ASSESS. TEST. REPORT.
Whether we are performing due diligence for a prospective property purchase or testing for concerns at your current property, we know that you need fast and reliable results and reporting.
Whitaker Laboratory has over 50 years of extensive experience assisting clients with environmental assessments and environmental inspections throughout the lifecycle of a property. Our experts provide environmental liability assessments for potential investors, lenders and developers. After purchase, our qualified environmental inspectors can assist with environmental monitoring and testing for issues or concerns that arise during development, ownership and management of the property. If an environmental concern does arise, you are guaranteed that our test results and recommendations are unbiased, as we do not perform remediation services.
Our environmental professionals are highly trained or certified in a variety of services.
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Environmental Site Assessments
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NPDES Stormwater monitoring
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Indoor Mold Inspections
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Indoor Air Quality Testing
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Soil & Groundwater Contamination
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Asbestos Containing Material (ACM)
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Lead Based Paint (LBP)
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Radon or Methane Soil Gas Evaluations
Phase I & II
Environmental Site Assessments (ESA’s)
An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a report prepared for a property that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The analysis, often called an ESA, typically addresses both the land and the physical improvements to the property.
Whitaker Laboratory utilizes the most up to date industry standards to prepare (ESA’s) for commercial developers, private and public lenders, real estate attorneys and insurance consultants.
Additionally, we prepare United States Small Business Administration (USSBA) ESA’s as well as Record Search Risk Assessment (RSRA) property inquiries as required for all SBA 504 and 7a loan transactions.
What to expect from an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) report:
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By searching federal, state, county and municipal databases, we discover any documented environmental violations within the target property and/or surrounding properties within one mile.
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Historic city directories are searched for the target property and the surrounding properties to identify any environmentally suspect listings such as dry-cleaners, gas stations, and bulk chemical producers.
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Historical aerial photographs dating back to the 1950’s or before are available for most areas of Georgia and South Carolina. These photographs are useful in determining when the site was developed and/or redeveloped and what type of facilities were there.
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Historic Sanborn Fire insurance maps are available in limited areas back to the 1800’s. Often these maps document all structures within the property at a given time, what they were utilized for, and the location of underground storage tanks.
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Interviews are conducted as needed to fill in any gaps within the historical documentation. Mostly, we will conduct interviews with current and previous property owners, site managers, occupants and government officials.
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Our environmental inspectors will physically visit the site to determine if any physical evidence of possible environmental issues are visible on site. They will take many pictures of both the land and the interior and exterior of the buildings. Usually, a site inspection will last up to one hour.
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A final report created to meet the latest industry standards and including documentation of the included research will be created for you. While most reports are several hundred pages, an executive summary of 10-15 pages will contain all of the information a client needs to examine.
Most properties will reveal no environmental concerns. However, if a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC) is identified, further testing will most often be recommended. All invasive testing is completed within a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).
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If a Recognized Environmental Condition (REC), Historic Environmental Condition (HREC) or Controlled Recognized Environmental Condition (CREC) is identified during a Phase I (ESA), then a Phase II (ESA) will most often be recommended.
Your environmental professional will advise you on what type and level of testing is recommended.
If the tests are returned exceeding maximum acceptable levels, your environmental professional will make a recommendation for contacting a remediation provider.
Whitaker Laboratory does not provide remediation services. This avoids a conflict of interest and ensures you can be confident in our testing results.
For low risk properties, a less intensive study may fulfill banking and due diligence requirements. This report is called a Record Search with Risk Assessment (RSRA) report. Ask our environmental professionals if this report might be right for your target property.
NPDES Stormwater Monitoring
Project owners and contractors rely on Whitaker Laboratory to ensure that their jobsites stay within GA & SC (NPDES) compliance.
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was created by the EPA to limit the pollutants that reach U.S. waters. This is done by regulating the amounts of pollutants that commercial and municipal entities can release into point sources (pipes and sewers) and non-point sources (construction sites).
When a (NPDES) permit is issued it will contain limitations for pollutants, standards and conditions. It will also establish intervals for stormwater monitoring, sampling and reporting. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring compliance by creating and enforcing control measures and practices.
