Services to Commercial and Industry Clients

AST Removal and Installation

SILVERKING PRODUCTIONS INC., KHSX TV-49
CEDAR HILL, TEXAS

dse was hired to remove, relocate and re-install an existing 2000 gallon diesel-containing AST, emergency generator and underground piping. The Potential environmental impacts from the AST on the former and new tank locations were also identified. dse visually observed no evidence of previous leakage or spills in the vicinity of the AST on either site. No fuel spillage or leakage occurred at either site during emptying, removal, re-installation and refilling of the tank. dse reviewed site history records, tank closure report and acquired all required registrations and permits to complete the work. The field efforts included trenching, installation and pressure testing the new piping system.

Commercial Property Transaction

THE COLONY JOINT VENTURE – HI-TECH CLEANERS
THE COLONY, TEXAS

In connection with a commercial property transaction, dse was engaged to investigate this dry cleaning facility. dse installed monitoring wells, collected soil and groundwater samples to determined the source of the contamination, direction of groundwater flow and the extent of the dispersal. dse prepared and submitted various applications and reports to the TCEQ. The groundwater and contaminant plume remediation was to be continued by the TCEQ.

Category: Phase II – Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) Dry Cleaners

Dry Cleaner Compliance Audit

TY EQUITY GROUP
LEWISVILLE, TEXAS

dse has extensive experience in conducting dry cleaner compliance audits. These audits are designed to determine how well a particular dry cleaning facility is following the recommended practices for the use of particular dry cleaning solvents that they are using. They also determine the likelihood of a major environmental impact to the site where the facility is located. Audits cannot indicate how well a facility will be run in the future or the likelihood of a future release of dry cleaning solvent. Included in these audits are interviews with the facility owner/operator and their employees, a survey of the site conditions and status of the equipment and supplies stored on site, a review of the facility’s records to ensure an understanding of record keeping procedures and to establish a “track record” of proper solvent and waste handling procedures, and a review of dry cleaning solvent purchasing and use records to determine if there are any anomalous records that may indicate a chronic or catastrophic release of dry cleaning solvent.

Category: Permitting, Planning, and Compliance Auditing

Dry Cleaner Remediation

MONTFORT SHOPPING CENTER – FORMER ELEGANT CLEANERS
DALLAS, TEXAS

1992 to March 2003 using PCE as a dry cleaning solvent. The Elegant Cleaners is no longer doing business at this location. However, the shopping center owner desired to remediate the site so that he could sell the property. dse prepared and submitted the VCP application, APAR, negotiated with the TCEQ and obtained a site closure letter.

Category: Voluntary Cleanup Program Closure

Dry Cleaner Spill

FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS

dse provided litigation support and expert testimony involving compliance auditing, regulatory compliance for a dry cleaner involving a PCE chemical spill and a personal injury lawsuit. This involved extensive review of documents, including operating manuals, personnel procedures, interrogatories, and depositions of witnesses. dse was also asked to perform site soil and groundwater sampling. The case was settled in mediation and remediation costs are currently the responsibility of the insurance agency. The site is currently in the VCP with the TCEQ and proceeding through assessment and closure.

Category: Expert Testimony and Litigation Support

Due Diligence For Property Transfer

COUNTRY SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER
SANDY, UTAH

As part of due diligence for transfer of the property, VOCs were discovered in the soil and perched groundwater. This site contained two dry cleaning facilities. dse provided operations and maintenance on the two previously installed SVE systems, soil and groundwater sampling, an asbestos management plan, compliance audits, negotiations with both dry cleaning operations and assistance with dry cleaning machine replacements.

Category: Phase II – Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) Dry Cleaners

Former St. Stephens Cleaners (Vallwood Village)

WESTON SOLUTIONS, INC. AND KOOS & ASSOCIATES
FARMERS BRANCH, TEXAS

The former dry cleaning operation of St. Stephens Cleaners was suspected to be the cause of impacted soil and perched groundwater on the site and neighboring properties. The former cleaner conducted dry cleaning operations between 1960 and 1992. The suspected contamination source was attributed to releases of PCE from equipment used and storage and handling of PCE in the dry cleaning operations. Immediate remedial actions for source soils and groundwater were warranted due to the off-site migration of groundwater and impacts to a storm water outfall. dse proposed interim response actions which included: 1) Source soils reduction; 2) off-site groundwater mitigation; and 3) DNAPL Capture. 4) Installation of a SVE and emissions treatment systems.

