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Workforce Development Programs

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 04:10:27 GMT

What is a Workforce Development Program?

Workforce Development Programs (WDPs) are training programs designed to assist potential and existing employees to prepare them for a competitive job market. The programs may offer education continuation, specialized skills and certifications, apprenticeship programs, and more. WDPs pinpoint specific skill gaps or labor shortages and offer training to individuals that are willing to further themselves and their careers.

Why are WDPs so Important?

Programs that are intended to develop the workforce are incredibly valuable to not only the individuals participating in them but the companies that are benefiting from them. WDPs create a workforce of more productive and qualified professionals, which in turn leads to a more efficient and prosperous economy. People are able to further their education, skills, and work readiness while companies have a wider selection of talented, potential employees. Overall, WDPs help to stimulate a robust economy that is advantageous for both employer and employee.

What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)?

In 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was passed in the State of California. The WIOA mandates that there must be local and regional planning of the workforce. With seven Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) to oversee the 10.1 million residents of Los Angeles County, there is significant preparation for economic development, education and the workforce system. According to the Los Angeles Basin Regional Workforce Development Plan, “All seven local boards have all been actively involved in regional planning by reviewing State guidance, providing copious resource documents and reference materials, organizing regional forums, and meeting regularly as a group and individually to share insights, make decisions and set goals for regional coordination”. In addition to these large scale plans, there are local organizations like Pacific Gateways, that focus on community outreach and contribute to workforce development. These initiatives have been very successful in benefiting the economy and the people that choose to participate.

Citations

https://myworkchoice.com/blog/workforce-development/?utm_source=google.com

https://gsdi.unc.edu/our-work/workforce-development/

https://www.pacific-gateway.org/localplan2017/larpu_regional-plan_draft-jan2017.pdf

https://www.pacific-gateway.org/

What is a Superfund?

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 04:51:38 GMT

What is a superfund site?

A Superfund site is an area designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that have been classified as being heavily contaminated with hazardous substances. These substances may include chemicals, pollutants, or other toxic materials that could have a significant risk to human health and the environment.

How Superfund site was created

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "In the late 1970s, toxic waste dumps, such as Love Canal and Valley of the Drums, received national attention when the public learned about the human health and environmental risks posed by the contaminated sites. In response, Congress established the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in 1980." This law was created to enforce the responsibility of parties involved in contamination to clean up the sites or compensate the government for EPA's cleanup efforts. In cases where no responsible party is identified for the cleanup or reimbursement, the EPA assumes responsibility for cleaning up the contaminated area. The CERCLA act is commonly referred to as a Superfund Site.

CERCLA Act

According to the EPA “The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, was enacted by Congress on December 11, 1980. This law created a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries and provided broad Federal authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. Over five years, $1.6 billion was collected and the tax went to a trust fund for cleaning up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites."

The purpose of CERCLA

According to the EPA: The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA):

· established prohibitions and requirements concerning closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites;

· provided for liability of persons responsible for releases of hazardous waste at these sites; and

· established a trust fund to provide for cleanup when no responsible party could be identified.

How Superfund site are chosen

According to the EPA, sites are chosen by “Using Hazard Ranking System (HRS) criteria, EPA, its state and tribal partners, or the appropriate federal department or agency then conduct a preliminary assessment and, if warranted, a site inspection or other more in-depth assessment.” Sites that have a HRS score below 28.50 do not qualify for the National Priorities List (NPL) and are assigned to a No Further Remedial Action Planned (NFRAP) decision.

CTI offers safety consulting and the cleanup of sites and contaminated locations. If you have questions or comments, call CTI at 562.608.8401 or email info@ctienviro.com.

Citations:

References available, upon request please contact us.

Cleaning up land, air, and water from hazardous waste

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:07:27 GMT

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Cleaning up land, air, and water from hazardous waste

Many sites across the country are harmed by hazardous materials and waste from spills, leaks, accidents, and improper handling of dangerous materials. This has affected and contaminated the land, water, and air. Because of this, EPA and its state and territorial partners have developed cleanup programs.

Information about EPA Cleanups

The EPA manages and supervises investigations and cleanup programs on specific sites where oil or potentially hazardous chemicals are released. These cleanup programs can place on abandoned waste sites, federal facilities, and properties, and any storage tanks that have leaked. The EPA has many programs that are partnered, listed on their website:

Emergency Response: when the danger from pollutants poses an immediate threat to human health or the environment
Superfund Cleanup: for large, abandoned hazardous waste sites
Federal Facilities Cleanup: for cleanups at facilities owned by the federal government (includes Superfund and RCRA sites)
Brownfields Cleanup: for assessments and cleanups grants related to potentially usable properties
Underground Storage Tank Cleanup: a state-delegated program for cleanups involving underground storage tanks
RCRA Corrective Action: a state-delegated program for hazardous waste management facilities with a spill or release
Cleaning Up Oil Spills: for spills of oil on land and in inland waters
Cleaning Up Air Pollutants: for addressing releases of pollutants to the air
Cleaning Up Water: to check on the quality of your waterways and learn about drinking water standards and where to find information about the quality of your drinking water

Click here to read more about each cleanup program

Cleanups: How you can help and get involved

If you are interested in helping clean up the community and environment, the EPA has many ways for you to get involved. This section will cover a couple of the programs and not all. To get a full listing, click here .

Community Engagement and the Underground Storage Tanks Program

Community Involvement at Engagement at Federal Facilities

Community Involvement During Emergency Responses

Sustainable Materials Management

Public Participation in the Hazardous Waste Permitting and Corrective Action Processes

Environmental Justice

Greener Cleanups

According to the EPA website, “a greener cleanup achieves remedial objectives for a contaminated site while decreasing the environmental footprint of cleanup activities.” The idea of a greener cleanup is a sustainable approach for cleaning up potentially hazardous and contaminated sites. Cleaning up these contaminated areas requires expending energy, water, and natural resources. The EPA created greener cleanups to protect the environment by optimizing the performances of cleanup technologies, fieldwork, educating about environmental footprints of cleanup projects, and minimizing those footprints while maximizing the ecological outcomes.

Greener cleanups help meet the goals of Executive Order 13834 Regarding Federal Operations. This order “requires agencies to make the Federal Government’s operations more sustainable…greener cleanup strategies in the U.S. EPA’s Superfund and other site cleanup programs help meet statutory requirements concerning energy and environmental performances.”

Greener cleanups can be used during emergency response, site investigation, evaluation of cleanup options, design, construction, and operation of a remedial project, long-term monitoring of a remedy, and site reuse planning.

Learn more about greener cleanups here.

Regulatory and Legal Information

The Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a state delegated program including solid and hazardous waste management and corrective action when a hazardous waste accident occurs. RCRA takes effort when hazardous waste is contaminating a site. Depending on the nature of the violation and site circumstances, the type of RCRA approach will be decided. There are five RCRA Corrective Action Enforcement Actions according to the EPA.

Administrative Actions
Regulations Governing Administrative Actions
Civil Judicial Actions
Criminal Actions
Citizen Suits

RCRA protects the environment as well as human health in several ways. Prevention and corrective planning. Prevention is “preventing future environmental problems from being caused by waste.” Whereas disciplinary action is “cleaning up current environmental problems caused by the mismanagement of waste.” According to the EPA, RCRA Subtitle C provides a system for managing hazardous waste from the time it is generated until its ultimate disposal. This regulation sets criteria and enforcement of the correction action and cleanup.

Learn more about the RCRA enforcement here.

Superfund/CERCLA Basics

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is also known as Superfund and was enacted by Congress on December 11, 1980. According to the EPA, this law created a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries and provided broad Federal authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. There are three primary keys to this law, according to the EPA website,

Establish prohibitions and requirements concerning closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites
Provide for liability of persons responsible for releases of hazardous waste at these sites
Established a trust fund to provide for cleanup when no responsible party could be identified

There are two response actions to take:

Short-term removals: actions require prompt response
Long-term remedial response actions: significantly reduce dangers associated with releases of hazardous substances that are serious

Information for Professionals

There are several cleanup grants that are available for different phases of the cleanup process. The EPA lists four programs that help with funding and supports the training process:

EPA Grants

The EPA works with partners to identify financing mechanisms supporting environmental programs and policies.

Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) Program:

provides money for activities to help communities decision-making eligible Superfund sites.

Superfund Job Training Initiative (SuperJTI)

supports job-training programs in communities affected by nearby Superfund sites and encourages the employment of trainees at local site cleanups.

Types of Brownfields Grant Funding

EPA’s Brownfields Program provides direct support for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, and environmental job training.

If you are interested in training, The Training Exchange provides 19 videos and courses that have to do with a cleanup.

Click here to review.

Citations:

https://www.epa.gov/cleanups

https://www.epa.gov/greenercleanups/learn-about-greener-cleanups

https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/types-and-approaches-rcra-corrective-action-enforcement-actions

https://trainex.org/catalog/bymethod_view.cfm?media=Streaming%20Video%20Presentation

Hazard Communication

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 18:40:36 GMT

What is Hazard Communication Standard?

According to OSHA, “in order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers.” The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) by OSHA calls for the “chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards for the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers.” It also requires, “all employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces to have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.”

1910.1200 - Hazard Communication

The Hazard Communication Standard is under 1910.1200 (subpart Z). The change that has been made to this standard is consistent with the provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The Hazard Communication Page on OSHA has downloadable versions of the 1910.1200 Final Rule and appendices that are updated to align with GHS.

What is the Globally Harmonized System?

