Michigan
Challenge
Legacy oil and gas wells from the Michigan Oil Boom of the 1920s, crudely plugged and abandoned, have been leaking into the local water supply along the shoreline of Bear Lake near North Muskegon for decades. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality enlisted TRC to address the lasting environmental impacts of one problem well.
Solution
After using direct-sensing investigation methods and targeted soil and groundwater sampling to figure out the scope of oil contamination, TRC determined that its patented non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) trapping cap system was the most feasible and cost-effective way to contain the flow of crude oil from the well.
Result
The passive collection system took just five weeks to complete. The water and shoreline have been restored and the local community is able to enjoy this natural resource once again.
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Related Projects
Discover the success we’ve had with helping our clients execute major projects and make a meaningful impact on their local communities.
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PFAS Treatment Evaluation for the Maysville Well
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Aquifer Protection and Dynamic Engineering-Water Quality Pond Rehabilitation Project
Redevelopment of the Presidio in San Francisco
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
Treatment of PFAS to Allow for Beneficial Use of Impacted Dredged Sediments
July 18, 2024
Approximately 200 to 300 million cubic yards of sediment are dredged each year by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and other federal interests (USEPA, 2007).
EPA Issues Clarification of Free Product Removal Requirements
June 20, 2023
EPA recently clarified requirements for LNAPL recovery and remediation.
Proposed MCLGs and MCLs for PFAS
March 15, 2023
Final Regulatory Determination for Contaminants on the Fourth Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List
Odor Evaluation Services
February 23, 2023
TRC is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of odor measurement, identification, modeling and control engineering. This presentation includes an overview of odor properties, odor evaluation, modeling and odor thresholds and outlines the four sensory properties: detectability, intensity, character and hedonic tone.
Metals 101
February 8, 2023
Metals are naturally occurring elements in the Earth’s crust that enter the environment through natural processes. They can be found in groundwater, soil and sediment. The trophic transfer of these elements in aquatic and terrestrial food chains has important implications for wildlife and human health.
Implementing bioremediation at environmental cleanup sites: TRC experts weigh in at leading industry conference
May 17, 2021
TRC experts make several presentations at the Battelle conference about innovative approaches they have developed for implementing and monitoring bioremediation and the use of naturally-occurring or deliberately-introduced micro-organisms to break down environmental pollutants.
EPA Issues Clarification of Free Product Removal Requirements
June 20, 2023
EPA recently clarified requirements for LNAPL recovery and remediation.
Microplastics ITRC Guidance Document and Training Available Soon!
February 23, 2023
Microplastic particles have been found in nearly every corner of the globe, but health effects and toxicity are only beginning to be understood. Because of their ubiquitous nature, microplastics present a challenge in both accurate sampling and source attribution. Microplastics are emerging as an environmental issue that regulators and industry will be increasingly focusing on in the coming years.
QA and Chemistry Services
February 23, 2023
TRC offers many QA and Chemistry services including data usability assessments, limited and full data validation reports, quality assurance project plan preparation, selection of appropriate analytical methodologies and laboratory audits.
Odor Evaluation Services
February 23, 2023
TRC is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of odor measurement, identification, modeling and control engineering. This presentation includes an overview of odor properties, odor evaluation, modeling and odor thresholds and outlines the four sensory properties: detectability, intensity, character and hedonic tone.
PFAS Fate and Transport
February 23, 2023
Understanding PFAS properties and behavior is key to effective detection and remediation.
PFAS Fate and Transport: Conceptual Site Models
February 23, 2023
The conceptual site model describes site-specific sources, release and transport mechanisms, exposure media, exposure points, exposure pathways and routes and potential human and/or ecological receptor populations.
EPA Announces $2 Billion in Funding to Address Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water
February 14, 2023
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan announced $2 Billion in infrastructure funding to help the nation’s rural water supplies.
