Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Support for Development Site Remediation
The site, spanning over 10 acres in the heart of Napa Valley, California was formerly used for both agricultural and residential purposes. The site is being redeveloped into a condominium community. Terraphase supported the client in preparing the site for residential use by addressing environmental concerns identified during early site assessments.
Scope of Services
Terraphase conducted Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). Based on the findings, Terraphase performed shallow soil remediation to address lead concentrations exceeding residential screening levels. To support documentation and enhance safety during excavation activities, drones were deplolyed to capture real-time data and monitor site conditions.
In addition to supporting project documentation, Terraphase collected elevation data and an ortho-rectified aerial image for direct Geographic Information System (GIS) integration. Using Pix4D photogrammetry, a digital surface model (DSM) was created to calculate stockpile and excavation volumes, giving the client an accurate measure of soil off-haul quantities.
Notable Accomplishments
- Completed Phase I and II ESAs to support site redevelopment
- Remediated lead-impacted soil to meet residential screening levels
- Used drone technology for real-time site monitoring and enhanced safety
- Collected elevation data and ortho-rectified aerial imagery for GIS integration
- Generated a DSM to accurately calculate stockpile and excavation volumes
Lead in Drinking Water Compliance Data Management
Lead testing in school drinking water requires extensive coordination. To ensure accurate results, preparing water outlets for early morning testing requires on-site checklists completed in advance. The most efficient approach is having facility staff handle preparation the day before testing. However, miscommunication during coordination can pose a major challenge.
Scope of Services
Terraphase designed a custom mobile app and automated messaging system to streamline water outlet preparation for all schools served by Northern California Water Utility District. Facility managers and building engineers receive instructions and outlet-specific checklists the day before testing via the automated messaging system. Issues with the outlets can be reported through the app, and automated evening updates notify our clients and sampling teams of water outlet readiness, ensuring efficient testing.
Notable Accomplishments
- Automated communication between stakeholders, project managers, and sampling team
- Cost reduction in project management hours
- Compliance timestamps for outlet preparation
- Fewer canceled sampling opportunities
- Simple progress report data
City of Lancaster Green Infrastructure Asset Management System
The City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is responsible for routine inspections, maintenance, and performance evaluations of all Green Infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) within its jurisdiction. Previously, these activities were tracked using hand-filled field forms, with data manually entered into the City’s system—an inefficient and increasingly unsustainable process, especially following recent combined sewer overflows (CSOs) during heavy storm events.
To improve efficiency and data management, the city sought a more streamlined solution. Terraphase responded by delivering an intuitive, user-friendly data collection system designed to enhance field operations, reduce manual entry, and improve the overall tracking and management of BMP maintenance activities.
Scope of Services
Terraphase developed a smart data collection solution using the Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) ArcGIS Online platform, offering users an intuitive interface to streamline BMP inspections and work order management. A dispatcher dashboard allows inspections and work orders to be scheduled in advance, with real-time tracking of locations and estimated durations to support efficient planning. Built-in data validation ensures accuracy by allowing only relevant, complete entries. After submitting a BMP inspection, the system automatically sends an email to the Green Infrastructure Stormwater team, detailing any required maintenance and triggering prompt work order generation.
Notable Accomplishments
- Developed a smart data collection system using ESRI ArcGIS Online
- Automated email alerts to streamline maintenance response and work order generation