According to OSHA the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), “is an international approach to hazard communication, providing agreed criteria for the classification of chemical hazards, and a standardized approach to label elements and safety data sheets. The result of this change and negotiation process resulted in a document entitled, Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals” also known as The Purple Book. The documents provide criteria for the health, physical, and environmental hazards of chemicals, as well as standardized label elements, signal words, and a standardized information safety data sheet.

Why did OSHA modify the Hazard Communication Standard to adopt the GHS?

The fundamental reason why they modified the standard is to improve the safety and health of workers through more effective communications on chemical hazards. The initial standard is performance-oriented, allowing manufacturers to put their information on labels and material safety data sheets in whatever format they choose. The GHS is more effective using a standardized approach. This includes detailed criteria for determining what hazards affect a chemical. According to OSHA, this approach will, “enhance both employer and worker comprehension of the hazards, which will help to ensure appropriate handling and safe use of workplace chemicals.” Adopting GHS will improve all the information that is received from other countries, considering that the US is a major importer and exporter of chemicals, it is more efficient for the labels and safety data sheets to be standardized.

Definitions for the Hazard Communication Standard

According to OSHA, these are key definitions and changes that were recently made to the Hazard Communication Standard:

Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for the classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classifications of mixtures.
Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazards statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16- section format.
Information and training: Employers are required to train workers on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.

OSHA’s Steps to an Effective Hazard Communication Program for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals

Learn the standard and identity the responsible staff.
Prepare and implement a written hazard communication program.
Ensure containers are labeled.
Maintain safety data sheets.
Inform and train employees.
Evaluate and reassess your program.

If you would like to learn more about each step, click here to view OSHA’s recommendations.

Citations

https://www.osha.gov/hazcom/faq

Asbestos Inspections

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:00:04 GMT

Asbestos Introduction

Asbestos is a hazardous material that needs to be remediated by a professional. According to OSHA, “Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber. It was used in numerous building materials and vehicle products for its strength and ability to resist heat and corrosion before its dangerous health effects were discovered.” Asbestos fibers are so small; the human’s naked eye cannot see them; therefore, workers are at increased risk. The mineral fibers include chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite.

Asbestos Hazards

Asbestos fibers are hazardous when they are released and distributed by asbestos-containing materials. When Asbestos gets distributed in the air and inhaled in and trapped in the lungs. If it is ingested, the asbestos fibers can be embedded into the digestive tract. When this happens, it will cause chronic lung disease as well as lung cancer and other cancers.

According to OSHA, “The hazard may occur during manufacturing of asbestos-containing products; performing brake or clutch repairs; renovating or demolishing buildings or ships; or cleanup from those activities; contact with deteriorating asbestos-containing materials and during cleanup after natural disasters.” Before 1981 some materials contained Asbestos, such as:

Thermal system insulation
Roofing and siding shingles
Vinyl floor tiles
Plaster, cement, putties, and caulk
Ceiling tiles and spray-on coatings
Industrial pipe wrapping
Heat-resistant textiles
Automobile brake linings and clutch pads

OSHA standards

General Industry: 29 CFR 1910.1001 covers work in general industry, such as exposure during brake and clutch repair, maintenance work, and manufacture of asbestos-containing products
Shipyards: 29 CFR 1925.1001 covers construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, renovation, and demolition of structures containing Asbestos during work in shipyards
Construction: 29 CFR 1926.1101 covers construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, or renovation and demolition of structures containing Asbestos

Reduce the hazards of Asbestos

According to OSHA, “The standards listed above reduce the risk of workers by requiring that employers provide personal exposure monitoring to assess the risk and hazards awareness training for operations where there is any potential exposure to asbestos.” When exposure occurs, employers are responsible for protecting the working by establishing regulated areas, controlling work practices, and developing engineering controls to reduce the airborne levels. The employers are also responsible for using administrative rules and providing personal protective equipment to all staff.

Asbestos Inspection

The inspection begins with a visual analysis of the affected building or material. Depending on the regulation, there will be a number of samples taken from each material. This process can take hours to a couple of days, depending on the size of the building being tested. After samples are taken it goes to the laboratory to be analyzed. Part of the inspection entails extracting small pieces of material from the building. AS we have learned above there are many materials that were built with asbestos and need to be tested today. After all samples are taken, a report will be written. If the asbestos levels are large, removal of asbestos may be required.

Citations

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3507.pdf

https://www.osha.gov/asbestos

https://www.airpf.com/blog/2019/may/what-to-expect-during-asbestos-inspection/

Injury and Illness Prevention Program

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 17:34:03 GMT

Intern Insight

What is IIPP?

IIPP stands for Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and is a comprehensive workplace safety plan. Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations section 3203 states that every employer must develop and implement a proper IIPP. By doing so, this document will advance the company's safety and health in the workplace and reduce costs by appropriate management and employee participation.

Why IIPP is Critical for your Business

If you do not have a properly written IIP, your business can face penalties and jeopardize the health of your employees. An updated IIPP will educate your employees regarding health or safety hazards in the workplace. If a random inspection from Cal/OSHA happens and your business does not have an IIPP, you will be issued a regular penalty. COVID-19 has created health hazards in every workplace; therefore, every workplace must have an IIPP.

8 required elements for an IIPP according to the California Department of Industrial Relations:

Responsibility
- Have your management’s support
- Be knowledgeable about your workplace's health and safety issues and hazard control measures
- Have the authority and responsibility for making the necessary corrections and implementing them in the program
Compliance
- Establish a system for ensuring that employees follow the organization’s safety rules
- Your system cannot discourage employees from reporting their injuries or symptoms
- Periodically review and update all rules and procedures to make sure they reflect the present conditions at your workplace.
Communication
- Communicate in a way that is easily understandable by all affected employees on matters relating to workplace safety and health
- All employees must be informed about your IIPP and how it is going to be implemented, and their responsibilities to comply with the program
- Your communication should include provisions for encouraging employees to report potential hazards in the work environment without fear of reprisal
- Management must be present at the meetings
Hazards assessment
- Your workplace must have procedures in place to identify and evaluate all areas of the work environment for health and safety hazards, unsafe conditions, and work practices
Accident/exposure investigation
- Employers need a procedure in place to investigate occupational injuries and illnesses
- This is critical for accident prevention and controlling losses at the workplace
Hazard correction
- When hazards are observed, they should be addressed in a timely manner
- Employees necessary to correct the hazardous condition shall be provided the necessary safeguards
Training and instruction
- Training allows employees to learn their roles properly, brings ideas to the workplace, reinforces existing ideas and practices, and puts the program into action
- The IIPP standard requires that training be provided to all workers on the hazards in the workplace when they start working for their employer, whenever they are given a new job assignment, and whenever new procedures and equipment are introduced
Recordkeeping
- Workplaces must maintain a written IIPP and documentation of how the elements of their IIPP are carried out
- Scheduled and periodic inspections to identify unsafe conditions and work practices, these records must include:
  - The name and persons conducting the inspection
  - The hazards identified
  - The action taken to correct the unsafe hazard and/or work practices

To read more about these 8 elements of an IIPP go to https://www.safeatworkca.com/safety-articles/what-is-an-iipp/

Examples of IIPP from Cal/OSHA

CS 1A - Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention Model Program for High Hazard Employers
CS 1B - Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention Model Program for Non-High Hazard Employers
CS 1C - Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention Model Program for Employers with Intermittent Workers

Consulting Services

If your business needs to help develop or improve your IIPP, CTI Environmental, Inc. can create one for you. We will identify actual and potential safety or health hazards in the workplace and solutions to control them, provide a written report summarizing the findings, and interpret applicable safety and health standards. If you are interested in consulting services, email info@ctienviro.com or call 562.608.8401.

CITATIONS

https://www.safeatworkca.com/safety-articles/what-is-an-iipp/

https://www.dir.ca.gov/chswc/woshtep/iipp/

Active Shooter

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:27:43 GMT

What is the definition of an Active Shooter

According to the FBI, an active shooter is “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area, and recent active shooter incidents have underscored the need for a coordinated response by law enforcement and others to save lives.”

History of Active Shooter

There have been a total of 277 active shooter incidents from the year 2000 to 2018 in the United States. From those 277 incidents, 884 victims were killed and 1,546 wounded. The graphic below from fbi.gov shows the increase in active shooters over 18 years in the United States.

Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, 13 people were killed by eighteen-year-old Eric Harris and 17-year-old Dylan Klebold. One teacher and twelve students were fatally shot in this incident.

On December 14, 2012, the Sandy Hook Elementary active shooting occurred by 20-year-old Adam Lanza. Twenty-six people were fatally shot that day.

From these horrific situations, we can learn ways to protect our staff and workplace with proper education and training.

Run. Hide. Fight.

There are three actions one can do when faced with an active shooter situation.

Run: When faced in an active shooter situation:

Have an escape route in mind
Evacuate regardless of whether others follow
Leave all belongings behind
Do not stop to help wounded people
Call 911 once you are safely out of the building
Assemble in the pre-designated staging area/rally point

Hide: When faced in an active shooter situation:

Hideout of shooter’s view that provides protection
Go to a designated safe room, lock the door and blockade it with heavy furniture
Silence all electronic devices
Hide behind large items such as a desk or cabinet
Remain completely quiet
Do not leave your safe hiding spot until law enforcement gives the “All Clear.”

Fight: When faced in an active shooter situation:

Act as aggressively as possible against him/her
Throw items (ex: trash cans, fire extinguisher, chairs, etc.)
Improvised weapons to defend yourself (ex: letter openers, staplers, etc.)
Loudly yell at him/her
Close the distance
Neutralize the threat

Active Shooter Training

Preparing for an active shooter is essential to keep your staff and customers safe at the workplace. To best be prepared, you must have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and get proper training. CTI Environmental can accurately train your staff to ensure a safe work environment for your staff.

