducted a number of UST projects for Napa Valley Petroleum’s gas stations in Napa. On this project we coordination with the Owner, the station manager and Napa County Environmental Health Division. After preparing a Work Plan to investigate the source and extent of MTBE throughout the site area, we oversaw the removal and replacement of the UST system and conducted targeted contaminated soil removal. This was followed by verification soil sampling and implementation of the groundwater monitoring program and reporting. EGS provided all regulatory technical assistance (RTA) for this site. We established UST Fund Claim, administered reimbursement request submittals, etc. We are now preparing this site for Case Closure, which is anticipated in 2008.

EGS was subcontracted by Bauer Associates Geotechnical Engineers to conduct a Phase 1 ESA of a site at the Charles M. Schultz Airport where there is a WW-II era hangar to be vacated by Aerocrafters, Inc, and redeveloped and then occupied by the Sonoma Jet Center. The WW-II hangar was part of the original US Navy air training facility. Former uses included aircraft maintenance and fueling operations. Our scope of work was to conduct a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment in compliance with the US-EPA’s All Appropriate Inquire (AAI) standards and ASTM E 1527-00 Standards. Based on evidence discovered we conducted a Phase 2 subsurface investigation, identified areas of contamination from former uses, and managed the remedial operations and reporting, through case closure and redevelopment approval.

EGS was retained by Robert A. Booher Consulting (RAB), Cal Cedar’s environmental permitting specialist, to conduct geologic and environmental investigations, and compliance work to close their mill and wood waste landfill. For this project we coordinated with RAB and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to prepare a site investigation work plan and drill and sample numerous borings for soil and groundwater quality assessment at the mill. Based on the results we made recommendations for targeted soil remediation in the mill area. For the landfill we reviewed the engineers closure plan, conducted a Beneficial Groundwater Use Survey, and as directed by DEQ, we installed a monitoring well, and surface water sampling points down stream from the fill face. After four years of conducting regulatory compliance monitoring, analysis, and reporting we have documented conditions necessary for site closure.

EGS conducted monitoring of several shallow monitoring wells associated with removed UST system. We determined there was significant in-place residual contamination (TPH-G, D, M8260/MTBE & Oxygenates) associated with UST tie-down slab which was not removed in prior soil remedial efforts. EGS developed a Work Plan for the School Bus Yard UST Closure. Our consultation with Sonoma County Environmental Health Department developed negotiated phases of work to get case closure. We then conducted a Sensitive Receptor Survey followed by a Feasibility Study/ Corrective Action Plan, and prepared cost estimates and bid documents to implement the residual remediation and case closure.

EGS was retained as the Project Manager and principal Engineering Geologist for stabilization of 500 foot long reach of Porter Creek which was undermining the bank adjacent to a sewage treatment plant, and for landslide repair adjacent to housing. We prepared RFB’s, worked with project Civil Engineer on design, obtained Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department, California Department of Fish & Game, and US Army Corps of Engineers construction permits, selected contractor, selected and approved rip-rap material, managed and permit compliance, documented rock placement, observed/documented borings for soldier beam wall supports, prepared final report.

During runway construction, the Sonoma County Permits and Resources Department discovered that a gasoline UST was removed by the grading contractor without a permit and with no documentation. EGS was retained by the City of Petaluma to negotiate with the Sonoma County Environmental Health Department an acceptable Work Plan to discover as much documentable information about the UST as possible, conduct a soil and groundwater exploration program to determine if contamination was present, install monitoring wells, conduct remedial excavation of impacted soils, and conduct a multi-hydrologic cycle groundwater monitoring program. During the course of the project we coordinated with the City representative, the Airport Manager, the County, and the SFB-RWQCB. Upon Completion of the work we obtained Case Closure for the airport.

EGS prepared a Work Plan for Monitoring well installation for Petaluma Health Care District and conducted monitoring through several hydrologic cycles to demonstrate feasibility of closure by natural attenuation. We then prepared a Sensitive Receptor Survey and the conducted well abandonment, used geophysical methods (magnetometer and Ground Penetrating Radar surveys) and forensic techniques to locate previously paved-over monitoring well as a prerequisite to obtaining Case Closure. Coordinated with Owner, tenant, and Sonoma County Environmental Health Department. EGS’s Principal Geologist presented status reports and summary reports at Petaluma Health Care District Board of Director meetings. Lastly we prepared the Final Closure Report with documentation of complete site history

EGS prepared a Work Plan and conducted a Phase 2 ESA (as part of a Preliminary Endangerment Assessment report) for former Montgomery Wards Store / auto service center in Ukiah to be redeveloped as School District offices and a new school. Our focus was on the auto service area, service bays, floor drains, sumps, drop inlets, sink drain, waste oil UST, waste oil disposal and battery service area, service bay, loading dock sump, and PG&E transformer. We coordinated with the Ukiah Unified School District and IRIS Environmental (UUSD’s Industrial Hygiene/ risk management specialist), and the California State Toxic Substances Control Board, the City, and the County Environmental Health Department officials. Based on our report the UUSD completed the property purchase and received State approval to complete the redevelopment and build the new school.

