Massachusetts Reevaluates Previously Closed Sites

In Massachusetts, as well as across the US, vapor intrusion mitigation continues to garner its share of attention as land owners, developers, and environmental consultants look to develop environmentally impaired residential, retail, and commercial property. While typically faced with a host of challenges in these redevelopment efforts, including evolving risk standards associated with vapor intrusion mitigation, those involved often look to environmental consultants and Licensed Site Professionals (LSPs) to help them navigate the current guidelines and mandatories as instructed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Deciphering how technology has impacted the various ways to address vapor intrusion, as well as how to best stay current with MassDEP guidelines and how these might affect your site, is key for developers and landowners alike. Provided here is an overview on the recent update to the MassDEP standards concerning TCE exposure and vapor intrusion, and how Land Science Technologies®(LST), a division of REGENESIS®, offers turn-key solutions successfully addressing today’s issues in vapor intrusion mitigation.

MassDEP Reopens 200 Previously Closed Sites

In recent meetings conducted by the MassDEP’s Waste Site Cleanup Advisory Committee, it was announced that the MassDEP will soon begin contacting owners of those sites which had prior closure, and where available data supports the presence of trichloroethylene (TCE) at levels which may be of concern. It was in June of 2014 that the MassDEP announced updated rules and standards concerning the most recent USEPA toxicity values. At that time, MassDEP also updated its imminent hazard criteria for TCE exposure in indoor air, and revised the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) Method 1 soil and groundwater requirements and reportable concentrations to better reflect these new values.

Since the new maximum contaminant levels are now lower (it has been reported that they will now be 5 μg/L in soil and groundwater), MassDEP has re-evaluated nearly 1,000 sites that were closed under the previous rules, in order to determine whether they are at risk for exceeding the newer, more stringent guidelines. From this re-evaluation process, the department found 200 sites that they have marked as top priorities that are in excess of the newer MCLs, so responsible stake holders should expect to be contacted by MassDEP if they are on this short list. For those who are not one of the first 200 sites, it is uncertain at this time whether or not MassDEP will require further action. However, it is expected that these parties will eventually be contacted, and that pro-active property owners and will begin investigating remediation and/or vapor mitigation options to minimize their liability. The Massachusetts Contingency Plan which contains requirements and procedures for the cleanup of hazardous materials can be found here. The MassDEP TCE toxicity information fact sheet can be found here.

Advancements in Mitigation of Vapor Intrusion

Recent breakthroughs in vapor intrusion mitigation technologies provide cost-effective solutions that mitigate the risks associated with vapor intrusion. These turn-key solutions include Retro-Coat ™ Vapor Intrusion Coating, a chemically resistant and durable coating installed on top of existing concrete to protect existing structures from the threat of contaminant vapor intrusion, Geo-Seal® Vapor Intrusion Barrier, and Vapor Vent™, a gas vapor management technology installed sub-slab and designed to eliminate vapor intrusion in new structures built on Brownfields or any type of environmentally-impaired site.

Stop Migrating Plumes Before It Becomes a Liability: PlumeStop Liquid Activated Carbon

In addition, Massachusetts LSPs and their clients are benefitting from PlumeStop®, a unique, fast-acting soil and groundwater remediation reagent from REGENESIS that captures and biodegrades a wide range of contaminants. PlumeStop provides a turn-key remedy to bring sites into compliance, especially in areas where groundwater is in close proximity to buildings. PlumeStop utilizes four distinct treatment mechanisms: step one is dispersion within the subsurface, step two involves rapid sorption of dissolved-phase contaminants, step three is biodegradation of contaminants within the matrix, and step four involves regeneration of sorption sites for long-term treatment. In short, if a site is reopened and levels exceed standards – PlumeStop is a solution to rapidly mitigate the problem.

Land Science Technologies (LST): Vapor Intrusion Solutions

Land Science Technologies provides innovative, cost-effective solutions for environmentally impaired properties, also known as brownfields. As experts in the field of vapor intrusion mitigation, LST offers leading engineering firms, environmental consultants, building owners, and real estate developers turn-key solutions that address today’s issues in the development of brownfields. As a division of REGENESIS, Inc., a global leader in groundwater and soil remediation services, LST was established to address the growing need for vapor intrusion solutions in a marketplace faced with increasing occurrence and regulation of vapor intrusion, as well as its impacts on human health.

REGENESIS Remediation Products and Services

REGENESIS provides a range of science-based, specialized remediation products and services which include treatment technology selection, application design, on-site services, data interpretation and performance reviews. Environmental consultants, engineers and remediation professionals trust REGENESIS to produce results, knowing our expertise and industry knowledge has been proven time and again at the job site.