Here is what the Department of Homeland Security says for the Emergency Action Plan and proper training.

Emergency Action Plan:

A preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies
An evacuation policy and procedure
Emergency escape procedures and route assignments
Contact information for, and responsibilities of individuals to be contacted under the EAP
Information concerning local area hospitals
An emergency notification system to alert various parties of an emergency including:
- Individual at remote locations within premises
- Local law enforcement
- Local area hospitals

Components of Training Exercises:

Recognizing the sound of gunshots
Reacting quickly when gunshots are heard and or when a shooting is witnessed
Calling 911
Reacting when law enforcement arrives
Adopting the survival mindset during times of crisis

The Department of Homeland Security also suggests to:

Ensure that your facility has at least two evacuation routes
Post the evacuation routes in conspicuous locations throughout your facility
Include local law enforcement, emergency responders, SWAT team, K-9 teams, and bomb squad train for an active shooter scenario at your location

CTI offers Active Shooter training to keep your staff safe from the unexpected. If you have questions or comments, call CTI at 562.608.8401 or email info@ctienviro.com.

Citations:

https://www.fbi.gov/about/partnerships/office-of-partner-engagement/active-shooter-resources

https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf

https://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/pennready/procedures/active-shooter/

Helpful Tips For Buying Used Equipment For Your Business

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 21:35:13 GMT

As a business owner, you probably look for ways to save money where you can. One of these might be to invest in new-to-you commercial or industrial equipment to help keep your business moving without a huge price tag. Before you lay down your cash, there are some important things to consider. A few of the most critical are:

If the seller is reputable.

It is possible to find virtually anything you want online these days. Unfortunately, because of the anonymous nature of the internet, not all sellers actually have good intentions. The last thing you want is to spend your hard earned money on equipment that is too weary to do the job, missing parts, or otherwise defunct .

Before you contact an individual or company with whom you do not have an established relationship, do your homework. Check public records and websites that are dedicated to consumer problems. You can also search the Better Business Bureau to see if the company is listed with any trade organizations and read their reviews.

The shape of the equipment.

Not all equipment is created equally. Depending on what you're buying, you might be able to find a bargain on a piece of machinery that still has lots of life left. Stamping Journal notes that things like stamping tools can take years’ worth of abuse before needing any major repairs. Purchased used, this type of equipment may only need a quick tune-up and to have their nameplate replaced.

Name plates are crucial because they contain safety warnings, equipment data, and other pertinent information. Choose a heavy-duty brand that won't fall off in harsh warehouse conditions or with use and handling.

Keep in mind that printers and other office equipment may only have a functional lifespan of two to four years. Anything older than this might not be worth the price, even if it’s used.

Whether or not you can see it in person.

If a seller insists on taking money upfront before you’ve had a chance to inspect the equipment , run! Chances are you’re in for trouble. Ideally, you’re invited to see the equipment in action so that you can evaluate its capabilities in a real-world environment.

Does the equipment have a clear title?

Depending on what you are buying, your equipment may be titled. This means there is a paper trail that follows it from production to the marketplace and shows ownership at all stages of its life. If you are interested in a non-titled piece of machinery, First Capital Business Finance recommends asking for a proof of purchase and proof that the original loan has a zero balance. If the seller still owes money, the title cannot be transferred without paying it off.

Where to buy business equipment

For industrial machinery (and some office equipment), your best bet is to look for similar local establishments that are going out of business. But for everything else, marketplaces , such as Amazon, eBay, and Aucto are great options. You can also look around for companies that broker these types of transactions. Gator Chef recommends signing up for a dealer email list if you’re searching for used restaurant equipment .

Finding help

You may find that your business may need additional help installing or running your recently purchased equipment. Here are a few professionals that can help:

● An electrical engineer can provide expertise in anything from electrical motors to communication systems, including computers, robots and consumer electronics. An experienced electrical engineer may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work, whereas a contractor still building a client base may price their services more competitively.

● An IT professional can install and build hardware for computer systems.

● A warehouse manager will fully understand how to utilize warehouse equipment efficiently and effectively.

Utilizing a payroll and time-tracking system for your construction crew is important too, and not just for ensuring everyone is paid on time. A solid system geared toward payroll for construction crews and other off-site staff boosts worker accountability and makes it easier to determine more approximate project costs. Your crew also has the added benefit of being able to track their time and compensation through a mobile app.

Only you know what your business needs and what you can afford. Buying used is always a risk, but it is one that might be worth taking if you do your homework and get a great deal. But be smart about the process. Always inspect machinery and, just as importantly, verify that your dealer won’t leave you holding a pile of over-used nuts and bolts.

Maintaining safety and compliance is more critical than ever, and CTI Environmental Construction Safety is here to help. Visit our website today to check out our range of services.

Clean Air

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 20:39:43 GMT

Intern Insight

What Causes Air Pollution

According to NASA, air pollution is "solid and liquid particles - called aerosols - and certain gases end up in our air." These particles that cause air pollution come from chemical reactions, burning fossil fuels, car exhaust, factories, and wildfires. Air pollution arises from natural and human activity. The human activity impact contributes much more than natural sources. 5 major human activities are the cause of air pollution, which are:

Transportation - Fuel combustion from cars and vehicles
Heat and power generation - oil and coal power plants
Industry facilities - manufacturing factories, mines, oil facilities
Agricultural waste sites and waste incineration
Residential - cooking, heating, lighting, and polluting fuels

A significant factor that contributes to air pollution is urban planning. Los Angeles is an excellent example of this issue. Human sprawl causes people to be more dependent on vehicle transportation which contributes to transportation emissions. If you are interested in learning about urban sprawl and the adverse effects on the environment, read Green Metropolitan by David Owen.

Human activities that contribute to air pollution have gotten out of hand, and the government has to get involved. That is when the Clean Air Act of 1970 was put forth into action. Although this Act does not have solutions for every issue, it is a start to get to where we should be in hopes to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, have our communities live healthier lives, keep our economy stable, reduce the rising of the sea, and many more.

Types of Air Pollution

There are six types of air pollutants according to WHO:

Particulate matter: Particulate matter (PM) are inhalable and respirable particles composed of sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water.
Black Carbon: Black carbon is a significant component of PM 2.5 and a driver of climate change, also known as a “short-lived climate pollutant.” Black carbon is one of the largest contributors to global warming after Carbon Dioxide.
Ground-level ozone: Ground-level ozone is one of the major components of photochemical smog and a critical health risk linked to breaking problems, asthma, reducing lung function, and respiratory disease. It is a secondary pollutant, meaning that it is not directly emitted.
Nitrogen dioxide: Nitrogen dioxide, mainly emitted by power generations, industrial and traffic sources, is an essential constituent of particulate matter and ozone. There is growing evidence that, independently, it can increase bronchitis and asthma symptoms and lead to respiratory infections and reduced lung function and growth.
Sulfur dioxide: Sulfur dioxide is primarily produced from the burning of fossil fuels (coal and oil) and the smelting of mineral ores that contain sulfur. Exposure to sulfur dioxide affects the respiratory system and function of the lungs and causes irritation of the eyes.
Carbon Monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, which at high levels can be harmful to humans by impairing the amount of oxygen transported in the bloodstream to critical organs. New evidence also reveals that long-term exposure to low concentration is associated with a wide range of health effects.

Clean Air Act

The EPA’s definition of the Clean Air Act is “the law that defines EPA’s responsibilities for protecting and improving the nation’s air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer.” The stratospheric ozone layer is a layer of gas that filters ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This is essential to have in our atmosphere because it reduces the harmful effects of the sun’s radiation. Congress integrated the Clean Air Act into the United States Code as Title 42, Chapter 85.

The EPA has determined a set quality standard for particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. These specific standards achieve and maintain air quality specific to their state. Considered in this plan are state emissions that harm air quality. This creates the opportunity to use the best available technology for stationary sources, such as factories and power plants.

Each state is in charge of enforcing a plan to meet specific standards. According to the EPA, “in some states such as California, local air pollution districts work with the state to produce air quality plans. Each state plan also must prohibit emissions that significantly contribute to air quality problems in a downwind state.”

Progress of Clean Air Act

The Clean Air act has successfully lowered six primary pollutants and lowered many toxic pollutants. The EPA has a great chart that shows the health benefits of the Act and the levels of pollutants. See below for the chart.

The Clean Air Act and the Economy

Skeptics raised the concern of the Clean Air Act and the economy going hand in hand. Can you have clean air and a stable economy? According to the data the EPA has collected, since the 1970’s it has been proven that you can protect public health and have a building economy. The Act has established innovation in cleaner technologies and opened up the market for jobs. The United States is a global market leader in clean technologies, which means there are jobs, businesses, and opportunities arising to create a more stable economy. According to the 2020 statistics from the EPA, “the central benefit exceeds costs by a factor of more than 30-to-1, and the high benefits estimate exceeds costs by 90-to-1.” In addition, the economic welfare and growth rates have greatly improved as a direct result of cleaner air which means a decrease in air pollution-related illnesses. Therefore less money is spent on medical treatments. Additionally, from the EPA, “ another reason the economy and the environment go together is the money spent does not disappear. It goes to companies that design, build, install, maintain and operate pollution-reducing processes and equipment.”

