Geotechnical

Geologic and Hydrogeologic-Site Characterization

REC is experienced in geological field investigations relating to assessment and site-specific characterization of environmental contamination. REC's engineering, geological and hydrogeological expertise has been utilized in a wide range of investigations, including: landfill due diligent characterizations, landfill methane recovery systems design, contaminated groundwater plume definition, in-situ contaminated soil definition and geotechnical soil studies.

Studies such as those listed above involved: computer modeling mapping of surface geologic formations, geotechnical drilling, geological interpretations of subsurface borehole data, subsurface geologic mapping, drill cutting logging, open-hole petrophysical log interpretation, geophysical interpretation, groundwater gradient determinations and contaminant migration rates. REC provides professional and combined field experience to all environmental projects. Services include:

Groundwater and Surface Water Quality Assessments, Monitor Well Installation and Sampling

REC has conducted numerous groundwater and surface water assessments, investigations and remedial actions. These investigations involved determining well locations, drilling, installation, development and testing of groundwater monitor wells. The proper sampling of surface water bodies, springs, storm water run-off, plant discharges have been performed by REC.

REC has performed and managed groundwater assessment projects in areas such as the High Plains (Ogallala) Aquifer, the Edwards Aquifer in south Texas, as well as numerous perched aquifers in other parts of Texas and New Mexico.

REC personnel have performed aquifer tests including slug tests, aquifer pump tests, well capability tests and draw down tests on industrial, agricultural and municipal water supply wells. Data obtained through these studies have been used to value water rights, compare well yield and supply requirements, design remediation well fields and estimate contaminate plume migration paths.
REC services include:

Real Property Environmental Assessments and Resource Valuations

REC personnel have a wide range of experience in environmental property assessment and auditing (Phase I and II). REC personnel are fully cognizant and aware of the importance of these services to both the buyer and seller of real property. Environmental impacts that go undetected during property transfer only extend the liability for clean up. REC personnel have also conducted environmental site investigations (ESI) where third party operations on "other" real property had caused contamination. The contamination whether at the surface or in the subsurface create liability for the landowner. Audits and assessments conducted by REC personnel are not only directed at defining the type of contamination on-site but through historical investigation search at locating possible responsible parties.

In instances where third parties have been impacted, permit completion and REC personnel for third party investigations have performed off-site monitor well installations. In cases where third parties are impacted, due diligence is REC's highest concern for the client. Documentation investigations include:

REC personnel have performed resource valuation surveys. The primary resource evaluated by REC has been groundwater. Valuation work involved surface elevation mapping, depth to water measurements, saturated thickness calculations, aquifer testing, lifting cost calculations, municipal demand studies, transportation cost estimation and in-place value per saturated acre/foot summary.

Valuations and groundwater surveys of this type have been conducted for both the potential seller and buyer of groundwater resources.

 

Petroleum Storage Tank Management

REC had its initial entry in the environmental industry through petroleum storage tank (PST) site operations. REC personnel are well versed in all phases of PST management, removal, installation, monitoring, upgrading and compliance audits.

REC has all the necessary equipment, properly trained personnel and ability in-house to perform the above referenced PST operations. In the ever-changing PST regulatory program, consultants must stay attuned and adept project planning programs based on acceptable regulatory guidelines. REC provides the following services:

 

Soil and Groundwater Remedial System Design, Installation Maintenance and Monitoring

REC has designed, installed, maintained and monitored both passive and active remediation action projects emitting volatile organic compounds (VOC) in soils. The bioremediation operations conducted by REC include: passive in-situ soil venting, mechanical tillage (aeration), nutrient additives and surfactant treatment of contaminated excavated soils and aggressive in-situ soil vapor extraction utilizing REC owned extraction units with thermal/catalytic oxidizers (ThermTechTM). REC personnel have conducted initial site investigations, designed the site-specific remedial action plans, conducted pilot test programs and installed the complete system. Remedial Action Programs (RAP) include:

 

 

Oil and Gas Industry/Environmental Consulting and Regulatory Support

REC is very familiar with the environmental concerns of the oil and gas industry as new regulations begin to be implemented by EPA, the Texas Railroad Commission, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and the Texas Air Quality Control Board. The oil and gas industry has historically had generous exemptions from regulations, but revisions are ever increasing with changing legislation. REC personnel have kept current with the continuous changing regulations that effect this important industry. By keeping abreast of the regulations, REC staff is able to perform compliance audits. REC support services include:

 

Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Characterization Due Diligence and Permitting

With the advent of Subtitle D regulations in Texas, REC has performed several initial landfill site characterization investigations. Landfill applications annexations and expansions require geotechnical capabilities that REC can provide. Although REC performed all the services listed below, it is the complete integration and presentation of the data obtained from these activities that is critical to the permitting process. REC staff can fully integrate that data and provide regulatory support to clients seeking landfill permits in Texas. Our services include:

RCRA/CERCLA Site Corrective Action Design, Implementation and Closure

REC has proven experience and knowledge in providing client support for industrial and hazardous waste facility operations. REC provides complete regulatory support for our clients in the area's of environmental regulation interpretation, applicable regulatory compliance
and providing cost-effective budget solutions to minimize project costs in a safe productive manner. As liaison representatives for our clients in regulatory matters, our goal is providing compliance solutions through effective abatement and restoration programs at the project site. REC's experience with public relations, regulatory support, corrective action design, permitting and project implementation provides our clients with complete waste management and technical capabilities to attain site closure at industrial and hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. REC's capabilities include:

Waste Characterization Management and Risk Reduction Studies

REC personnel perform on-site consulting, sampling and characterization of various wastes for clients ranging from small private generators to large industrial and governmental generators. Waste water discharge, plant run-off as well as unknown drum, container and tank testing have been performed by REC. Complete waste characterization is the first step in the safe handling and proper disposal of waste constituents. REC has developed an in-house system of waste handling and waste stream characterization that allows the client to feel comfortable with the proper disposal or recycling and reuse of certain waste.

REC is particularly adept at unknown drum contents sampling and bulking so as to avoid or reduce the amount of hazardous waste handled
or generated at a client's site. In the area of waste characterization, personal safety is of utmost concern. In order to address safety, REC developed site specific safety and health plans for all job sites. A complete evaluation of industrial/hazardous waste materials that are detected on-site is reported to the client immediately. Examples of our service areas relating to waste characterizations are as follows:

 

Feedyard Compliance Audits and Pollution Prevention Plans

REC personnel have performed numerous commercial feedyard compliance audits. Regulations affecting run-on, run-off control as well as air quality effect the commercial confined feeding operations throughout the southwest and Midwest part of the U.S. Feedyard operators are required to submit pollution prevention plans that address run-on, run-off as well as retention pond capacity calculations. REC personnel conduct site characterization audits of existing facilities as well as studies designed to permit new facility construction.