Stormwater sampling and monitoring results measure whether the best management practices are effective enough to ensure compliance. Whitaker Laboratory technicians are certified in the most up to date industry standards for stormwater monitoring & sampling.
LICENSURES & CERTIFICATIONS
Level 1A, 1B and 2 certified for job site inspection and permit reporting. Georgia DOT and South Carolina DOT certified National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
what to know about stormwater sampling and stormwater monitoring:
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Stormwater is any type of precipitation that meets the ground and is absorbed. This replenishes groundwater supply used by plants, animals and people.
Stormwater that meets any hard, impermeable surface and is unable to be absorbed by the ground becomes stormwater runoff. As it travels the stormwater runoff picks up any pollutants and carries it to the nearest storm drains, detention ponds or other waters.
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Common stormwater pollutants are trash and debris, oil-based liquids and fuels, sediment, heavy metals and chemicals.
Most stormwater polluntants are caused by vehicles and outdoor equipment and/or processing or washdown of the equipment, waste collection areas, outdoor stockpiles or raw material yards and galvanized or painted exterior surfaces.
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Determine where your stormwater willl be discharged. Is it discharged to a sanitary sewer, municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), combined sewer system or directly to a waterway?
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Typically, a sample will by taken at one point before the stormwater leaves the facility or construction site as well as some point downstream. In addition, samples my be taken at detention ponds or other holding bodies of water.
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Monitoring stormwater may be done continuously, quarterly, or at other intervals specified by your NPDES permit. For instance, some storm events will required specific sampling. At other times, rather than sampling and quantifying the actual levels of pollutants, some monitoring may only require visual assessment with documentation.
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Commonly, samples are analyzed for pH, oil and oil-based products, grease, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and metals. Additionally, samples may be analyzed for different pollutants specific to the activities at the property or facility.
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If high levels of pollutants or abnormal findings are discovered during stormwater monitoring, additional testing may be required to determine the cause and how to address it.
Our certified technicians perform weekly and monthly jobsite inspections of on-site soil and erosion control best management practices (BMP’s), storm water runoff sampling and turbidity analyses in compliance with state permitting protocol and monthly rainfall jobsite reports.
INDOOR MOLD inspections
The Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA’s) website states “Molds are part of the natural environment, and can be found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Mold is not usually a problem, unless it begins growing indoors. The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture.”
However, if you have an indoor water event, have noticed a large outbreak of mold or if you’re noticing unexplainable allergies or respiratory issues, you may choose to have your indoor air quality tested by professionals. Whitaker Laboratory does not perform remediation services, thereby removing the possibility of a conflict of interest and ensuring our clients can have confidence in our results.
Common Questions about indoor mold and Inspections:
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FEMA reports that certain molds have the ability to grow within 24 to 48 hours. Making it critical to dry those areas within 24 hours of a water intrusion event.
Additionally, mold can be difficult to find and difficult to identify. Typically, molds can be hidden behind walls, cabinets, furniture and carpets. It also grows in many different forms and colors including: transparent, black, green, brown, yellow, white, etc.
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Follow the moisture!
There are many ways that mold can grow. However, they are all based on water. Some molds need a lot of water and some molds only need a little. The key to finding mold is to track the water from it’s origin and follow its migration.
Common sources include a pipe leak, water intrusion from a rain storm, high relative humidity and condensation.
Common signs include a musty smell, water staining, paint peeling, buckling and separation of materials or unusual substances.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that many people are seriously affected and sickened by exposure to water damaged buildings. Additionally, the Occupation Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) reports that more than 25% of U.S. buildings are water damaged with mold issues.
As mold grows you are most often exposed by touching it directly or it can release microscopic spores into the air. This can cause asthma, allergic reactions and other respiratory problems.
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Our firm takes an active role in the membership of the Indoor Air Quality Association of America (IAQA). The (IAQ) collection process screens collected ambient air samples for the 24 most commonly recognized and identified molds and allergens on record.