Port of Long Beach Air Quality Monitoring Plan and Air Monitoring Quality Assurance Plan

The Long Beach Port has placed monitoring stations throughout the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. According to the clean air action plan, “The Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles monitoring programs support their joint commitment to improving air quality within the San Pedro Bay region under the Clean Air Act Action Plan.” The data they collect from the air monitoring stations will be used to provide feedback on the Port’s air quality and their improvement efforts. You can view real-time data on the pollutants in the atmosphere, like ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter.

https://monitoring.cleanairactionplan.org/current-data/

The Port of Long Beach has a goal to reduce its air quality impacts correlated with goods movement. They get their standards and goals from the Clean Air Act. The Act “identifies strategies to reduce pollution from every energy source - ships, trucks, harbor crafts, and cargo handling equipment.” (cleanairactionplan.org) The Port has made drastic changes since 2005, with emission reductions exceeding 85% for particulate matter, 50% for nitrogen oxides, and 95% for sulfur oxides. You can learn more about each strategy to reduce pollution from every source at their website.

Real-World Story

The World Health Organization, WHO, reports and analyzes air pollution, concluding that 9 in 10 people breathe air that exceeds the WHO guidelines for air pollutants. These statistics show that air pollution affects nearly everyone. Here is a real-world story that relates to air pollution illness.

Rosamund Kissi-Debrah led a campaign in London after hearing about a story that put a name behind the statistic. Nine-year-old Ella dealt with extreme asthma and died at the age of 9 due to a severe asthma attack. Surprised and bewildered, her doctor diagnosed her with cough syncope, which results in unconsciousness due to coughing. She dealt with this for the last three years of her life. Convinced it happened from the increased air pollution, her mother and legal team took action. A particle called PM 2.5 and PM 10 can be deadly and is not visible to the naked eye. These particles are harmful to the lungs and cardiovascular system. This and the increased Nitrogen Dioxide during those years could have been a factor in Ella's death. Her family's passion for clean air is making an impact on her community and the government. Caroline Russel, the spokesperson for the Green party for transport, says," It is about rethinking our transport system so that everyone has access to affordable, regular, efficient public transport and are not car-dependent. This kind of transport change is difficult to bring about: we have a car-dependent culture, politicians who are frightened of the motorists and a press that is very motor-centric."

Citations

https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/clean-air-act-text

https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview

https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/clean-air-act-and-economy

https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/sep/22/invisible-killer-how-one-girls-tragic-death-could-change-the-air-pollution-story

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/air-pollution-everything-you-need-know

https://climatekids.nasa.gov/air-pollution/

https://monitoring.cleanairactionplan.org

Heat Illness Prevention

Fri, 07 May 2021 18:38:11 GMT

Intern Insight

What is a Heat Illness?

According to the CDC, a heat-related illness is when “a warm environment, especially when physically active, the human body relies on its ability to get rid of excess heat to maintain a healthy internal body temperature.” When heat dissipation does not happen quickly, the body temperature will rise, and symptoms will occur, leading to heat illness. Heat illness prevention is when you take the necessary steps, planning, and supervising in a work environment to avoid heat illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Related Symptoms

According to the CDC, an individual can express symptoms and signs that can help prevent a severe heat illness.

Below is a picture the CDC has developed for heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburns, and heat rash. This list includes signs and symptoms to look for and what to do if they occur.

Different Kinds of Heat Illnesses Defined By OSHA

Heat Stroke: “Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulating system fails and body temperature rises to critical levels (greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit).”
Heat Exhaustion: “Heat exhaustion includes headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, confusion, thirst, heavy sweating and a body temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F.”
Heat Cramps: “Heat cramps are muscle pains usually caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating.”
Heat Rash: “Heat rash is the most common problem in the work environment. Heat rash is caused by sweating and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.”

OSHA Campaign

OSHA launched a campaign for heat illness prevention in 2011. According to the OSHA website, “Through training sessions, outreach events, informational sessions, publications, social media messaging and media appearances, millions of workers and employers have learned how to protect workers from heat.” Their main message to prevent heat illness narrows down to water, rest, and shade. Accompanying this campaign, OSHA has made an app for heat safety. This app is named OSHA - NIOSH Heat Safety Tool and is available on Itunes for Apple and Androids. This app features “real-time heat index and hourly forecasts, specific to your location, as well as occupational safety and health recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH.” (iTunes). In addition, it has a visual indicator on the heat index, recommendations specific to your heat index- associated risk levels, hourly forecast of heat index values and risk levels, humidity control for calculations of variable conditions, signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, and first aid information.

OSHA Heat Index: A Guide for Employers

The heat index is a value that takes temperature and humidity into account. When the heat index increases, the hotter it feels outside. OSHA says, “the heat index is a better measure than air temperature alone for estimating the risk to workers from environmental heat sources.” See the picture below for OSHA’s heat index that shows the risk level and protective measures.

Outdoor Heat Environments

The first couple of days working on a project is when a majority of outdoor fatalities occur. The body needs to build a tolerance towards the heat over a gradual amount of time; this process is called heat acclimatization. The shortfall of heat acclimation is a risk factor for fatalities. According to the CDC website, the following industries have been affected by outdoor heat-related illnesses:

Agriculture
Construction - especially road, roofing, and other outdoor work
Construction- roofing work
Landscaping
Mail and package delivery
Oil and gas well operations

Indoor Heat Environments

Indoor heat illness is also an issue during all seasons if the conditions are right. According to the CDC website, the following industries are affected by indoor heat-related illnesses:

Bakeries, kitchens, and laundries (sources with indoor heat-generating appliances)
Electrical utilities (boiler rooms)
Fire Service
Iron and steel mills and foundries
Manufacturing with hot local heat sources, like furnaces (ex: paper products or concrete)
Warehousing

Tips for Preventing Heat Illness

Staying cool, hydrated, and informed are 3 key aspects to prevent heat illness. There are different components to each element to avoid heat illness properly.

Staying cool means to:

Wear appropriate clothing
Stay Cool Indoors
Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully
Wear Sunscreen

Staying Hydrated means to:

Drink plenty of fluids
Replace salt and minerals when you sweat

Staying Informed means to:

Check for updates on your local news channels
Research the signs of heat-related illnesses
Monitor high-risk individuals

Planning and Supervision

Creating a heat illness prevention plan is necessary for employers to implement in the workplace. The CDC includes important fundamental questions to consider when creating your illness prevention plan.

Who will provide oversight daily?
How will new workers gradually develop heat tolerance?
Temporary workers may be more susceptible to what and require closer supervision.
Workers returning from extended leave may also be at increased risk.
How will the employer ensure that first aid is adequate and the protocol for summoning medical assistance in situations beyond first-aid is effective?
What engineering controls and work practices will be used to reduce heat stress?
How will heat stress be measured?
How to respond when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or heat warning?
How will we determine if the total heat stress is hazardous?
What training will be provided to workers and supervisors?

Someone at a worksite needs to be responsible for monitoring conditions and implementing the heat prevention plan during the workday. The CDC says this individual needs to identify and control heat hazards, recognize early symptoms of heat stress, administer first aid for heat-related illnesses, and activate emergency medical services quickly when needed.

References:

https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/planning

https://www.osha.gov/publications/bytopic/heat-illness-prevention-(outdoor-workers)

https://nihhis.cpo.noaa.gov

Heat Illness Prevention Campaign | Occupational Safety and ...https://www.osha.gov › heat

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16425-heat-illness

Contact Tracing

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 17:34:51 GMT

Intern Insight

What is Contact Tracing?

According to the CDC website, in the health community, contact tracing is part of the process of supporting patients and warning contacts of exposure to stop chains of transmission.

What does a Contact Tracer do during COVID-19?

A contact tracer investigates patients that are infected or likely to be infected with the COVID-19 virus. Public health staff communicates with patients and everyone they have been in contact with during the interval they were infectious. Once they acquire all necessary information, they begin contact tracing by warning those potentially exposed to COVID-19. These contacts are provided with information, education, and support to understand their risks, what they should do, and the possibility of spreading the disease even if they have no symptoms. Contact tracers encourage the potentially exposed to stay home and maintain a social distance from others for 14 days to their last exposure date. The infected person’s tasks are to monitor their temperature twice a day and check in with contacts they have potentially exposed. If the contact experiences COVID-19 symptoms, they are to alert the public health staff and isolate.

Why is Contact Tracing important?

It is a vital process for the fatal and dangerous spread of diseases. Timing is essential when it comes to health damages, and the faster someone spots someone with an infectious disease, the quicker we can isolate the individual, so the disease does not infect others. This will benefit the people that the infected would have been in contact with while they were infectious.

COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease worldwide, and considering its magnitude of cases, contact tracers must investigate, locate and communicate to patients fast.

You might question, has contact tracing worked in the past, and how well has it worked? To answer that question, we can look at the history of its effectiveness. Medical professionals used contact tracing to control ebola and eliminate the smallpox virus. According to the CDC website, “Like COVID-19, the smallpox virus was transmitted from an infected person to another person via respiratory droplets following direct face to face contact which typically occurred in households and hospitals.” They were successful at eliminating the smallpox virus by implementing contact tracing.

