The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is a large regulatory agency of the United States Department of Labor that originally had federal visitorial powers to inspect and examine workplaces.
Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM)
A method of analyzing bulk building materials for asbestos from a survey and is completed by an accredited laboratory (NVLAP). An optical microscopy technique that converts phase shifts in light passing through a transparent specimen to brightness changes in the image. Phase shifts themselves are invisible but become visible when shown as brightness variations. Results …
Phase I ESA
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is completed to research the current and historical uses of a property as part of a commercial real estate transaction. The intent of the report is to assess if current or historical property uses may have impacted the soil or groundwater beneath the property and could pose a …
Phase II ESA
When a Phase I ESA identifies a recognized environmental condition (REC) or the potential for impacts to the subsurface at a site, most clients request to evaluate the potential impacts by performing Phase II Environmental Testing. The presence of a REC or an environmentally impacted property can greatly reduce its value. Stakeholders want to reduce …
Phase III ESA
If contaminants are found during a Phase II ESA, a Phase III ESA includes a remediation plan based on the information found during Phase II. A Phase III ESA should allow parties involved to develop a plan of remediation, which needs to have the approval of local, state, and federal environmental agencies. It will also …
Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)
A method of analyzing air for asbestos. This work takes place during annual inspections as required by an Asbestos Management Plan or during abatement and is completed by trained ERC staff while onsite. Results are available within hours. The polarized light microscope is designed to observe specimens that are visible primarily due to their optically …
Remediation
The act of removing mold or hazardous materials from buildings.
SPCC
Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure, or SPCC, is a system designed to provide instructions to companies that work with large amounts of oil. One gallon of oil spilled into water can contaminate up to one million gallons of water, which is why it is so important to have the right processes in place. All sites …
Storm Water Management
The effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns, and other sites and the improvement of water quality, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
SWPPP
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, or SWPPP, is a document that outlines how a construction project will minimize storm water pollution. In Texas, nearly all construction site operators engaged in clearing, grading, excavation activities that disturb one acre or more, including smaller sites in a larger common plan of development or sale, are required to …