Additionally, as a component of this process, we collect various interior and exterior data such as ambient temperatures and relative humidity readings to assist in determining if a property has a mold issue. This will lead us to determine the best course of action in establishing a path of remediation.
As a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), Whitaker Laboratory assists commercial developers, property managers, industrial, municipal, and individual homeowners with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) inspections in search of airborne and topical molds and mildews.
INDOOR Air Quality
The quality of indoor air inside offices, schools, homes and other workplaces is important for comfort and for health. According to (OSHA) poor indoor air quality (IAC) has been tied to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
As a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), Whitaker Laboratory provides (IAC) specialty testing services to commercial developers, property managers, industrial, municipal and commercial and residential clients.
specialty indoor air quality testing provided:
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TO-15 volatile gas testing is a method of sampling, analyzing and documenting the measurement of a subset of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in ambient air.
The TO-15 targets (VOCs) include the list detailed in the EPA's “Compendium Method TO-15” and the list in the EPA's “Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) document entitled: Statement-of-Work (SOW) for the Analysis of Air Toxics from Superfund Sites.”
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According to the (EPA):
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and has a strong odor. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause adverse health effects.
The primary way you can be exposed to formaldehyde is by breathing air containing off-gassed formaldehyde. Everyone is exposed to small amounts of formaldehyde in the air that has off-gassed from products, including composite wood products.
Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. High levels of exposure may cause some types of cancers.
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Dust testing is extremely common in industrial hygiene. Some dusts are specifically regulated and tested. However, for most industries, general dust testing is performed and this testing is noted by (OSHA) as “particles not otherwise regulated.”
Exposure to all particulates at levels higher than an 8-hour TWA limit of 15 mg/m3 measured as total particulate, and 5-mg/m3 limit for respirable particulates for all particulates not otherwise regulated causes material impairment of health and functional capacity in exposed workers according to (OSHA).
(OSHA) concludes that these limits will “protect workers against the significant safety and health risks associated with exposure to excessive concentrations of these substances, which include reduced visibility, deposits in the eyes, ears, and nasal passages, throat and eye irritation, upper-respiratory-tract problems, skin injury, and other forms of physical irritation.”
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A common misunderstanding is that only meth labs are contaminated and harmful environments. However, smoking requires the drug to be heated and turned into vapor. Vapor from use is also deposited on the ceiling, walls, floors, furnishings and systems of the building. These vapors may include toxic meth ingredients such as ether, ammonia, acetone and pseudoephedrine.
When inhaled, touched or ingested meth residue can cause symptoms such as: headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, dizziness, confusion, trouble breathing and chemical burns.
After the building has been decontaminated, a methampheamine topical surface clearance test will assess the effectivess of the remediation process.
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Methane is a naturally occuring odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can cause asphyxiation in an enclosed space and is highly reactive to oxygen and therefore, an explosive hazard. Methane can be naturally released from rock and soils beneath buildings in areas of former and active oil fields, swamps and landfills.
For example, a building existing above a former landfill or otherwise contaminated site can be infiltrated with methane. Methane exposure poses a health and combustion risk to the occupants inside.
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Radon is odorless, tasteless and does not cause symptoms with exposure. In the air, radon is unstable and deteriorates into other constituents. We inhale and exhale radon gas but radon decay particles stay in the lungs. Over time, these particles can cause damage to cells, which can mutate and cause lung cancer.
Soil and groundwater contamination surveys
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that half of the U.S. population relies on ground water for drinking, irrigation, industry, and livestock. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), a science bureau within the United States Department of the Interior, reports that groundwater will normally look clear and clean because the ground naturally filters out particulate matter. Industrial discharges, urban activities, agriculture, groundwater pumpage, and disposal of waste all can affect groundwater quality. Contaminants can be human-induced, as from leaking fuel tanks or toxic chemical spills. Pesticides and fertilizers applied to lawns and crops can accumulate and migrate to the water table. Leakage from septic tanks and/or waste-disposal sites also can introduce bacteria to the water.