Keys to Contact Tracing:

Contact tracing is a specialized skill, and to effectively implement it, training, supervision, and access to social and medical support for patients and contacts are required. According to the CDC website, there are a set of skills for case investigator and contact traces, which are:

An understanding of patient confidentiality, including the ability to interview without violating confidentiality

Knowledge of the medical terms and principle of exposure, infectious periods, potentially infectious interactions, symptoms of disease, pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic infection

Excellent and sensitive interpersonal, cultural sensitivity, and interviewing skills such that they can build and maintain trust with patients and contacts

Basic skills of crisis counseling and the ability to confidently refer patients and contacts for further care if needed

Resourcefulness in locating patients and contacts who may be challenging to reach or reluctant to engage in conversation

Understanding of when to refer individuals or situations to medical, social, or supervisory resources

Cultural competency appropriate to the local community

Technology helping Contact Tracing

This generation is lucky to have advanced technology that acts as a benefit of contact tracing. Professionals can look at iPhone data to see where you have been during your infected interval time. If you were at a grocery store or gym at a particular time, they could contact others that may have been at the grocery store or gym during the same time you were using phone mapping apps, taking the precaution of potential exposure. Here is a list of technology contact tracing solutions that are beneficial during COVID-19.

Asset Tracking

“If someone has tested positive and they offer their information to their HR representative, asset tracking can be used to ascertain the historical locations within the building that that individual visited in the last 14 days,” says Nadir Ali, CEO of Inpixon

Video Content Analytics

“Video content analytics technology can play an essential role in productively and rapidly determining which persons came into contact with an infected individual,” says Stephanie Weagle, CMO of BriefCam

AI-Assisted Positioning

“An AI-based positioning system, real-time 3D-location positioning replaces the dependency on smartphones, GPS, or Wi-Fi. Using a private Bluetooth mesh network, VPS is secure and can do in seconds, for hundreds of people, what one manual tracer can accomplish in a week,” says Bettua, CEO of Volan Technology

Wearable Tracking Devices

“Wearable tracking devices can be a solution to the challenges of contact tracing in those contained settings (high density places like hotels and cruises); guests wear a tracking device around their wrist, which can work with an array of sensors the way smartphones and badges can.” says Robert Firpo-Capiello, Editor and Chief at Hospitality Technology

CTI can provide Contact Tracing

CTI Environmental is trained for contact tracing and will help keep you and your employees safe and healthy. We have experienced professionals who will assist with the process of isolating individuals who may have come into contact with COVID-19.

Contact info@enviro for more information.

The picture below is from the CDC website, “It is meant to serve as a visualization for these individuals to understand the contact tracing process flow, the need for daily monitoring of all contacts, and what will cause the need for a case investigation.”

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/contact-tracing.html

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/what-contact-tracing-how-could-it-reduce-spread-covid-19-and-how-could-it-affect-me?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrsGCBhD1ARIsALILBYqGiOsyJnhiRLDnqOEz1cC-mUa8zpG85ZK6hJuAOn2yssW3TA28oooaAitsEALw_wcB

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/principles-contact-tracing.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/principles-contact-tracing.html#:~:text=Contact%20tracers%20need%20to%20quickly,tracer%20can%20locate%20them .

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/global-covid-19/contact-tracing-workflow.html

https://hospitalitytech.com/contact-tracing-how-technology-can-help-end-pandemic

Right of Way Projects

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 19:08:18 GMT

Intern Insight

What is a “Right of Way” Project in Construction?

In the construction community, Right of Way (ROW) projects are important. The definition of a ROW in construction is, “establishing a piece of property that is legally and formally provided for the reason of access to a construction project” (Builder Questions). This term legally means the ability to use another owner’s property for construction projects. ROW projects are either used during the entirety of the construction project or for the ability to construct, like using a crane. “These projects can take up to five years of experience to fully understand what ROW entirely encompasses,” says Betsy Bosiak, Land Acquisition Specialist at Hoyle, Tanner.

“Right of Way” Importance

The project scheduler needs to be aware of any Right of Ways on a project for proper coordination and planning. It is also essential for budgeting to know what equipment is needed when, where, and for how long.

The "Right of Way" Process

Betsy Bosiak has listed the ROW process in just 7 steps from her experience working as a land acquisition specialist at Hoyle, Tanner.

Know the basics : Knowing the basic information, definitions, and planning are essential. Betsy explains that there are two types of ROW’S, Easement and Fee. Easement is when the property owners grant the use of their property for the project, while Fee is used when the land is purchased for the project.
Determine What is Already There: It is essential to have the knowledge of existing and historical plans.
Make a Plan and Be Specific: To obtain land for a project, you must have specific details on the project scope, preliminary design, final design, and record of all plans.
Determine the Type of Acquisition: There are three types of acquisition; Fee Taking, Temporary Easement, and Permanent Easement.
Explain the Impacts: The landowner must know the intended impacts on the property, it is best to keep records of each study to avoid confusion.
Determine Appraisals: Once the Land Value Appraisal is completed, a written offer letter is sent to the landowner for approval of the project, the land owner may reject and want to keep negotiating.
Acquire the Needed Property Rights: Once you get approval, the document of easement needs to be completed,to start working on the project.

"Right Of Way" Project Examples

Oil and Gas Projects

Pipeline Projects

Clean-up and Remediation Projects

Transportation

Citations

https://www.hoyletanner.com/7-steps-to-right-of-way/

http://onlinemanuals.txdot.gov/txdotmanuals/pdp/right_of_way_appraisals_and_acquisition.htm

https://www.builder-questions.com/construction-glossary/right-of-way/

https://auduboncompanies.com/professional-right-of-way-services-vital-to-project-timelines/

Climate Adaptation, Mitigation and Vulnerability Assessment

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 23:39:35 GMT

Intern Insight

What is Climate Adaptation?

Climate Change is inevitable, and we see the results in real-time. Hazardous natural disasters and rising temperatures are causing environmental and health damages to our communities. According to the European Union, Climate adaptation means “anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimize the damage they can cause, or taking advantage of opportunities that may arise.”

Climate adaptation is necessary at local, regional, national, and international levels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) describes vulnerability to climate change by three factors: 1) exposure to hazards, 2) sensitivity to those hazards, and 3) the capacity to adapt to those hazards. Climate adaptation can help reduce the exposure, sensitivity, and capacity of the future environmental hazards resulting from climate change. This is why climate adaptation is essential for our government to implement.

Climate adaptation will also help undeveloped countries. Undeveloped countries tend to be more vulnerable to climate risks, such as rising ocean levels in the Maldives. Supplying undeveloped countries with education and health facilities is an adaptation measure. This measure would benefit towards climate change and assist with adapting to the altering weather.

What is Climate Mitigation?

According to NASA, climate mitigation involves "reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases or enhancing the "sinks" (oceans, forests, and soil) that accumulate and store these gases." The goal of climate mitigation is to "stabilize greenhouse gas levels in a timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed sustainably." (2014 report on Mitigation of Climate Change from UN).

Climate mitigation can be as complicated as building a city or as simple as improving home equipment. Cities are remodeling their subway stations to make transportation more sustainable. According to the Global Environment Facility, there are 1.4 billion people worldwide that rely on traditional fuel sources, and by 2035 the global energy demand will grow more than 50%. Future generations need to mitigate the use of fossil fuels and use sustainable energy; therefore, the new consumer mindset will need to change.

The Paris Agreement highlights that the global emissions will need to peak by 2030 and rapidly decrease to net-zero by 2050 if we want to stay within the safety limits that the agreement established. The Paris Agreement tackles mitigation to the core. According to the Agreement, it "requires all parties, keeping in mind their responsibilities and capabilities, to formulate and implement programs containing measures to mitigate climate change. Such programs target economic activity intending to incentivize cleaner or disincentive actions that result in large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. They include policies, incentives schemes, and investment programs." The Paris Agreement's primary goal is to expand forests and sinks to remove a greater amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

What is the Difference between adaptation and mitigation?

Climate adaptation and mitigation are essential for the government and us to tackle, but they have different meanings. Climate mitigation means we are preventing greenhouse gases from emitting into our atmosphere. Climate adaptation means we adapt our behavior, consumption, and systems from the effects climate change is having on our communities. The actions and regulations we create today will affect the future, so society needs to act now and work on preventing rising temperatures, sea levels, loss of habitat, and more.

Ways to Adapt to Climate Change

Use scarce water resources more efficiently

Adapting building codes to upcoming extreme weather conditions

Building flood defenses and raising the levels of dykes

Developing drought-tolerant crops

Planting trees and plants that are less vulnerable to storms and fires

Reserve land for species migration

Plant drought-resistant crops

Ways to Mitigate Climate Change New technology

Using renewable energy (solar, wind, and hydro)

Revamping old equipment to more energy efficient

Changing consumer behavior

Sustainable transportation (bus transit, electric vehicles, and biofuels)

Sustainable use of land and forest

Eating less red meat

Shop sustainably (no fast fashion)

Climate Adaptation and Vulnerability Assessment

The purpose of this assessment, according to Habitat Info, is to "identify where people may be expected to be most vulnerable to all of the major expected difficulties associated with climate change, notably food security, water shortages, disasters, and associated health problems." They have done this assessment to discover vulnerability hotspots. The places they have done these assessments are:

Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Change Programme (RCCP)

Zambezi basin risk and vulnerability mapping

Limpopo basin risk and vulnerability mapping

Mozambique risk and vulnerability mapping

Horn of Africa resilience mapping

With their knowledge and expertise in this area, they can apply this assessment anywhere in the world and determine vulnerability hotspots.

