Soil Vapor Investigation Services

When contaminated vapors are present directly next to or under the foundation of a building, vapor intrusion is possible. Soil vapor can enter a new or old building whether it has a basement, a crawl space, or is on a slab. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are the most likely group of chemicals found in soil vapor. Common VOCs include:

Solvents used for dry cleaning
Degreasing and other industrial purposes
Petroleum-related VOCs from petroleum spills

Handling vapor intrusion problems involves a combination of experienced professionals and legal counsel that is familiar with vapor intrusion cases. We provide Soil Vapor Investigation Services, determining if there is a problem by comparing data to the standards being applied.

Soil vapor Intrusion refers to the movement of vapors from subsurface contaminant sources to overlying buildings.

How Vapor Intrusion Problems Surface

During buyers’ and lenders’ environmental due diligence
When owners and developers go for approvals for redevelopment or contaminated properties
When agencies focus on getting old gas station sites closed
If employees report health effects from fumes in the work place
If District Attorneys cooperate with county health departments to prosecute responsible parties for failing to take corrective action

Current vs Potential Exposure: Current exposure is when intrusion is documented in or on an occupied property. Potential exposure is when VOCs are present and/or accumulating beneath a property, but have not yet affected indoor air quality

Investigation Overview

Soil Vapor Sample Collection: Assess the nature and extent of contamination in a given area and determine the potential for exposure.
Sub-slab Vapor Sample Collection: Asses the nature and extent of contamination directly beneath a property with a basement foundation or a slab and determine the potential for current and future exposures.
Indoor Air Sample Collection: Assess the nature and extent of contamination within the building and evaluate current human exposures.
Outdoor Air Sample Collection: Assess site-specific background air conditions and evaluate the extent outdoor sources may be affecting air quality.

Soil Vapor Intrusion in the News

New York State regulators are actively assessing sites with No Further Action (NFA) letters to determine whether vapor intrusion may warrent reopeners. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reviewed the decision documents for approximately 750 closed sites where vapor intrusion had not been assessed, and concluded that 430 sites had been impacted with VOCs that might warrent assessments for vapor intrusion. The DEC is first sending letters to Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) at sites where the sate has spent public money, offering PRPs to conduct the vapor intrusion study. Unofficial estimated put the number of letters issued to date in excess of 85.

Although the DEC’s review did not encompass petroleum sites, these closed sites are not escaping the notice of regulators. The state’s Oil Spill Fund is administered by the Controllers, and therefore not bound by the current DEC policy of deferring vapor intrusion assessments at closed petroleum sites. When the state’s Oil Spill Fund is about to perform site assessment and cleanup, according to Larry Schnapf, a New York City-based environmental attorney, it will provide the responsible parties with an opportunity to assess the potential for vapor intrusion. If a party refuses, the Oil Spill Fund will then perform the vapor intrusion assessment.

Arpad Kolozsvary REM IH
[BRANCH MANAGER]

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
[e-mail]
315 479 8380
[telephone]
315 663 1904
[cell phone]
315 479 8880
[fax]
314 State Tower Bldg, 109 South Warren St Syracuse NY 13202