GES is proud to sponsor this incredible event! Be sure to visit us at our booth and attend our engaging platform presentations.
Our very own Tom Szocinski, CEP will be chairing a session on Vapor Intrusion and delivering a platform presentation. John Brooks and Cornelius Williams will also be presenting. Don’t miss out!
PLATFORM PRESENTATIONS
Tom Szozinski, CEP
Wednesday, March 18th
Session 06: Vapor Intrusion l 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Great Room 6-8
Session Title: CVOC Passive Vapor Mitigation Legal and Regulatory Challenges – Apartment Complex – Bay Area, California
Background/Objectives:
The presentation will review the challenges faced for a chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOC) vapor plume beneath an apartment complex. It will review the physical, public, legal and regulatory challenges that were faced, problems/issues, and the overall design implemented for the apartment buildings to retrofit a passive mitigation system that would be adequate to meet the needs for the overall Human Health and Safety within a residential complex, the clients’ budgetary restraints and any/all additional legal and regulatory requirements.
Approach/Activities:
The presentation will discuss the overall approach to the VI off-site assessment, the VIMS installation timeframe, it’s design, with site photos, in-field modifications necessary, field data, contingency plans, and future goals for the passive mitigation and the onsite CVOC remediation. The timeframe, design, and overall approach for the VIMS installation activities required finesse to meet the regulatory, off-site property owners’ recommendations, and the site condition requirements. One challenge example that will be discussed is a regulatory request to have the responsible party (RP) collect off-site indoor air samples prior to off-site mitigation. However, the off-site property owners and legal counsel (apartments) wanted mitigation to be completed BEFORE indoor air samples were collected. This presentation will elaborate on how the process went to satisfy both parties.
Results/Lessons Learned:
The presentation will show the overall success of the passive mitigation approach and the future OM and requirements of the system and site (sub-slab sampling, indoor air sampling, etc.). Not only with the scientific data presented that reduced/eliminated the potential VI risk, but also the unique timeframe restraints required by the off-site property owner and regulatory recommendations for indoor air sampling versus VIMS installation.
John Brooks, PWD and Cornelius Williams
Wednesday, March 18th
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Shutters West
Session Title: Emergency Brine Release Response and Remediation at a Louisiana Well Pad Site
Background/Objectives
GES responded to an emergency brine release at a well pad site in Shreveport, Louisiana. Approximately 1,900 barrels of produced water were released, impacting an estimated 11 acres of land. Chloride concentrations reached as high as 19,000 mg/kg—well above background levels—and posed an immediate risk to soil health, vegetation, and potentially shallow groundwater. With no established Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) standards for chloride in soil, swift and informed action was necessary to mitigate ecological damage and prevent contaminant migration to surrounding environments.
Approach/Activities
Within 48 hours, GES mobilized a 30-person environmental response team to manage the release and initiate site remediation. The team used real-time data acquisition, GIS-based 3D modeling, and electrical conductivity (EC) meters as a field screening tool to delineate the chloride plume. EC meter readings enabled in-field evaluation of salinity concentrations, streamlining decisions for excavation, soil segregation, and laboratory sampling. A site-specific interim cleanup goal of 1,000 mg/kg was established using a risk-based approach in coordination with stakeholders. Soil remediation involved targeted excavation, with both on-site stabilization and off-site disposal methods. GES also performed habitat and ecological assessments to evaluate impacts on tree species and native vegetation. Site restoration included backfilling with clean soil in compacted lifts and reestablishing native seed mixes to promote long-term vegetative growth, erosion control, and ecological function.
Results/Lesson Learned
GES’s rapid and coordinated response successfully prevented contamination of a nearby creek; a critical secondary water source for the City of Shreveport. Restoration efforts returned the site to pre-release conditions, with ongoing drone-based monitoring supporting revegetation progress. The project was completed without safety incidents, regulatory issues, or budget overruns.
Conclusion
This project highlights the value of integrating rapid mobilization, real-time field tools, and risk-based strategies. GES’s holistic response ensured compliance, recovery, and reduced long-term liability; establishing a scalable model for future environmental emergencies.