Organizations That Are Working On The Battle of Climate Change

World Wildlife Organization

At WWF, we believe we can fight this consequential threat and build a safer, healthier and more resilient future for people and nature. We must rethink the way we produce and consume energy, food, and water; protect the world’s forests, and help people prepare for a changing world.

https://www.worldwildlife.org

Citizens Climate Lobby

At Citizens’ Climate Lobby, we’re committed to building the political will for the climate solutions we all need. As empowered citizens, we talk with neighbors, friends, and local officials about how national climate action can help ensure a healthy future while strengthening the American economy.

https://citizensclimatelobby.org

Climate Alliance

Measures taken to combat or adapt to climate change need to take the big picture into account. The hurdles we face are not only environmental, but increasingly also of a social and economic nature. We cannot, for example, rely on high-tech fixes such as carbon capture and storage that only bypass the root of the problem, encouraging society to go about its resource intensive business as usual. Even putting safety concerns aside, we cannot look to nuclear energy as the answer when we have no sustainable solution for the waste it creates.

https://www.climatealliance.org/about-us/climate-action.html

Indigenous Environmental Network

Established in 1990 within the United States, IEN was formed by grassroots Indigenous peoples and individuals to address environmental and economic justice issues (EJ). IEN’s activities include building the capacity of Indigenous communities and tribal governments to develop mechanisms to protect our sacred sites, land, water, air, natural resources, health of both our people and all living things, and to build economically sustainable communities. IEN accomplishes this by maintaining an informational clearinghouse, organizing campaigns, direct actions and public awareness, building the capacity of community and tribes to address EJ issues, development of initiatives to impact policy, and building alliances among Indigenous communities, tribes, inter-tribal and Indigenous organizations, people-of-color/ethnic organizations, faith-based and women groups, youth, labor, environmental organizations and others. IEN convenes local, regional and national meetings on environmental and economic justice issues, and provides support, resources and referral to Indigenous communities and youth throughout primarily North America – and in recent years – globally.

https://www.ienearth.org

Citations:

http://www.habitatinfo.com/environmental-risk-vulnerability-assessment/

https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation_en

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/feb/27/climate-change-adaptation

https://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/adaptation-mitigation/

https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/climate-change/what-we-do/mitigation

https://www.thegef.org/topics/climate-change-mitigation

https://unfccc.int/topics/mitigation/the-big-picture/introduction-to-mitigation

Environmental Phase 1

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 19:48:59 GMT

Intern Insight

What is an Environmental Phase 1?

An Environmental Phase 1, also known as an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA or Phase 1 ESA), is the process of determining the environmental condition of a property. The main objective of an ESA is to research a site's current and historical background to determine potential groundwater and soil risks or contamination that could harm the environment or people. If hazards are found, the owner of the property can be liable. Various properties can undergo ESA inspections, such as commercial, agricultural, vacant land, industrial, and residential.The assessment can involve discussions regarding lead-based paint, asbestos, mold growth, and lead in drinking water if the client requests it. ASTM E1527-13 implements the guidelines for the ESA Phase 1, while specific properties, like a Small Business Enterprise, may have different requirements than other types of properties.

What does an Environmental Phase 1 Encompass?

A site inspection which researches and examines the property and adjacent properties to determine possible environmental hazards
A full analysis of federal, state, tribal, and local regulatory databases relating to above and underground storage tanks, suspected release cases, storage of hazardous substances, disposal of hazardous waste, and institutional and engineering controls
Research on historical records of aerial photographs, fire insurance maps, historical city directories, and historical topographic maps
Research of state and local environmental agencies, Building Departments, Fire Departments, and Health Departments
Interview with current and past property owners

Some Common Sites that Cause Concerns:

Dry Cleaners
Gas Stations
Auto/Vehicle Repair
Printing Operations
Manufacturing

Why is it important?

Receiving an Environmental Phase 1 assessment is vital for liability protection enforced by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). In 1980 the judicial decision of the CERCLA enacted a stricter liability towards owners with environmental hazards. The GlobeST has a useful checklist for businesses to analyze and determine if an Environmental Phase 1 is essential/needed for them.

Is CERCLA liability protection important to you? If yes, then only a Phase 1 will do.
Property type
- If it is an industrial property or another high risk type property, a Phase 1 ESA is advisable.
- If it is an office building, apartment complex or other low risk property type, limited environmental due diligence could be considered.

If it is vacant land that has never been developed, limited environmental due diligence could be considered.
Property location (remember you are not only looking at your property during the environmental assessment, but also surrounding properties and how they might have an effect on your property.
- If the property is in an urban, highly developed area that has been so for a long time, a Phase 1 ESA is advisable.
- If the property is in a mostly undeveloped area, limited environmental due diligence could be considered.

What does your lender require? This might be the most important question of all. Many lenders have their own scopes of work that they require depending on the loan type (for instance Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac , or HUD loans all have their own requirements for due diligence), property type or other risk factors.

What Happens After an Environmental Phase 1 is Complete?

After the necessary steps are complete for the ESA, the Environmental Professional will summarize all concerns and the additional steps needed to resolve the environmental issues. If the recognized environmental condition (REC) indicates a problem, then an Environmental Phase 2 will be conducted. That will entail acquiring soil, groundwater, or soil vapor samples to be analyzed.

Environmental Phase 1 vs. Environmental Phase 2

Environmental Phase 2 consists of soil and water sampling for potential contamination. With the lab results, they can compare them with the state and federal regulatory guidelines. If necessary, there may be an inspection for mold, radon, and lead paint. It also has the potential to include the identification of wetlands, ecological resources, or endangered species that can cause environmental harm. The main difference between a Phase 1 and Phase 2 assessment is their goal. An ESA Phase 1's goal is to assess the likelihood that the property is contaminated, while the ESA Phase 2 evaluates the presence of environmental contaminants.

Real World Story

Camp Parks- Dublin, CA

Camp Parks is a Global Support Training Center for the Army. An Environmental Site Assessment was conducted at Camp Parks, which determined that there was a potential environmental hazard. The Environmental Professionals inspected further and concluded that the underground and above ground tanks were hazardous to the soil and groundwater. They were then required to conduct extensive remediation for this issue to be resolved. This is a reason why the Environmental Phase 1 is important, to clean up contamination and keep our planet healthy.

Citations

https://www.partneresi.com/resources/blog/what-is-a-phase-i-environmental-site-assessment

https://www.partneresi.com/services/environmental-consulting/phase-i-environmental-site-assessment-report

https://www.geoforward.com/phase-1-environmental-site-assessment/

https://www.globest.com/sites/globest/2012/01/17/do-i-really-need-a-phase-1-environmental-site-assessment/?slreturn=20201115171421

https://www.pmenv.com/services/phase-i-environmental-site-assessments

https://www.gleassociates.com/phase-i-versus-phase-ii-environmental-site-assessments/

Lead Consumption

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 20:06:52 GMT

Intern Insight

Dangers of Lead Consumption to Humans

Lead is a naturally occurring element in the Earth’s crust; however, any amount of it in the human body can cause serious health effects. Lead in your system is detrimental to your health, especially for children. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the maximum amount of lead in water to be zero because of its toxicity to humans. Lead can bioaccumulate in your body as time goes on; therefore, it is more detrimental to your bones and blood the longer it stays in your system.

The EPA provides the following findings on lead consumption:

Harmful effects on Children

Behavioral and Learning Problems

Lower IQ and Hyperactivity

Slowed/Stunted Growth

Hearing Problems

Anemia

Harmful effects on Adults

Cardiovascular Effects

Increased Blood Pressure

Decreased Kidney Function

Reproductive Problems In Men and Women

Increase Anger

Attention Deficit

Impulsiveness

EPA’s Steps to Reduce Your Lead Consumption

Have your water tested by contacting your water utility service

Contact your water utility service or plumber and ask if the pipe connecting your water is made with lead

Run your water - before you drink water, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap

Be aware of any construction that is happening nearby; this can cause lead to be released from a lead service line

Regularly clean your faucet facet stream/aerator

Use a filter that is certified to remove lead

Use cold water for drinking and showering, hot water releases more amounts of lead from pipes

The EPA has created a home testing printable worksheet you can use to determine if your water is safe and lead-free.

Here is the link

Dangers of Lead for Animals and Plants

Lead can harm soil, plants, micro-organisms, and animals. Lead has the ability to displace other minerals that are in the soil and break down the inorganic materials. This makes the soil more soluble, therefore, more accessible to be taken in by plants. The photosynthesis rate will decrease in plants that absorb the lead, resulting in stunted growth or killing of the plants. Animals may digest these infected lead plants. When digested, lead affects the central nervous system and hinders the process of red blood cells. As the life cycle continues, these animals may die and be eaten by their predators.

As we can see, lead in the soil can affect an entire ecosystem and cause significant problems with the plants and animals.

How Does Lead Get Exposed to Us?

Even though lead is a naturally occurring element, humans and animals get exposed to it through human activity, like fossil fuel production, homes, and industrial facilities. The places it can be found in homes are pipes, paint, ceramics, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics.

The main component of how lead gets in drinking water is from plumbing. Some homes may not have been built with lead service lines, meaning that faucets have brass and chrome-plated brass or iron pipes. Corrosion happens when a chemical reaction occurs in your plumbing system, causing lead to enter your water.

If you want to look for Contact Information for Certification Programs and Certified Laboratories for Drinking Water, use this link

Children are exposed to lead in paint, dust, soil, air, food, and drinking water. They can also come in contact with lead through lead imported candy and candy wrappers, pottery and ceramics, and imported toys and jewelry.

If you are worried you or your child has been contaminated by lead, you can go to the doctor and take a blood test. This will show the levels of lead you have and how severe it is

Steps the Government is Doing to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

In 1974 Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act, stating the EPA determines the level of contaminants in drinking water based on whether no health effects are likely to occur. This is how the EPA noted that no lead should be found in drinking water because any amount will cause health effects. They had also set a Lead and Copper Rule in 1991, and it was revised in 2000 and 2007. Every city must conduct an annual water report called the Consumer Confidence Report. If there is something wrong with your water quality, the EPA will notify you.

