In early 20th century, Florida farmers were required by law to dip livestock into vats of chemical solution to control or eradicate cattle fever tick. The chemical composition of the vat solutions varied, but arsenic, DDT, and other pesticides are some of the substances that have been found at historical vat sites, according to Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Sites in Florida where dipping vats existed may pose environmental and public health risks today. Florida Health Department (DOH) estimates roughly 3,400 cattle dipping vats were built. Continue reading
Historical cattle dipping vats in Florida
Posted in Phase I ESA, Regulatory issues
Comments Off on Historical cattle dipping vats in Florida
National Flood Insurance Program extended for five years
Last month President Obama signed into law the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012. The new bill reauthorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through September 2017, and outlines modifications to the program that serve to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
According to an article published by the National Association of Realtors, “The NFIP had been operating under stopgap extensions (18 since 2008) and shut down twice for several weeks. Just one of these lapses, in June 2010, stalled more than 40,000 homes sales or 1,300 homes per day.” Extending the program five more years ensures coverage to the 21,000 communities that depend on flood insurance in order to receive mortgage funding and protects future real estate transactions from disruption. Continue reading
Posted in Geomapping, Groundwater, Phase I ESA
Comments Off on National Flood Insurance Program extended for five years
Digital data allows new perspective on ESA investigations
When conducting a Phase I Site Assessment, environmental professionals (EPs) are required to conduct a review of historical sources to determine the past-use history of a property and surrounding areas. These historical sources can aid in determining if there are any recognized environmental conditions (RECs) associated with the target property and are also beneficial when applying for CERCLA Landowner Liability Protections (LLPs).
One requirement of the ASTM E1527-05 standard is a review of state and federal environmental databases to check for records indicating the presence (or potential presence) of hazardous substances or petroleum products. Since environmental databases can uncover historical activities and land uses that may no longer be present or visible to the naked eye, obtaining high-quality environmental reports is critical for EPs who strive to make well-informed, risk-based decisions.
Continue reading
Posted in Phase I ESA
Comments Off on Digital data allows new perspective on ESA investigations
Groundwater contamination and remediation in Texas
Order a water well database report.
When groundwater is contaminated in the state of Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has 30 days to notify owners and users of private drinking water wells that may be affected by the hazardous release. Since 2010, TCEQ requires a Drinking Water Survey Report to be included when submitting a groundwater contamination notification in order to expedite cleanup activities.
The TCEQ Remediation Division is tasked with overseeing remediation of contaminated sites. If the TCEQ deems the responsible party unable or unwilling to clean up the contamination, cleanup responsibilities are assumed by TCEQ. Depending on the nature of the release, cleanup may be overseen by a TCEQ remediation program.
Continue reading
Posted in Environmental data, Groundwater, Regulatory issues
Comments Off on Groundwater contamination and remediation in Texas
Three tips for quickly locating, mapping, and sharing any place on Earth.
Have you ever attempted to identify the location of your target property but found it difficult because you lack the resources? If so, you may have also realized that it can be equally challenging to communicate your location with others. Whether you are seeking a cost estimate for a project or simply trying to explain where you next potential Phase I site is, having the proper resources at your disposal can save you time, money, and stress. While some organizations may have a GIS guru donate their skills in this type of situation, others cannot afford such a luxury. Many people may then resort to printing out paper maps, drawing site boundaries by hand, and then scanning them in. However, this method is not always accurate (nor pretty), plus who has that kind of time on their hands?
Continue reading
Posted in Geomapping
2 Comments
Introducing Environmental Prose: Insights on environmental due diligence
Hello!
I see you are reading our new blog – you have excellent taste. Now that you’re here, you’re probably wondering what this is all about.
A few of us at Banks wanted to create a platform where we can interact with environmental professionals: exchange information, share resources, and have a conversation.
Our main goal is to provide you with industry intelligence, so you can make better, more informed business decisions.
Over the years, we have provided environmental data for virtually countless Phase I ESAs, accruing a wealth of due diligence knowledge along the way. Now it’s time to set that caged bird free!
As we continue to scour the universe for useful tools and information, we welcome your thoughts and feedback in the comments section.
Contact us any time. We’re always available to answer your questions about environmental site assessment investigations.
Thanks for joining us!
Jordan Schmidt 
Blog Editor
jschmidt@banksinfo.com
Posted in Industry news
Comments Off on Introducing Environmental Prose: Insights on environmental due diligence