Author: shenshaw

Vapor Intrusion – What is it and How Can it Effect Me?

Posted on by shenshaw

Written by Steve Henshaw, P.G., President and CEO of EnviroForensics

As seen in the November 2008 issue of Western Cleaner & Launderer

PDF Version

What is It?

Vapor intrusion is the migration of volatile chemicals, primarily volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) from the subsurface into overlying buildings. Vapor intrusion requires three components: a source, an inhabited building, and a pathway from the source to the inhabitants.

Over the past few years, vapor intrusion has become a significant environmental issue, one that may have a direct impact on your dry cleaning operation.  In fact, just last spring,  the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the association responsible for creating the procedures and standards for conducting due diligence for banks lending and financing on real property, has suggested that vapor intrusion issues be considered when loaning on real property.   That is to say, is it likely that vapors are coming off of contaminated soil and groundwater that may migrate underneath buildings and enter basements, crawl spaces and confined spaces and rooms.    Figure 1 is an example of a situation where vapors could enter a commercial or residential building. Continue reading “Vapor Intrusion – What is it and How Can it Effect Me?”

Environmental Corner

Posted on by shenshaw

Written by Steve Henshaw, P.G., President and CEO, EnviroForensics
As seen in the October 2008 issue of Western Cleaner & Launderer

PDF Version

Over the past few years, Randy Wendt, the editor of Western Cleaners and Launderers, and I have talked about various environmental issues that threaten the financial viability of operating a dry cleaning business.  Last month Randy asked if I would be willing to prepare periodic articles for this publication focusing on educating dry cleaners about these various issues.  As a staunch supporter of the dry cleaner industry, I am pleased to share my experiences and thoughts with readers, in an effort to demystify the topic of environmental contamination, the process of site investigations, describe different remedial alternatives, and provide insight on ways to protect you from this long tail liability.  I welcome your feedback and topic requests. Continue reading “Environmental Corner”

Finding Funds for Clean Up

Posted on by shenshaw

Insurance Coverage and State Funds
Published in Fabricare July/August 2008

PDF Version

With more than 25 years of experience, Stephen Henshaw, President of EnviroForensics®, a national environmental engineering firm specializing in remediation for drycleaners, says that drycleaners in states with or without cleanup funds have viable solutions for finding dollars for cleanup from historical insurance policies. EnviroForensics® operates a customer service department for drycleaners at 1-866-888-7911 with offices nationwide. Continue reading “Finding Funds for Clean Up”

Conducting Site Characterizations

Posted on by shenshaw

Written by Stephen Henshaw, P.G., President and CEO, EnviroForensics
As Published in Western Cleaner & Launderer.

In past articles, we discussed the difference between Phase I and Phase II investigations.  A Phase I generally refers to a due diligence evaluation that address the past land uses of a property or group of properties.  A Phase II generally includes an initial or preliminary investigation to determine whether or not the soil, soil gas or groundwater beneath the subject site is contaminated with metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons (solvents) or other chemicals of concern, based on the past land uses. Continue reading “Conducting Site Characterizations”