July 2020, the EPA has announced a big step in reducing the amount of lead in drinking water. They have made the Lead Free rule, meaning that it will limit the amount of lead allowed in plumbing materials and in construction and replacement of plumbing. This new rule will reduce the percentage of lead content in drinking water from these materials from 8% to .25%. Industries and manufacturers must reach these requirements that the EPA has set. Andrew Wheller, the EPA Administrator, says, “The Lead-Free rule is a critical step in EPA’s efforts to substantially improve children’s health and further the agency’s Action Plan goal of reducing children’s exposure to lead sources.”

Real World Stories of Consuming Lead

Wayne J. Askew

In 1980, at the age 21, Wayne Askew joined the Navy in Long Beach, CA. The ship was painted with lead-based paint, and his duty was to upkeep the ship’s structure. Along with others, Wayne was in charge of scraping the paint off the ship with inadequate protection. They would be covered head to toe in lead-based paint dust. After the Navy, he got a job renovating homes in New York, and had to get tested for lead poisoning due to lead-based paint used in homes before 1978. Wayne found out he will forever have lead poisoning and is left with severe physical symptoms and neurological damage. Wayne can no longer work because of his irreversible symptoms.

Intern Insight

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:09:08 GMT

Orphan Oil Wells

What is an Orphan Oil Well?

An orphaned oil well is a well that has been abandoned by a company that either moved or went bankrupt, causing the oil well not to have an owner, and leaving behind hundreds of feet of underground piping, fuse boxes, and internet boxes.

What is the Environmental Harm from orphaned oil wells?

Orphaned oil wells can cause grave damage to the environment, and sadly they are causing destruction right now. There are millions of abandoned oil wells that are releasing pollutants into our atmosphere and water. The issue is these wells were never properly plugged; therefore, they emit hazardous particles into the air. This contributes to climate change and the increasing temperatures we are feeling. These oil wells can be categorized as a public nuisance, health hazard, and environmental problem.

The GroundWater Protection Agency has done extensive research on the impact of these wells on groundwater. There have been issues with groundwater contamination and even a methane blowout at a California construction site. 2018 was the first year that the U.N. countries recorded the amount of methane released from these wells. The numbers were scary. With 2.1 million abandoned oil wells in the United States alone, 281 kilotons of methane is emitted. This is equivalent to consuming 16 barrels of crude oil. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is more potent and harmful than CO2 over a hundred years. Each year an abandoned well is left unplugged; it is equal to one person driving and emitting greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, directly contributing towards climate change. Since there are 2.1 million abandoned oil wells in just the U.S., it is equivalent to having 2.1 million vehicles emitting greenhouse gases. A widespread federal effort to plug the wells would prevent local air pollution, safety risks, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Brine is another environmental hazard that comes from abandoned oil wells. The brine contains radioactive and toxic substances that get emitted and infiltrates into shale. In 2014, the U.S. Geological Services stated, "Even a small percentage of compromised well bores could correspond to a large number of transport pathways." Meaning that they indicate groundwater contamination as a severe threat. Even the California Council of Science and Technology called for widespread groundwater testing in 2014, which has yet to happen today. It is proven that California, Texas, and Pennsylvania has a majority of poorly plugged wells that emit methane and toxic pollutants into the air over time. When these plugged oil wells leak, it can cause surface expression, meaning the leaks travel to the Earth's crust, and the oil, gas, and water saturate the soil. Sadly, this can cause fatal accidents. A Chevron Employee, David Taylor, was a victim of such a disaster. The company that owned the wells continued to inject high-pressure injections into the ground near the well, causing it to get oversaturated and cave in. This is where David fell into a crater of 190-degree fluid made up of hydrogen sulfide. These abandoned and poorly plugged wells can be fatal to the community, as well as the Earth.

What is the Harm to Humans?

Abandoned wells can cause serious health effects. In Central Valley, California, and the South Coast, you will find many abandoned wells, and next to those wells are houses, buildings, or communities. These wells leak natural gases and oils. This is not something you want to breathe in. As these wells continue to leak over time, it causes an explosion risk to the houses built on top. As mentioned, it causes the groundwater to get contaminated, causing harmful effects to drinking water.

Surprisingly, not all of these abandoned wells can be seen. Many of these wells in Southern California are underground, with churches, schools, and houses built on top of them. FrackTracker Alliance and Earthworks studied the methane and volatile organic compound leaks using an infrared camera in Los Angeles. They were able to film toxic and carcinogenic volatile organic compounds floating into nearby neighborhoods' air and walls. Not only is that bad for the atmosphere and contributes to climate change, but it is terrible for people to breathe in. It is a very crowded city, with young adults, families, and kids running around and exploring the town's nooks and crannies. Their video: https://youtu.be/7KH0yYShCJY , shows the toxic fumes they caught on camera entering the city of Los Angeles through the pavements, up to the sidewalks.

Environmental Injustice

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, regarding the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations and policies. The poor communities get overlooked by the government and get their environmental cleanups last. It is essential that we properly plug all oil wells to have a cleaner and healthier community.

Cost to Plug the Orphaned Oil Wells

The estimated cost to plug the orphaned oil well is roughly $3 million U.S. dollars. The cost to fill up the total 500,000 oil wells that need plugging in the United States would be approximately $12 - $24 billion. The price may seem outrageous, but it is well within the range of other environmental policy options. It is around $67 - $170 per ton of CO2, equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions. As costly as this sounds, there are many benefits. Not only does it create a cleaner atmosphere and water for the environment and communities, but it creates job opportunities. As many as 120,000 new jobs can be opened up if the government effectively plugs these wells. This can cause an economic boost in the oil and gas industry while being environmentally friendly. In the world of COVID-19, we know finding jobs is hard, which could be a great solution to get the economy back on track.

Real-World Stories

Hansen and Michael Rowe smelled a foul stench, like rotten eggs, coming from an abandoned oil well on their Kentucky's property. This couple was retired, and breathing these fumes leaking from the well made them feel dizzy, short of breath, and nauseous. A year later, after reporting this problem, it was determined a leak was causing the issues. The couple finally got the problem fixed, which took 40 days. The regulators concluded the leak was a mixture of methane and hydrogen sulfide.

In Western New York, a group of state regulators, researchers from the State University of Binghamton researched an old rotten, wooden structure surrounded by a rusting pipe. Charlie Dietrich, an official of the Department of Environmental Conversation, found the leak of methane from this site, with a distinct petroleum scent.

An Uplifting Story

The Well Done Foundation has launched a program to plug 80 abandoned oil wells in Montana. Curtis Shuck is the chairman of the Well Done Foundation and says, "We actually have a project going in Kansas right now. We're working with partners in Texas and Oklahoma and Pennsylvania and Colorado. Montana is really our pilot project, and we're using the lessons learned here working with the regulators, working with the surface owners to build this successful plan and program to take to these other states." A very inspiring story, but plugging these wells, as we know, does not come cheap. Curtis also states, "We put them into a very rigid monitoring program. If they qualify for our carbon finance pool, then we put them into that. If not, then we get a donor to support us in adopting the well and paying for the plugging. Plugging of an orphan well in this area, Northern Montana is about $30,000. That's all of it. That's all of our costs, the legal, the monitoring for nine months. There's a lot to it, it's more than just going out and plugging the well, and we feel it's important to understand the emission and be able to communicate that as part of the story because it's large."

Citations

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-drilling-abandoned-specialreport/special-report-millions-of-abandoned-oil-wells-are-leaking-methane-a-climate-menace-idUSKBN23N1NL

https://www.rff.org/news/press-releases/new-research-examines-environmental-job-creation-benefits-plugging-orphaned-and-abandoned-oil-and-gas-wells/

https://www.rff.org/publications/reports/green-stimulus-oil-and-gas-workers-considering-major-federal-effort-plug-orphaned-and-abandoned-wells/?utm_source=Resources+for+the+Future&utm_campaign=78b3d43636-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_05_05_03_39_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e896179bd7-78b3d43636-

https://www.fractracker.org/2019/03/failing-abandoned-wells/

https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2020-06-16/special-report-millions-of-abandoned-oil-wells-are-leaking-methane-a-climate-menace

Protecting Against the Danger of Heat Illness

ad@mybrandclarity.com (Robin Thorne) — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:47:20 GMT

The danger is serious and can even result in death

As summer temperatures continue to rise, so does the risk of heat illness to workers. The danger is serious and can even result in death. But, knowledgeable employers can take precautions to prevent heat illness.

T8CCR 3395(b) defines heat illness as “a serious medical condition resulting from the body’s inability to cope with a particular heat load, and includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, and heat stroke.”

Cal/OSHA’s campaign outlines the employer’s responsibilities: Water. Shade. Rest. Read on to find out how the provisions of four required steps prevent heat illness.

1. Training

All employees and supervisors should be trained to prevent and recognize the symptoms of heat illness. Training should clearly outline the health effects of heat, prevention methods, and proper response to the symptoms of heat illness. Employers should designate specific employees on each worksite to call for emergency medical services, if necessary.

Employers may also pair up employees using the buddy system if there are too many employees to allow for direct supervisory observation. The employer has the responsibility to train employees to observe their buddy during the workday, stay in contact with their supervisor, and immediately report symptoms of heat illness. Employees working alone must be contacted frequently throughout the day by a supervisor to monitor their safety.

2. Water

Cool drinking water must be accessible and available for all employees. Employers should encourage workers to frequently drink 8 ounces of water every fifteen minutes or up to 4 cups per hour. Workers may forget or be unaware of the need to drink water so often, but they will need to rehydrate since they will sweat more than usual in a hot work environment.