EGS prepared a Work Plan for a Phase 1 Investigation of Arsenic and Pentachlorophenol contamination at the City Corporation Yard which is located near by the City’s well field. The wells are only 60 feet deep and the NC-RWQCB expressed concerns about groundwater quality impairment and required the preliminary investigation. We interfaced with the NC-RWQCB, the lead regulator and the City of Healdsburg’s engineer and Project Manager. EGS’ investigation Work Plan consisted of two parts, a data review and a subsurface investigation with laboratory analysis. The Work Plan included detailed specification and a separate Cost Schedule to assist the City in soliciting bids to implement the work.

EGS provided CalTrans with specialized soil sampling services for select contaminant screening in conjunction with a number of major land slide repairs and highway stabilization projects between Jenner and Ft. Ross. We prepared a CIH certified Work Plan and Health & Safety Plan, a soil sampling plan in accordance with the requirements of EPA Manual SW-846 (random sampling specification and documentation), and collected and delivered 133 samples from 3 project locations along Highway 1 between Jenner and Ft. Ross. Then we reviewed laboratory analytical results and prepared a report in accordance with CalTrans specifications. Our final report documented the sampling protocols, the analytical results and our findings and recommendations for soil disposition.

EGS conducted a Review and Verification of Phase 2 investigation to confirm presence of chlorinated solvents in soils beneath dry cleaner facility. We then conducted a supplementary investigation in phases to evaluate ground water impacts and potential movement of solvents though utility trench back fill. Installed a network of monitoring wells and plume definition, followed by Cone Penetromenter (CPT) investigation of deeper aquifers and aquitards. Developed hydro-geologic model and made recommendations for remediation.

EGS was selected by the City of Santa Cruz to conduct a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment as part of EIR/EIS for proposed street widening project near downtown Santa Cruz, California. Phase 1 resulted in identification of over 50 properties with current or past known or potential contamination issues including: Numerous UST sites, and a former coal gas manufacturing plant. Mitigating measures included the implementation of a Phase 2 reconnaissance exploration program that included a soil gas survey and shallow soil sampling and analysis along the 6-block route. We conducted the exploration program and identified areas of contamination that required remediation before the start of the street improvements.

ESG was retained by the Monterey County Housing Authority’s attorney to investigate a Low Income Housing Site in Salinas, California that was found to be impacted by Hazardous Materials, during preliminary construction activities. This case of Non-disclosure and Improper Site Closure and Remediation, involved a Phase 1 technical and historical review of previous landfill operations, and reviews of the closure and post-closure reports. For the second phase we conducted subsurface investigation and sampling using excavators, bucket-augers, and drill rigs. Samples were submitted for laboratory analysis. We also installed monitoring wells, and sampled and analyzed groundwater, evaluated chemical analytical reports, prepared and evaluated various Corrective Actions Plans, conducted cost estimating for site remediation, prepared, and conducted bid solicitations from remedial contractors. In addition we provided litigation support and expert testimony.

EGS was retained by Albert Bianchi and Paul Smith, of Bianchi, Engle, Keegin & Talkington, San Rafael, CA to investigate Storm Drain Discharge as Cause of Debris Avalanche, in San Anselmo, Marin County, CA. Our Principal Geologist, Mr. Seeley was named as expert in this case and provided evaluation of up gradient drainage and discharge onto an unnamed seasonal creek, assessment of landsliding and debris avalanche and implications of the Town's original development requirement to mitigate the pre-existing drainage problem. Our scope of work included evaluation of the Town Engineer's hydrology design to determine if there was sufficient data to support drainage discharge as the cause, data review, historic air photo analysis of pre development conditions, and site geologic mapping of drainages and landslides. We also conducted subsurface investigation and geotechnical engineering design recommendations for stabilization alternatives. We prepared a report of findings and presented findings to the court. The case was settled in favor of our client.

EGS has provided work plan preparation, technical review, and quality control for Touchstone Developments, Chevron’s soil remediation contractor for numerous UST removals, subsequent over excavation, soil and water sampling, remediation, and report preparation.

During grading operations for the construction of a new winery facility, Bauer Associates’ geotechnical engineer discovered hydrocarbon contamination in a foundation excavation. EGS was retained to work with the General Contractor, the owner’s representative, and the Napa County Environmental Health Department to expedite site characterization and remediation so that construction activities could resume. On short notice we developed a Work Plan, obtained regulatory approvals, retained a HazMat certified excavation contractor, and excavated the area of fuel contamination, collected verification soil samples, conducted expedited lab analysis, obtained regulatory approval to terminate excavation and backfill with clean import. Then, also on an expedited schedule we completed exploratory borings and groundwater characterization, conducted a feasibility and cost evaluation for various contaminated soil disposition options, managed soil disposal, prepared a final report and obtained case closure, all within 4 weeks.