Improving regulatory outcomes with expert environmental insight.
Managing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements are a reality of doing business today. The companies and government agencies that strategically and responsibly address these challenges gain a competitive advantage and enhance the likelihood for successful project implementation.
Navigating the regulatory path from project inception to completion and operation.
Building a solid understanding of your project’s environmental impact and risk is key in making informed decisions and gaining stakeholder acceptance. In many cases, the ability to meet a project schedule is determined well before the first shovel hits the ground.
GES is a proud sponsor of the 2017 Environmental Conference hosted by the Maryland-District of Columbia Utilities Association. The event celebrates the environmental achievements of the power and utilities sector in the Mid-Atlantic regions. Technical sessions focus on emerging issues and challenges affecting the industry such as water quality, waste management, stakeholder relations, and regulatory policy.
Client Challenge
This complex refining facility has a long history of operation prior to its acquisition and subsequent improvement by an independent US oil refining company. The refinery owner-operator has continuously implemented a prioritized interim remedial measures (IRM) recovery plan to address 11 plumes of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) existing on site. Each plume has measurable LNAPL thickness ranging from a sheen to up to five feet in the monitoring well network.
Client Challenge
Four petroleum terminals jointly own and operate a massive stormwater retention basin. The stormwater system has a seven-million-gallon design storage capacity, mechanical spillway capacity for a 25-year storm, and emergency spillway capacity for a 100-year storm. The basin ultimately discharges into an unnamed tributary and operates under a five-year Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit. Routine discharge monitoring reports are submitted to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Client Challenge
An underground petroleum pipeline release on the airside of one of the nation’s largest airports posed extensive challenges and risks. The airport, operated by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ), is situated along wetlands in a densely populated and industrialized area. Geological complexity includes hydraulically-dredged sediments placed on native silts and tidally-influenced groundwater. The release volume (over 300,000 gallons of gasoline) and four-acre areal distribution added to project complexity.
Client Challenge
An effective response to a pipeline release requires extensive pre-planning, clear lines of communication, and a team that is well-trained and ready to act with the right set of tools. When a local farmer struck a high-pressure underground petroleum pipeline while laying a tile drainage system, the midstream pipeline owner initiated its response team, including GES as prime environmental consultant.
Client Challenge
Over the past several years, many major oil companies have vigorously pursued strategies to reduce the overall cost of ownership and increase cost certainty related to their downstream petroleum environmental portfolios. These strategies – each tailored to match the company’s business objectives and needs – frequently utilize some variant of a performance-based contracting (PBC) approach.
Client Challenge
A petroleum marketer made the business decision to close an existing retail operation and relocate its convenience store and gas station operations, including the site’s underground storage tanks (USTs). Management of environmental liabilities dictated closure of an existing petroleum release case as soon as possible. State regulators had disapproved a proposed remedial action plan developed by the client’s previous consultant. An innovative, least-cost yet effective approach was required to meet the company’s business objectives.
Client Challenge
A regional petroleum marketer was seeking responsible growth and expansion of its retail store operation. When the opportunity arose to purchase an adjoining property, the marketer sought to expand its operations through the demolition of its outdated infrastructure and redevelopment of a larger, more modern facility.