PFAS: Remedial Approaches
February 8, 2023
Remediating Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the soil and water requires effective techniques and innovative technologies. TRC’s experts are well versed in several remediation strategies intended to remove PFAS and prevent re-exposure.
Metals 101
February 8, 2023
Metals are naturally occurring elements in the Earth’s crust that enter the environment through natural processes. They can be found in groundwater, soil and sediment. The trophic transfer of these elements in aquatic and terrestrial food chains has important implications for wildlife and human health.
New National Emerging Contaminants Research Initiative
September 12, 2022
The Executive Office of the President of the United States announced a National Emerging Contaminant Research Initiative
The Best Process for Transforming Thermal Generation Power Plants
February 9, 2022
Faced with an aging fleet, stricter environmental regulations, reduced costs for natural gas and competition from renewables, more than 600 power plants have been decommissioned in the last 20 years, a pace that will increase with the announced closure of nearly 350 additional plants by 2025.
TRC Colorado PFAS Regulatory Update
July 21, 2021
Update on Colorado’s recent policies and plans to regulate new and historical discharges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment.
Implementing bioremediation at environmental cleanup sites: TRC experts weigh in at leading industry conference
May 17, 2021
TRC experts make several presentations at the Battelle conference about innovative approaches they have developed for implementing and monitoring bioremediation and the use of naturally-occurring or deliberately-introduced micro-organisms to break down environmental pollutants.
Ecological Risk of PFAS from AFFF-Impacted Sites
June 30, 2020
The facts on evaluating exposure to wildlife
TRC Brings Environmental Services to Manchester with Second UK Office
March 5, 2020
In continuing to expand our presence in a key British market, TRC is opening our second UK office in Manchester, England
TRC Remediation Project at Roche Nutley Site in New Jersey Wins National Grand Prize for Sustainability
May 7, 2019
TRC was awarded the 2019 Grand Prize for Environmental Sustainability by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists for the cleanup of the former Roche site in Nutley, N.J.
TRC Acquires Hazmat Assessment Firm American Environmental Consulting
January 3, 2018
TRC, a leader in engineering, environmental consulting and construction-management services, announced today that it has acquired American Environmental Consultants, Inc. of Weymouth, Mass., a hazardous materials assessment company.
EPA to Include CERCLA Sites and RCRA Facilities in Site Remediation NESHAP
June 23, 2016
EPA has published a proposed rule that would extend the requirements of the Site Remediation National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations to previously exempt soil and groundwater remediation activities under CERCLA and RCRA.
Successful Coal Ash Pond Management
July 10, 2014
Regulatory requirements, plant retirements, changes to facility operational profiles, environmental liability management and political and social pressures are among the factors driving utilities to close or consider closing their coal ash ponds.
Changes to EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) Regulations Are Coming
April 14, 2023
Changes to the Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations were signed into a final rule on February 27, 2024, by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.
Routinely Evaluating the Health & Effectiveness of Integrated Systems to Manage EHS/ESG Risks – Part I
March 1, 2023
Once established, an EHS/ESG management system must be routinely evaluated to ensure it remains effective to identify and control risks, as well as accommodate and adjust for changes that occur to/within the organization.
EPA Publishes Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15
February 14, 2023
The EPA announced updated effluent limitations guidelines under Plan 15, focusing on the evaluation and rulemaking process for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) discharges.
Proactive Enforcement is Key in the EPA FY2022-2026 Strategy
October 19, 2022
A core element of the EPA FY2022-2026 Strategic Plan focuses on environmental compliance.
Optimizing EHS/ESG Information Management and Reporting Systems by Leveraging Innovative Digital Technology Solutions
August 10, 2022
A single, integrated enterprise wide EHS/ESG IMS can significantly improve performance and communicate progress towards organizational requirements and goals.
