Category: Articles and Interviews

Conducting Site Characterizations

Posted on by shenshaw

Written by Steve Henshaw, P.G., President & CEO, EnviroForensics

As seen in the February 2009 Western Cleaner & Launderer

PDF Version

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”

Reaching Into The Past to Pay

Posted on by Jeff Carnahan

Today’s Environmental Compliance Costs: Insurance Archeology for the Laundry Industry

Written by David A. O’Neill, J.D., Director of Investigations, PolicyFind
Published in Laundry Today Jan 2009

PDF Version

An increasing number of laundries are striving to heighten their ‘green consciousness.’ Many go above and beyond what is necessary for them to maintain environmentally correct facilities. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, a facility can find itself on the wrong side of compliance based upon the actions of companies who previously operated on the land where they are currently located. Continue reading “Reaching Into The Past to Pay”

Selecting A Remedial Technology

Posted on by shenshaw

Written by Steve Henshaw, P.G., President and CEO, Enviroforensics

As seen in the January 2009 issue of Western Cleaner & Launderer

PDF Version

Selecting a remedial technology could be the most important decision you could make.  So how does one go about selecting a cleanup approach and what factors come into play?  The effectiveness of any cleanup technology is dependant on the chemicals being remediated (petroleum or perchloroethylene), the chemical concentrations, the geologic or stratigraphic setting of the Site, the depth to groundwater and whether or not groundwater is impacted and will need to be remediated.  If anyone tells you that they can cleanup contamination without knowing the specifics of the site, be very cautious of that individual. Continue reading “Selecting A Remedial Technology”

Korean Article

Posted on by Jeff Carnahan

환경오염 청소와 보험
85년 이전에 세탁소 보험이 있었으면 청소비용 받아낼 수 있어
오래된 세탁소로, 특히 이전에 펄크를 사용했거나 아직 사용하고 있는 업소는 항상 환경오염과 언제 “청소의 책임”을 져야할찌 모르는 불안 속에 살고 있다. 이는 특히 오래된 세탁소 일 수록 더 심하다고 볼 수 있다.
오염청소에 대한 책임은 당연히 오염시킨 사람이 책임을 지는 것이 마땅하나, 현행법는 그렇지 않다. 오염을 시켰던 시키지 않았던, 오염과 관련된 곳 (세탁소)의 현 주인도 책임을 지도록 규정하고 있다. Continue reading “Korean Article”

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”