Whitaker Laboratory provides aboveground storage tank (AST) and underground storage tank (UST) contamination surveys to assist commercial developers, public and private lending institutions and contractors.
soil and groundwater contamination survey Services:
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Ground penetrating radar is a geophysical survey method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. GPR is a non-intrusive method of investigating historic and current underground storage tank (UST) locations. This nondestructive method uses electromagnetic radiation in the microwave band of the radio spectrum, and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures.
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Specialized inspections for soil and groundwater contamination for historic and existing gasoline stations, convenience stores and automotive repair facilities.
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Groundwater monitoring wells installed to allow for the analysis of chemical, biological and/or physical properties of groundwater. Wells are often sampled at regular intervals (e.g. monthly, quarterly, annually), as directed by local, state or federal regulatory agencies, to understand trends over time and to make decisions about necessary remedial actions.
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Soil cores and groundwater monitoring wells may be employed to gather samples to complete a soil and groundwater analysis. Soil and groundwater chemical analysis can confirm the presence or absence of suspected contaminants within a site. Generally the analyses are in search of:
Hydrocarbon constituents related to oils, anti-freeze agents and transmission fluids.
Volatile (VOC) , semi-volatile (SVOC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) constituents in search of diesel, aeronautical, marine and automotive fuels
Hydraulic fluids associated with in-ground lift facilities; and dry cleaning waste products to include “perc” associated constituents
Our firm employs both Georgia and South Carolina licensed and certified environmental well drillers and environmental technicians.
Asbestos Containing Material
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil and is commonly found in building materials, manufactured goods, friction products, and a variety of products for heat-resistance. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heath effects from exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease. Disease symptoms may take many years to develop following exposure.
Whitaker Laboratory assists general and subcontractors, commercial developers and individual homeowners in maintaining compliance with indoor and outdoor construction materials disturbance and demolition activities.
Our Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Inspections are performed under both (GA EPD) and (SC DHEC) sampling protocol in accordance with (US EPA) federal regulatory guidelines. We maintain licensed and certified inspectors in Georgia and South Carolina.
Common Questions about Asbestos Containing Material and (ACM) Inspections:
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Due to its fiber strength and heat resistance, asbestos has been used in a variety of building materials, as insulation and as a fire retardant.
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Asbestos has been used in many manufactured goods, but is found most in building materials such as roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and cementous asbestos products.
Asbestos is also commonly used in friction products including automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts.
Additionally, asbestos is commonly used in heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.
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In general, exposure to asbestos-containing material is only when it is disturbed or damaged in some way that releases particles and fibers into the air.
The fibers are released into the air when asbestos containing materials are in use, during demolition work and also during building/home repair and remodeling.
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
Generally, you can't tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos and leave it alone. You may want to have your home inspected for asbestos-containing materials by a trained and accredited asbestos professional if:
You are planning to remodel your home (remodeling can disturb building materials)
Your home has damaged building materials (like crumbling drywall and insulation that is falling apart)
A trained and accredited asbestos professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended.
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
Asbestos-containing materials that aren’t damaged or disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk. Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition.
Asbestos-containing materials may release fibers when they are disturbed, damaged, removed improperly, repaired, cut, torn, sanded, sawed, drilled or scraped.
Keep an eye on asbestos-containing materials and visually check them over time for signs of wear or damage.
If asbestos-containing material is more than slightly damaged or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a trained and accredited asbestos professional is needed.”
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), before you hire an asbestos professional:
Avoid a conflict of interest. An asbestos professional hired to assess the need for asbestos repair or removal should not be connected with an asbestos firm that does the actual repair or removal of materials. It is better to use two different firms so there is no conflict of interest.
(Whitaker Laboratory performs only asbestos assessments, the firm does not provide repair or removal services.)
Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of federal or state-approved training. Each person performing work should provide proof of accreditation to do asbestos work.
Check on the past performance of your asbestos professional with your local air pollution control board, the local agency responsible for worker safety, and the Better Business Bureau. Ask if the firm has had any safety violations. Find out if there are legal actions filed against it.
Lead Based Paint
According the the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead-based paint is serious business. If your home was built before 1978, it is more likely to contain lead-based paint. Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.”
