Editorial Team

As we discussed in our previous posting entitled “Money Talks: Utilizing the Power of Statistics for Remediation Savings” (https://bit.ly/3q7btUM) this article focuses on the use of statical analysis in Sampling Plan preparation to generate even more savings. Subsurface investigations are an integral part in determining the need for and development of appropriate remedial action plans. …

Saving Costs and Time through Proper Sample Planning Read More »

In the world of site cleanup and remediation, the proper use of investigation data and statistical analysis can make all the difference between a huge profit and a ballooning remediation budget. It’s not just about crunching numbers—it’s about maximizing returns, minimizing costs, and saving valuable time. That’s where Fleming Lee Shue (FLS) steps in. We take …

Money Talks: Utilizing the Power of Statistics for Remediation Savings Read More »

Sources of NYC Environmental Impacts Have unanticipated delays or cost overruns occurred on your project as a result of previouslyunidentified impacts in the subsurface? In many cases, the source of the contaminants isunknown, and many ask the same question, “Where does the contamination come from”? Thisis an interesting question because many may not have given …

How Did The Dirt Get So Dirty? Read More »

When it comes to environmental contamination and its effect on living things, there is a tendency to see the relationship as fairly black and white. Typically, as environmental scientists we view any level of contamination as bad. However, some scientists have argued that the relationship might not be that simple. The Hormetic Effect or “hormesis” …

The Hormetic Effect: Is a Little Bit of Pollution a Good Thing? Should We Care? Read More »

By Steven E. Panter, P.G., CGWP and Nancy Rothman, Ph.D. In July 2020, New York State (NYS) adopted Drinking Water Standards (DWS) for the Emerging Contaminants 1,4-dioxane, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS).  The compound 1,4-dioxane is used as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvents. PFOA and PFOS are two Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS), man-made …

Emerging Contaminants and the Regulated Community – Issues and Solutions Read More »

Remediation technologies such as Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) and Electrical Resistance Heating (ERH) are effective remedial approaches when properly designed and applied to suitable sites.  But like a doctor’s prescription, they can treat the condition while causing unintended side effects. Under some conditions, remedial systems may have the unintended consequence of actually enhancing concentrations of non-target contaminants. …

Technologically Enhanced Contamination: A Potential Side Effect of Remediation Read More »

What are censored data and what are the implications for your project?  These are two very good questions and the second can have a significant bearing on your management decisions, remedial actions, and approach to regulatory agencies. Censored data are analytical results reported below a detection limit, e.g., < 2 ug/L, ug/m3, etc.  They appear …

Censored Data – What is it and what does it mean for my project? Read More »

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is often the first due diligence step in a property transaction. Phase I ESAs are a quick, simple, and relatively inexpensive way to gauge potential environmental liabilities. However, if conducted poorly, a Phase I ESA can lead to big assumptions, big problems and big money wasted further down …

How a Bad Phase I ESA Can Cost Your Development Millions Read More »

Common questions about contamination very often arise on many sites: Is this “my” contamination? Did it originate from somewhere else? When did it happen? How much am I responsible for?Environmental forensics can assist your project in myriad ways. It is not always about pointing a finger at someone else—although sometimes it is—it is about finding …

Environmental Forensics – How can it help you? Read More »

In May 2018, Fleming-Lee Shue was awarded a Big Apple Brownfield Award for their work at Seaside Park in Coney Island. Now recognized as The Ford Amphitheater, the project has reinvigorated the Brooklyn neighborhood and FLS is honored to have been involved.