Category: Phase III – Cleanup and Remediation

Jones Road, Superfund Site

HOUSTON, TEXAS

dse provided litigation support in a lawsuit involving Bell Cleaners (Bell). This project was a TCEQ superfund site and is currently an EPA superfund site. dse was asked to testify on behalf of the manufacturer and provide document review and expert opinions. The opinions were to elaborate on the nature of the subsurface geology and hydrogeology beneath the site and the surrounding area in relation to an alleged release or releases of chlorinated dry cleaning solvent by Bell, as well as the probability of other sources of a PCE release in the vicinity of the site.

Category: Expert Testimony and Litigation Support

Limited Asbestos Inspection

PSB PARTNERS
SHERMAN, TEXAS

dse performed a limited asbestos inspection on a 100 year old building for the prospective purchaser of property. Inspection included identifying friable and non-friable asbestos containing building materials to support remediation planning and historic preservation efforts.

Category: Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Surveys

Meeting TCEQ DCRP Fund Requirements

SA 5 STAR DRY CLEANERS #5
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

The purpose of this assessment was to meet TCEQ requirements to enter into the DCRP Fund. dse installed a groundwater monitoring well at the site and collected soil and groundwater samples. The impacts due to the dry cleaner’s activities seemed to be confined to the soils on the site and had not migrated to neighboring properties. The groundwater did not indicate the presence of any dry cleaning solvents.

Category: Phase II – Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) Dry Cleaners

Municipal Setting Designation and Affected Property Assessment Report, TCEQ Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP)

GABLES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
DALLAS, TEXAS

dse provided local technical support for a MSD application, and developed the APAR for an approximate 4.6 acre site located north of downtown Dallas. While the site is currently used as a parking lot, historic uses included a brick retail facility, a hotel, and metals equipment manufacturing. Groundwater for this site is impacted by VOCs including PCE, TCE, and benzene above regulatory levels from apparent off-site sources. dse reviewed prior site investigation reports and Phase II Environmental Assessments prepared by others, and used these materials to prepare the MSD application, and the APAR for this site. dse personnel testified at the public involvement meeting, and at the City Council meeting concerning this site.

Category: Voluntary Cleanup Program Closure

Pending VCP Case Closure

THIRTY OAKS SHOPPING CTR – COMET DRY CLEANING & LAUNDRY 6101, INC.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS

The site has an active dry cleaner which used PCE from 1981 to 1995 when its dry cleaning process was converted to synthetic petroleum (Exxon DF2000 or equivalent). PCE impacts to surface and subsurface soils were identified in soil samples collected during environmental site assessments conducted for property divestiture purposes. The PCE impacts are believed to be due to accidental minor releases of PCE to the surface in the alley outside of the back door to the dry cleaners. dse submitted the APAR for the site to the VCP and believes that the site has been adequately investigated and anticipates that the case will soon be closed by the VCP. dse prepared the application for this location in the DCRP fund.

Category: Phase II – Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) Dry Cleaners

Phase II ESA of Former Automotive Repair Facility

CLEVELAND PARTNERS, LLC
DALLAS, TEXAS

This site consisted of a 0.66 acre tract of commercially developed land. The purpose of the assessment was to supplement a Phase I ESA with the collection and analysis of groundwater and soil samples. dse gauged and sampled two monitoring wells and sampled shallow soils in four areas of possible impact identified in the Phase I ESA where former equipment and a drainage swale were located. dse reviewed state, city and previous contractor’s documents to validate previous findings. These documents also stated that an UST was previously installed at the site, which could have been another possible contamination source.

Category: Phase II – Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)

Sabine River Estates SWPPP

B&P BUILDERS
EDGEWOOD, TEXAS

dse prepared a general construction SWPPP to address requirements for conservation of soils and surface water during large scale construction. The site was approximately twenty acres of land being developed into residential property. Inspections of the control measures (silt fencing and drainage system) were conducted every two weeks and/or within forty-eight hours following a major rain event and at least once a quarter, during a rain event. These inspections were performed to see how the total drainage system, during construction, was functioning. Maintenance procedures were followed to keep the silt fencing in working order and also changed or augmented silt fencing, as needed, based off results of the inspections.

Category: Water, Wastewater and Surface Water

Site Closure for Chlorinated Solvent Contamination

1 HOUR MARTINIZING
HURST, TEXAS

In this project, chlorinated hydrocarbon impacts were discovered in the soil and shallow surface infiltration water which were attributed to the on-site dry cleaning operations. Remedial design included excavation of impacted soils (>10 feet below grade) located beneath the building’s slab and installation of a single 10” SVE well and system (shown above) which reduced contaminant levels in remaining impacted soil by more than 60% in the first three months. dse also designed the SVE system and had it manufactured to design specifications, resulting in at 50% savings versus using commercially available systems.