Lead inspections and lead risk assessments are useful first steps, which can lead to more thoughtful decisions on managing lead-based paint and lead hazards.
Whitaker Laboratory assists general and subcontractors, commercial developers, and individual homeowners with lead inspections to identify if lead is present. Additionally, we can assist with lead risk assessments to maintain compliance with indoor and outdoor construction materials disturbance and demolition activities where painted surfaces are in question. Further, we can assist with post remediation indoor air quality to ensure (EPA) standards have been met.
Common Questions about Lead Based Paint Inspections and Risk Assessments:
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Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals, causing health effects.
Lead can be found in all parts of our environment – the air, the soil, the water, and even inside our homes. Much of our exposure comes from human activities including the use of fossil fuels including past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities and past use of lead-based paint in homes. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around our homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition and cosmetics.
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Any renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) project in a pre-1978 home or building can easily create dangerous lead dust. The (EPA) requires that RRP projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and preschools built before 1978 be performed by lead-safe certified contractors.
Generally, the (EPA’s) Lead (RRP) rule does apply if you rent all or part of your home, operate a child care center in your home or if you buy, renovate, and sell homes for profit (i.e., a house flipper).
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In a structure where lead is in question, lead inspections and lead risk assessments are useful first steps and lead to more thoughtful decisions on managing lead-based paint and lead hazards.
Prior to remodeling, demolition or any activity causing material disturbance where painted surfaces are in question, a Lead Based Paint Inspection should always be performed.
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Lead-based paint is still present in millions of homes, normally under layers of newer paint. If the paint is in good shape, the lead-based paint is usually not a problem. Inspect and keep all painted surfaces in excellent shape and clean up dust frequently with a wet cloth or paper towel.
Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard and needs immediate attention. Use a lead-safe certified renovator to perform renovation, repair and painting jobs to reduce the likelihood of contaminating your home with lead dust.
For projects where lead based paints have been identified but remedial activities cannot be applied, a risk assessment should be performed to determine proper interim control measures to implement.
Lead abatement/remediation is an activity designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards. Abatement involves specialized techniques not typical of most residential contractors.
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After a third-party provides demolition and remediation, Whitaker Laboratory, Inc. is qualified to provide lead clearance testing and analyses in Georgia and South Carolina to ensure the structure meets (EPA) standards.
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For projects where lead based paints have been identified, remedial activities cannot be applied and proper interim control measures are required based on the outcome of the risk assessment.
Whitaker Laboratory, Inc. maintains licensed and certified inspectors in Georgia and South Carolina for Lead Based Inspections and Post Remediation Clearance Sampling under (GA EPD) and (SC DHEC) sampling protocol in accordance with (US EPA) federal regulatory guidelines. Whitaker Laboratory, Inc. does not perform remediation or abatement services, avoiding a conflict of interest and ensuring you can trust our results.
Radon or Methane Soil Gas Investigations
Radon is odorless, tasteless and does not cause symptoms with exposure. In the air, radon is unstable and breaks down into other products. We inhale and exhale radon gas but radon decay particles stay in the lungs. Over time, these particles can cause damage to cells, which can mutate and cause lung cancer.
According to the (EPA) and (CDC), radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year and according to the Surgeon General is the second leading cause of Lung Cancer in the United States. It is found all over the United States, but it is possible to test for and remediate high levels of Radon.
Whitaker Laboratory provides Investigation, specialty testing and monitoring services for radon and methane detection.
Methane is a naturally occuring odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can cause asphyxiation in an enclosed space and is highly reactive to oxygen and therefore, an explosive hazard. Methane can be naturally released from rock and soils beneath buildings in areas of former and active oil fields, swamps and landfills. For example, a building existing above a former landfill or otherwise contaminated site can be infiltrated with methane. Methane exposure poses a health and combustion risk to the occupants inside.
Methane monitoring is suggested for small landfills and any development near or on old landfills or unpermitted landfills.
SCHEDULE A SERVICE.
Email us with any questions or to schedule services from our certified environmental professionals.