Encouraging workers to drink water includes making the water easily accessible within a short distance. This allows workers to drink water without interrupting their work to travel far for a drink of water. Employers are responsible to provide enough cool water for each employee, free of charge.

3. Shade

To beat the heat, workers will need fully shaded or air condition areas to be made available so they can cool down and rest. Shaded areas should be large enough to accommodate employees during rest periods, be located as closely as possible to work areas, and allow employees on rest periods to be monitored for signs of heat illness. Employers should encourage employees to rest and cool down to prevent overheating, before they feel sick. These breaks should last at least five minutes.

4. Planning

T8CCCR 3203 of the California Code of Regulations requires employers to develop and have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) in place. The IIPP identifies hazards in the workplace and implements a plan to prevent them. The program can also effectively reduce costs to employers through management leadership and employee compliance training.

Heat illness is a serious health risk, but it is preventable. Cal/OSHA has provided resources to help employers defend their employees against heat-related illnesses. Remember: Precautions are the best safeguard against heat illness.

Sources:

http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/3203.html

http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/HeatIllnessInfo.html

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/etools/08-006/WhatIs.htm

http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/HeatIllnessInfo.html

How Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Protects Buyers

ad@mybrandclarity.com (Robin Thorne) — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 05:58:07 GMT

Environmental Site Assessment - What You Should Know

You purchased a commercial property and have now discovered the site is contaminated with a hazardous substance. How did you get here? The simple answer: You didn’t get the required Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. And now you are responsible for the cleanup. How can you avoid this scenario? You can protect yourself by getting a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. Read on to learn more about why this is a step no purchaser wants to skip.

What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?

It is an investigation to meet one of the requirements that will qualify a buyer for the innocent landowner defense under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). It is required for any commercial real estate purchase that is financed through a bank loan.

What is involved in the Environmental Site Assessment?

A thorough investigation of the site’s history and property usage. This involves evaluating the recognized environmental condition (REC) of the site. This evaluation analyzes the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substance or petroleum product on a property under conditions that indicate an existing, past, or material threat of release into structures on the property, soil, groundwater, or surface water.

At the request of our clients, CTI can expand the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment to include topics such as:

· Regulatory compliance

· Ecological resources that may be impacted by development

· The presence of asbestos-containing materials

· Other real estate risks to the purchaser

How long does it take?

The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment process is usually completed within 15 working days.

What is included in the report?

CTI provides clients with a confidential report with an accurate environmental profile of the subject property. The report details CTI’s investigation methods as well as relevant conclusions and our professional opinion. The results indicate whether there is evidence of contamination, if an environmental liability exists, and the potential economic costs associated with that liability. No one, unless authorized by our client, has access to the information provided in the report.

What happens if a hazardous chemical is found?

If the results of the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment indicate strong evidence of contamination, a client may request that CTI propose a site-specific and economically valid approach to further examine the property in Phase II. The goal is to evaluate the presence of an environmental liability and potential economic costs.

How can CTI help?

CTI frequently provides consultations to its wide range of clients on property rehabilitation strategies as well as presenting alternative and cost-effective options for the removal of chemical contaminants. CTI provides a range of services for real estate purchasers, in addition to the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, that include:

· Phase II Environmental Site Assessments

· Brownfield Assessments

· Business Environmental Risk

· Remedial Action Oversight and Ongoing Monitoring

If our client acquires a Brownfield, CTI often serves as oversight consultants during the remediation to ensure that our client’s interests are properly represented throughout the cleanup process.

Do I really need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?

In a word: Yes. This assessment is required for any commercial real estate purchase that is financed through a bank loan. Our goal at CTI is to protect our clients from CERCLA liability and making a bad real estate investment. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment will provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have met your due diligence obligation.

Three Important Steps to Reduce Fugitive Dust During Construction

ad@mybrandclarity.com (Robin Thorne) — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 06:17:01 GMT

Get the Facts About Dust Reduction

(Contributing Writer, Ronisa Shoate)

Fugitive dust is on the run and your business is required by law to keep it under arrest, so to speak. What do you do? The first step is to educate yourself.

Step One – Get the Facts: What is Fugitive Dust?

Fugitive Dust is air pollution. When dust is disturbed by wind and human activity (e.g. driving, construction work, leaf blowers), it rises and floats in the air. Based on the size of the particulate matter (PM) or particle pollution found in the air, it can be visible to the naked eye or visible only with the help of a microscope.

While larger particles (e.g. coarse sand and gravel) fall out of the air quickly, smaller particles (e.g. pollen and soot) can stay airborne for periods of time that range from days to years. Some PM are emitted directly from a specific source, including unpaved roads and construction sites. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies smaller particles as 10 microns diameter or smaller, or PM10.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), fugitive dust includes five general areas of dust emissions:

1. Construction and demolition

2. Materials handling

3. Paved roads

4. Unpaved roads

5. Storage piles.

Construction work that produces fugitive dust can occur in some of the following ways:

Ground clearing and preparation
Movement of equipment on-site
Transporting construction materials into and out of the work area

In the state of California, PM10 pollution is a serious problem. The enviable Southern California weather further complicates the issue as the warm, dry climate allows the dust to dry completely due to infrequent seasonal rainfall to hold back fugitive dust. In addition, seasonal winds like the Santa Ana winds distribute fugitive dust more widely. These factors are a source of environmental concern since fugitive dust is a matter of health and safety with harmful effects for the public.

Step Two – The Harmful Effects of Particulate Matter

As an air pollutant, fugitive dust is hazardous. If a business produces enough dust or smoke, this is a contributing factor to reduced visibility. During the summer months, fugitive dust reacts to the sun’s heat and produces smog.

Beyond the unpleasant appearance of the haze of smog, fugitive dust can cause many serious health problems. Based on the size of the particulate matter, fine particles can enter the mouth and nose through inhalation. This can cause respiratory problems and decrease lung function. And the effects are dangerous for people with existing health issues like asthma or heart disease.

Step Three – Arresting Fugitive Dust

Due to health and environmental considerations, controlling fugitive dust is the responsibility of businesses. And regulations on the Federal and State level enforce laws for additional protection. California Health and Safety Code Section 41700 (the State Nuisance Law) prohibit a person from discharging air contaminants that can harm the public. California air districts regulate business operations to ensure they adhere to rules that minimize fugitive dust emissions. Local Air Pollution Control Districts (APCD’s) and Air Quality Management Districts (AQMD’s) regulate sources of air pollution and issue air quality permits.

Businesses that create fugitive dust have a responsibility to take the proper precautions to control it. CTI offers practical solutions to help businesses stay in compliance with fugitive dust regulations before and during construction. We are well acquainted with the local agency’s rules and regulations as well as operation and compliance requirements of federal and state agencies.

With the use of your personalized dust prevention and control plan from CTI, construction work can take place responsibly with short-term impacts while maintaining good engineering practices. CTI can help you identify problem areas in advance and plan accordingly. We will provide you with a roadmap to compliance that will help us all breathe easier.

Top 10 Most Cited OSHA Violations

ad@mybrandclarity.com (Robin Thorne) — Tue, 16 May 2017 04:53:44 GMT

Every October, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases the list of the 10 most frequently cited health and safety violations for the fiscal year (from October 1-September 30). Here is the top ten list for 2016.

1. Fall Protection – 1926.501

The number one OSHA violation since 2011 is often due to organizations that do not provide appropriate protection to employees against life-threatening fall hazards.

2. H azard Communication – 1910.1200

Organizations are cited for the failure to implement a hazard communication program or inadequate training for their employees.

3. Scaffolding – 1926.451

Missing planks or holes in scaffold platforms and inadequate platform assembly are violations of this standard.

4. Respiratory Protection – 1910.134

Common violations include when employees experience overexposure to contaminants or wear improperly-fitted respirators.

5. Lockout/Tagout – 1910.147

Organizations are cited when no lockout/tagout procedure is in place to control energy sources in equipment and machines.

6. Powered Industrial Trucks – 1910.178

Violations are often for untrained operators or non-compliance with recertification requirements of Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT).

7. Ladders – 1926.1053

Improper use of ladders such as standing on the top rung and the use of inoperative ladders are violations of this construction rule.

8. Machine Guarding – 1910.212

Common violations include not anchoring fixed machinery to prevent them from moving.

9. Electrical Wiring – 1910.305

It is a violation of this standard when organizations use temporary wiring instead of permanent wiring and incorrectly use extension cords.

10. Electrical, General Requirements – 1910.303

Organizations are often cited when electrical equipment is improperly installed.

This list is simply the top ten of a long list of Cal/OSHA violations. The standards are in place to protect employers and employees. Safety violations highlight the serious dangers posed to employee safety, can cause damage to an organization’s reputation, and are expensive penalties.

Workplace hazards can be prevented. And hazard prevention is an investment that saves an organization the lives of its employees, prevents injuries, and saves money. CTI’s Regulatory Compliance Division helps organizations with strategic and proactive plans that meet OSHA compliance standards as well as to protect against reputational risk. Keeping employees safe is no small matter, it is of primary importance to find and address safety hazards before OSHA makes an appearance.

CTI has extensive relationships with agencies such as: SCAQMD, Cal-EPA, CalTrans, DTSC, Sanitation Districts, Cal OSHA, State Water Resource Control Board, Fire Departments, and many other regulatory agencies.

No matter the risk you face, CTI can assist you in evaluation of the project and will provide you with a roadmap to compliance while allowing you to achieve your business objectives.

(Contributing Writer, Ronisa Shoate)

www.ctienviro.com

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