California Utility Equipment Hazardous Material Survey
Terraphase conducts bi-weekly asbestos-containing material (ACM) and lead-based paint (LBP) inspections for a California utility client’s decommissioned substation equipment. The equipment is moved by the utility client to its central facility, where Terraphase inspects and collects bulk samples to determine if ACMs and/or LBPs are present before the equipment is abated/remediated and eventually recycled or disposed of by the utility client.
Scope of Services
The scope of work requires that a high volume of equipment be assessed, analytical results be interpreted and tabulated, and a survey report be submitted to the utility client so that the regulated materials can be abated within a two-week time frame. Terraphase refers to historical sampling results prior to collecting the bulk samples to minimize unnecessary sampling. Approximately 35 bulk samples are collected during each sampling event to address data gaps. Sampled items include Transite™ panels, braided wire wrap, wire putty, insulation, coils, and switch plates. The inspections are conducted in accordance with local air quality management district regulations. Terraphase is also responsible for providing perimeter air monitoring spot checks during the abatement activities. The spot checks are conducted to confirm that the abatement contractor’s work practices and engineering controls are adequate, and that utility client staff are not exposed to excessive airborne fibers. Air monitoring results are included with the survey reports.
Notable Accomplishments
- High volume of equipment assessed, analytical results interpreted and tabulated, and survey report submitted so the regulated materials can be abated within a two-week time frame
- Air monitoring spot checks are conducted to confirm that the abatement contractor’s work practices and engineering controls are adequate, and that utility client staff are not exposed to excessive airborne fibers
City of San Mateo Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Construction Support
Terraphase was awarded an environmental consultant contract with the California City of San Mateo Department of Public Works for the Clean Water Program (CWP) Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Upgrade and Expansion Project (WWTP Project). The City was expanding its existing WWTP facility to the adjacent parcel as part of infrastructure upgrades implemented through the CWP. The proposed expansion parcel had been previously used for equipment storage as well as for stockpiling material from construction activities.
Scope of Services
The contract scope of work included a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and a Phase II soil and groundwater investigation for an approximately 6.5-acre site adjacent to the existing WWTP facility. Terraphase also provided support for construction dewatering planning.
Prior to demolition activities, Terraphase performed hazardous materials surveys on three transformers and four generators that would have required special handling and disposal considerations. In a subsequent construction phase, Terraphase performed dust and noise monitoring as part of compliance for the facility expansion.
Notable Accomplishments
- Phase I and II ESAs were performed on an expedited basis to meet an accelerated construction schedule
Northern California Water/Wastewater Utility Compliance Services
Terraphase has supported a Northern California utility district through multiple contracts, providing a broad range of environmental and compliance services. These efforts have played a key role in helping the client meet regulatory requirements and manage environmental risks across its service area.
Scope of Services
Terraphase has provided a range of environmental and engineering services, including Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), on-call support for environmental and industrial hygiene services; feasibility studies and updates to the trench spoils management planning document; characterization and management of large trench spoil stockpiles; California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis for reuse of an abandoned quarry for spoils disposal; lead-in-water sampling and reporting at over 500 schools; stormwater compliance inspections, reporting, and training; and emergency response support. Our engineering services include Civil 3D design, ArcGIS analysis, and environmental data management using ES-DAT.
Notable Accomplishments
- Collected and analyzed over 7,500 drinking water samples from 500+ schools
- Characterized more than 550,000 cubic yards of trench spoils for reuse and disposal
- Conducted stormwater compliance for trench spoils stockpile sites
- Updated the utility’s Trench Spoils Master Plan
- Conducted feasibility and CEQA assessments for strategic trench spoil disposal planning
