Phase I Environmental Site Assessments - A noninvasive environmental assessment of a defined study area in accordance with ASTM Method E 1527. The primary goal of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is to identify the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances on a property under conditions that indicate an existing, past, or threat of a release into structures or into the soil, groundwater, or surface water.

A Transaction Screen is an environmental site assessment conducted in accordance with ASTM Method E 1528 for low risk properties. These assessments are also commonly conducted by nonenvironmental professionals such as bankers and attorneys in order to conduct due diligence prior to property transaction.

Phase II Site Investigations - Invasive subsurface soil and/or groundwater sample collection and analysis activities are designed and performed by Prism to investigate the presence of or delineate the extent of subsurface impact. Investigative activities necessary for an adequate evaluation of potential concerns could range from a single soil sample collection and analysis event to a comprehensive subsurface soil and groundwater sample collection and analysis program involving numerous soil borings and sampling depths. The strategies appropriate for subsurface investigations vary as significantly as the different types of properties, processes, and chemicals encountered. The most effective subsurface investigations are specifically developed for each property with consideration given to purpose, schedule, and cost-effectiveness.

Baseline Environmental Assessments (BEAs) - Purchasers in Michigan have an opportunity to acquire adversely impacted property without acquiring liability for comprehensive investigation and remediation through the preparation and disclosure of a BEA. A BEA is an evaluation that reasonably defines (at the time of purchase or occupancy) the existing environmental condition so that, in the event of a subsequent release of hazardous materials, there is a means of distinguishing the new release from existing contamination. This opportunity has resulted in the reuse of many sites where a transaction was encumbered by real or perceived environmental concerns. Prism has successfully conducted numerous BEAs for various clients resulting in the reuse of many commercial and industrial properties.

Due Care Compliance Analysis - In accordance with Section 20107a of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, owners of property who have knowledge that their site is impacted above criteria established for residential properties have certain Due Care obligations. Due Care obligations pertain to issues such as avoiding exacerbation of existing impact, mitigation of unacceptable exposures, and providing notice of abandoned or discarded containers. Under the rules for compliance with Section 20107a, written documentation is required to be maintained and provided to the State of Michigan upon request.

Storage Tank Management - Compliance with Part 211 and Part 213 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act and with Michigan's Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids rules. Requirements for aboveground storage tanks and underground storage tanks vary depending on the tank size, function/usage, and product stored. Prism provides storage tank management services from system design and installation to removal and assessment. Prism is an experienced Qualified Underground Storage Tank Consultant and maintains proper pollution liability insurance.

Hydrogeological Investigations - Hydrogeological investigations involve data collection necessary to determine chemical and/or physical characteristics of aquifer(s) on a site-specific basis. Consisting of borehole advancement, groundwater sample collection/analysis, monitor well installation, surveying, and physical aquifer characteristic testing, hydrogeological investigations provide the necessary information from which decisions are made regarding or affecting water resources. Some of the issues warranting hydrogeological investigations include environmental contaminant migration delineation, remediation feasibility analysis, environmental risk assessment, potable water supply applicability determination, and regulated retention basins/lagoons monitoring.

Environmental Statistical Analysis - Environmental statistical analysis involves the development of sampling strategies for different environmental media to achieve defensible sampling objectives and utilizing appropriate statistical methods for comparison of data to applicable cleanup criteria. Sampling strategies vary based on project goals, knowledge of the distribution of hazardous substances on the project site, the variability of the hazardous substances in the environmental media to be sampled, and cost. As a result, decisions as to whether or not to utilize statistics and to the extent at which statistics are used are dependent on an evaluation of exposure pathways, intended land use, and type of conclusion being made with the results (e.g., site characterization, hot-spot identification, in-situ monitoring, remedial action, and verification of remediation and closure). If statistical analysis is appropriate for a given exposure pathway or condition, an appropriate data set will be generated by Prism. Proper evaluation of the data set to assess compliance for an exposure pathway and/or condition involves utilizing the appropriate statistical method(s) and error analysis for comparing the data to regulatory limits.

Groundwater Monitoring - Groundwater monitoring is performed to provide information regarding the status of groundwater impact at a given facility or to monitor groundwater quality in association with lagoon operation. Monitor wells are appropriately purged and sampled by Prism personnel utilizing low-flow sampling techniques. The monitoring frequency (e.g., quarterly, semiannual, or annual) is determined by such factors as purpose, site conditions, data trends, and the project status with respect to site closure. Groundwater samples collected are submitted (under chain of custody documentation) to a qualified independent laboratory and subjected to specified chemical analysis. Alternatives are typically evaluated on the basis of intended land use, cost, potential receptors, ease of implementation and practicality.

Risk Based Corrective Action - RBCA is a practical approach to site closure where actual site conditions are evaluated for intended use, exposure pathways, regulated substance concentrations, and risk in accordance with established procedures. Rather than merely comparing site conditions to standardized tables and responding if conditions exceed criteria, environmentally-impaired properties can be investigated and closed on a site-specific basis-sometimes with little or no remediation required. The necessary level of investigation and appropriate types of response activities will vary from site to site depending on the identified risk.

Feasibility Studies - A feasibility study is a systematic evaluation of possible abatement, mitigation, or remediation alternatives for an identified contamination issue. Feasibility analysis can also involve evaluation of applicable treatment options, execution of bench or pilot studies, development of innovative approaches, cost comparisons of effective technologies, consideration of operation and maintenance requirements, anticipated longevity, and overall project costs. A feasibility analysis is typically conducted between the delineation phase and the implementation/construction phase.

Third Party Reviews - Occasionally, there is concern regarding overall project strategy/approach, data interpretation, costs, conclusions, or recommendations. There are also some instances where a conflict of interest might be present. Third party reviews are conducted to clarify, render opinions, or provide professional guidance in these situations. Whether requested by responsible parties, owner/operators, attorneys, or other stakeholders, third party reviews are performed by Prism by applying professional objectivity, knowledge, and experience to a broad spectrum of project-specific concerns.