Five New PFAS Added to EPA Regional Screening Levels (RSLs)
June 24, 2022
EPA announced the addition of five new PFAS to the list of Regional Screening Levels (RSLs)
Integrating Sustainability, Digital Connectivity and Design Optimization in Wastewater Treatment Systems
June 20, 2022
Some organizations rarely think about water and wastewater treatment, until there is a problem. American industry depends on the ability to treat wastewater discharges while complying with regulatory standards and addressing emerging contaminants. If wastewater treatment fails, our environment is negatively impacted, and companies are exposed to shutdowns, delays and fines.
Support an Integrated EHS/ESG Management System
June 10, 2022
While a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a common method for identifying environmental liabilities during transactional due diligence, the ASTM International standard for Phase I ESAs (E1527-13, with proposed E1527-21 awaiting adoption) omits regulatory compliance from its scope. For properties containing operations that may be applicable to environmental compliance regulations, performing a limited environmental regulatory review can identify potential deficiencies with the environmental management of the facility. A limited environmental compliance review typically evaluates the presence of material findings that may exist in a facility’s management of its environmental compliance requirements. Material findings are defined as a condition of non-compliance that could necessitate expenditures, not including attorney fees or regulatory agency penalties, in excess of a specified dollar amount or materiality threshold. The materiality threshold is based on the client’s risk tolerance and is often in the range of $50,000. However, this amount is arbitrary and can be revised as appropriate. Non-material deficiencies, those identified below the materiality threshold, would still require action but are within the client’s risk tolerance.
Worst Case Discharges of Hazardous Substances – Proposed Rule
May 25, 2022
In compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed a new rule for onshore non-transportation-related facilities requiring specified facilities to plan for worst case discharges (WCDs) of CWA hazardous substances that could cause substantial harm to the environment.
PFAS Discharges and NPDES Permits
May 25, 2022
On April 28, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water released a memo addressing the use of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to restrict per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) discharges to water bodies.
How to Use an Integrated Approach To Manage EHS and ESG Risks
April 20, 2022
While a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a common method for identifying environmental liabilities during transactional due diligence, the ASTM International standard for Phase I ESAs (E1527-13, with proposed E1527-21 awaiting adoption) omits regulatory compliance from its scope. For properties containing operations that may be applicable to environmental compliance regulations, performing a limited environmental regulatory review can identify potential deficiencies with the environmental management of the facility. A limited environmental compliance review typically evaluates the presence of material findings that may exist in a facility’s management of its environmental compliance requirements. Material findings are defined as a condition of non-compliance that could necessitate expenditures, not including attorney fees or regulatory agency penalties, in excess of a specified dollar amount or materiality threshold. The materiality threshold is based on the client’s risk tolerance and is often in the range of $50,000. However, this amount is arbitrary and can be revised as appropriate. Non-material deficiencies, those identified below the materiality threshold, would still require action but are within the client’s risk tolerance.
SEC Releases New Proposed Rules Requiring Public Companies to Disclose Climate Risks
April 12, 2022
On March 21, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued its proposed rules for The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors which would require public companies in the U.S. to disclose information in their annual financial reports.
PFOA & PFOS As CERCLA Hazardous Substances: What Does This Mean and How Can You Be Prepared?
February 17, 2022
A plan to designate two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as “hazardous substances” under CERCLA was recently submitted by the EPA.
EPA Adds First New Hazardous Air Pollutant Since 1990
January 14, 2022
EPA finalized a rule to add 1-bromopropane to the federal list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) on December 22, 2022.
EPA Finalizes TRI Reporting Requirements for Natural Gas Processing Facilities
December 7, 2021
EPA finalized rule to add natural gas extraction and/or processing plants to Toxics Release Inventory reporting requirements
OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Heat-Related Illness and Injuries
November 3, 2021
On September 20, 2021 in an OSHA National News Release, OSHA published a memorandum establishing an enforcement initiative that is designed to prevent and protect employees from heat-related illnesses and death. This initiative, which develops a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on heat inspections, is an expansion of an already existing Regional Emphasis Program (REP) in OSHA’s Region VI, which covers Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
NJDEP Implements New Jersey Environmental Justice Law Through Administrative Order
October 5, 2021
On September 22, 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner announced the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 2021-25 to implement New Jersey’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Law. This order is effective immediately, and applicants seeking to site new major source facilities, renew major source permits or expand existing facilities with major source permits (e.g., Title V air permits) in overburdened communities are affected. There are more than 4.5 million people that live within 331 municipalities that are overburdened communities in the state of New Jersey.