Category: Phase III – Cleanup and Remediation

Site Investigation, Monitored Natural Attenuation, Plume Management Zone, TCEQ Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP)

FORMER CRAIG’S CLEANERS
KATY, TEXAS

This site is a former dry cleaner that used PCE. A prior site assessment at the property indicated that PCE had been released. dse performed an extensive assessment of the affected soil and groundwater that included the installation of 18 groundwater monitoring wells located both on-site and off-site. dse prepared and submitted the APAR to the TCEQ and performed extensive quarterly groundwater sampling using low-flow techniques. The sampling results enabled dse to design a monitored natural attenuation program for the site. A PMZ was designed and proposed based on the results of groundwater modeling performed by dse.

Category: Voluntary Cleanup Program Closure

Steve Reagor Spill Investigation

MANSFIELD, TEXAS

A spill of an unidentified substance occurred upstream to the Client’s property. The spill migrated onto the Client’s property and impacted a stocked lake located there. The spill impact possibly contributed to a fish kill in the lake. dse personnel visited the spill scene and documented the extent and impact of the spill. dse prepared a sampling plan and collected samples of impacted soils and water. The samples were analyzed for suspected chemicals of concern. dse reviewed the laboratory analyses results and prepared a report that documented our observations at the spill site and summarized our findings. dse personnel acted as an Expert Witnesses in the resulting litigation.

Category: Water, Wastewater and Surface Water

TCEQ Compliance

CRAIG’S CLEANERS
HOUSTON, TEXAS

This site is an operating dry cleaner that used PCE for approximately 20 years. A site assessment at an adjacent property indicated that PCE had been released and the client was instructed to perform an assessment by the TCEQ. dse performed an extensive assessment of the affected soil and groundwater that included the installation of more than 20 groundwater monitoring wells located both on-site and off-site. dse prepared and submitted the required documents to the TCEQ and performed extensive quarterly groundwater sampling using low-flow techniques. The sampling results enabled dse to provide groundwater modeling and predict the migration of the contaminant plume. A soil vapor extraction system was designed and installed followed by injections of Regenesis HRC and HRC-X into the groundwater to reduce the amount of impact at the site.

Category: Phase III – Cleanup and Remediation

TCEQ Dry Cleaner Remediation Program

ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT (E&E)
TEXAS

Contact: Mr. Paul James, 368 Pleasant View Drive, Lancaster, New York 14086, 214-245-1007

With E&E as a prime, dse is one of only three consultants chosen to work on the TCEQ DCRP contract. The DCRP is a “State Lead” program in which all assessment and remediation of environmental impacts at eligible dry cleaner sites becomes the responsibility of the TCEQ contractor(s). Dry cleaner operators or property owners are eligible for the DCRP after meeting a $5,000 deductible requirement and submitting an Application for Ranking. The DCRP is funded by dry cleaner registration fees and a tax on dry cleaning solvents.

UST Remediation – Kinny’s Convenience Store

TY EQUITY GROUP (COOPER MEDLIN)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Three USTs were removed from the site and three new 8000 gallon USTs were installed in 1984. These activities were performed before removal of USTs was regulated by the TCEQ. The TCEQ required remediation of the hydrocarbons detected in soil and groundwater samples which were believed to be the result of improper removal of the USTs. dse provided project management, well drilling, quarterly groundwater sampling events, TCEQ required reports, and closure activities.

Category: Aboveground/Underground Storage Tank (AST/UST) Installation, Repair, Removal and Remediation

UST Removal (265-Gallon)

CHAMBERS AUTOMOTIVE
ARLINGTON, TEXAS

dse removed a 265-gallon capacity tank used for storing kerosene and waste oils as well as the accessible associated piping. A total of 147 gallons of liquid was removed from the tank. After confirming that the vapors in the UST were below the explosive limit, the UST was removed from the pit, loaded and transported for final destruction. The tank had been out of service for several months and no evidence of product leakage was observed or suspected based on the physical inspection of the UST, surrounding soils and laboratory analysis.

Category: Aboveground/Underground Storage Tank (AST/UST) Installation, Repair, Removal and Remediation

VCP Site Maintenance

5 STAR MATLOCK I GENERAL PARTNERSHIP – COMET CLEANERS
ARLINGTON, TEXAS

This site was entered into the VCP and dse continued to maintain the site as outlined by the TCEQ. The groundwater in the vicinity was delineated to drinking water standards, and was not expected to require further delineation. The Comet Cleaners had been operated by three different owners since approximately 1990. Use of PCE as the dry-cleaning solvent was discontinued in 1998 and was switched to Exxon 2000DF, a synthetic petroleum derivative. No known significant spills of PCE occurred, however, groundwater data suggested a spill may have occurred in the location at the rear of the dry cleaning facility where the trucks would have parked for delivery of dry cleaning solvents. dse prepared the application for this location to be entered into the DCRP fund.

Category: Phase II – Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) Dry Cleaners