OSHA’s Call for Comments on Mechanical Power Press Standard Changes
September 30, 2021
OSHA has recently published a call for comment regarding mechanical power presses. The reason behind OSHA’s request is that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) consensus standard for mechanical power presses has been updated numerous times since the implementation of OSHA’s standard.
OSHA Returns to In-Person Inspections As COVID-19 Restrictions Lift
August 4, 2021
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is authorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) to assure employers provide safe and healthful work conditions free of recognized hazards and by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education and technical assistance. OSHA has recently announced the return to in-person inspections as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift.
EPA Proposed PFAS Reporting Requirement
July 29, 2021
New proposed rule would require all manufacturers and importers to report any amount of PFAS onsite
Managing EHS & ESG Risks Through Integrated Systems Today and Beyond
July 22, 2021
It has been more than 50 years since the development and establishment of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) which were formed to protect our environment and workplaces across the United States. Significant laws, policies and regulations followed to establish the “regulatory programs” that all applicable businesses and entities must address and meet to ensure these compliance-driven legislative programs would create a foundation to protect our society.
OSHA COVID-19 Guidance, Regulation and Enforcement to Protect Workers
April 13, 2021
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has signaled their intent to provide more guidance, regulation and enforcement with respect to protecting workers from contracting COVID-19 at their place of work. Among the key developments:
2020: A Year to Remember or a Year to Forget?
December 20, 2020
Published in EM Magazine, December 2020, this article by TRC’s David Elam speaks to the importance of pausing to reassess the work challenges we’ve faced due to COVID-19 this year and our accomplishments despite the challenges, and how to prepare for the coming year, after one of the most difficult years in modern history.
TRC Companies Inc. Acquires 1Source Safety and Health
November 11, 2020
TRC Companies (“TRC”), a leading technology-driven provider of end-to-end engineering, consulting and construction management solutions, has acquired 1Source Safety and Health, a firm that provides management consulting services in areas such as indoor air quality, asbestos management, industrial hygiene and safety management systems.
TRC Awarded a Yahara WINS Grant
August 28, 2020
TRC was recently awarded a Yahara WINS grant to develop a pilot scale simple aeration method for removing phosphorous from the discharge of manure digesters. The grant application was developed and submitted by: Bob Stanforth, Alyssa Sellwood, Mike Ursin, Ted O’Connell, Ken Quinn, and John Rice, who are members of multiple TRC CORE teams.
Ecological Risk of PFAS from AFFF-Impacted Sites
June 30, 2020
The facts on evaluating exposure to wildlife
How to Implement ISO 45001 – 2018, Occupational Health and Safety Management System
April 1, 2020
In March 2018, ISO finalized its occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system standard ISO 45001-2018. For those companies certified under the former occupational health and safety management system standard OHSAS 18001, the clock is ticking if you are considering migrating to the new ISO standard and maintaining your current certification. Companies that have implemented OHSAS 18001 and are interested in maintaining certification have until March 2021 or about a year to implement the new standard or lose certification.
TRC Brings Environmental Services to Manchester with Second UK Office
March 5, 2020
In continuing to expand our presence in a key British market, TRC is opening our second UK office in Manchester, England
2020 New Year’s Safety Resolution? How About Construction Safety?
February 20, 2020
Safety isn’t all about tracking statistics. To make it work, you need to interact positively with people. TRC construction health and safety specialist Cody Gladstone explains how to gain credibility on the jobsite and get everyone home safe at the end of the day.
