Utilities

Analytical Support for CCR Sites

On April 17, 2015, EPA published the final rule on the disposal of CCR for electric utilities, establishing the nationally applicable criteria
for the safe disposal of CCR. The rule defines groundwater monitoring requirements in landfills and surface impoundments, and requires monitoring for 30 years past the closure of the facility.

Complex Methods and Sample Matrices

CCR groundwater samples can be complex. You need a laboratory that understands how to handle samples appropriately, minimizing the possibility of false positives. Eurofins Environment Testing recommends the use of ICP/MS with collision cell technology for the analysis of CCR metals samples. This technology will reduce the potential of matrix interference which can directly lead to false positive results, while also providing the high levels of sensitivity required by the CCR regulation.

Eurofins Environment Testing also offers several radiochemistry analysis options for the determination of Radium 226 and 228. As each site has unique needs, we recommend discussing your objectives with your Eurofins Environment Testing representative so that we can create a plan that best suits your needs.

Eurofins Environment Testing’s Programmatic Approach

The CCR rule requires the development of a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) for each site. Partnering with Eurofins Environment Testing early in the SAP process allows us to assist you in the creation of the SAP, providing information on sample collection and preservation, methods, reporting limits, chains of custody and quality assurance and control procedures.

Once the SAP is created, Eurofins Environment Testing can begin to enter your data into our proprietary Sites and Events tool which allows us to manage your project using a programmatic approach. Our approach manages your sampling program and data in their entirety, as opposed to multiple individual sampling events. The Sites and Events tool facilitates the creation of recurring bottle orders, chains of custody and bottle labels to aid in field logistics. Further, the tool includes a historical data comparison program to identify outliers and suspect results that can be addressed prior to reporting data. Catching these situations early reduces risk, and allows timely action to be taken by the client and laboratory.

Once reported, data is available on Eurofins Environment Testing’s online data portal, MyEOL. The portal is available 24/7, and provides secure access to lab generated reports, EDDs and invoices. MyEOL also allows clients to create custom tables with data from multiple sampling events, which can then be compared to pre-loaded regulatory limits or custom site-specific limits inputted by the client. To learn more, please visit our MyEOL page.

The CCR rule requires testing for the following monitoring parameters:

Complexity of Decommissioning Efforts

The decommissioning of physical assets can be a complex process from an environmental prospective. Throughout the process, both anticipated and unanticipated constituents of concern may be identified in the building material that must be handled with appropriate levels of caution and care. It can often prove challenging to collect representative samples from bulky debris, and failure to do so can result in reduced quality and biased data. Eurofins Environment Testing has extensive experience with appropriate and effective sub-sampling techniques for a wide range of challenging matrices, reducing your risk of inaccurate data and unnecessary future sampling events.

In addition to standard waste characterization testing at decommissioning sites, regulators often require specialized analyses for asbestos, lead based paint, caulking and air monitoring. Partnering with a laboratory that can provide the expertise and analytical capabilities to provide all of these services will reduce your time spent coordinating vendors, as well as lessen your financial burden and risk.

Eurofins Environment Testing’s Capabilities in Support of Decommissioning Projects

Eurofins Environment Testing is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive laboratory support from our network of 24 laboratories, in conjunction with nearly 40 local service centers providing logistical support throughout the United States. Our analytical methods utilize EPA’s SW-846 guidance, ensuring reliable and reproducible results that are complaint with regulatory guidelines.

Our network supports the analysis of many common constituents of potential concern (COPCs) which can include volatiles, semi-volatiles including PAHs, pesticides, PCB Aroclors, metals, and petroleum products using GRO, DRO, ORO and other analytical methods. In addition to these standard methods, Eurofins Environment Testing offers ambient air testing for PCB aroclors and other common constituents, asbestos and microbial testing through our sister-company EMLab P&K, and a full suite of waste characterization parameters in support of material disposal at TSCA, RCRA Subtitle C and D facilities.

How Can Eurofins Environment Testing Help You?

Eurofins Environment Testing provides a single source solution for your laboratory needs as they relate to asset decommissioning. Partnering with one laboratory vendor reduces the complexity of field operations, allowing you to devote your time to other, more productive activities. Our network is linked together through a common platform, or laboratory information management system (LIMS), ensuring adequate capacity and allowing us to seamlessly deliver data that meet your needs. Results from all Eurofins Environment Testing labs are delivered in one, easy to read report, excel file or electronic deliverable. Data is also available 24/7 on our online portal, MyEOL, making data retrieval and analysis efficient and convenient whether you’re at your desk or at the site.

Regulatory Compliance for Discharge Waters

Under the The Clean Water Act (CWA), EPA implemented wastewater standards for industry and water quality standards for all contaminants in surface waters. EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulates point sources that discharge pollutants into bodies of water. Permits are issued to industry for industrial wastewater and storm water. A state may receive authorization for one or more of the NPDES program components, and if EPA approves the state program, the state assumes permitting authority.

Effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) are the primary mechanism in NPDES permits for controlling discharges to receiving waters. Discharge limits are based on both the technology available to control the pollutants and limits that are protective of the water quality standards of the receiving water.

Eurofins Environment Testing's Compliance Monitoring Program

Eurofins Environment Testing’s approach to discharge monitoring includes services such as sampling support, courier services, laboratory analyses and customized data delivery options to meet your individualized and regulatory needs. Experienced project management professionals work with you to implement testing methods that meet the requirements of your specific discharge permit. Test methods may include routine EPA methods as well as special programmatic methods to ensure compliance with the new Utility Sector ELGs such as the analysis of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) discharge waters, selenium speciation and arsenic speciation.

• Sampling Support
  • Eurofins Environment Testing provides coolers, packing material, certified pre-cleaned bottles with applicable preservatives, and pre-printed chains of custody directly to the sampling site or office. Our bottle kits reduce the potential for error in the field by providing the correct containers with the applicable preservatives and paperwork based upon the analyses outlined in the permit. Many Eurofins Environment Testing laboratories also provide field sampling services.
• Laboratory Analysis
  • Samples received at the laboratory are logged into our industry leading Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) based on the information provided on the Chain of Custody. Sample receipt confirmation forms detailing sample collection information and requested analyses are sent to client contacts after receipt to reduce error potential, and ensure proactive communication with clients.
• Reports and Data Delivery
  • Eurofins Environment Testing’s network of laboratories is linked by a single LIMS, allowing Eurofins Environment Testing to provide clients with one easy to read report and electronic data deliverable (EDD), regardless of where samples are analyzed within our network. Clients have the option to receive their data in one of more than 2,500 formats, as well as via our online data portal, MyEOL. MyEOL also allows clients to compare laboratory data to regulatory limits.

Eurofins Environment Testing Assists With Legacy Challenges At Manufactured Gas Plants (MGP)

Eurofins Environment Testing has been a leader in providing laboratory services for MGP programs for more than 20 years. We offer all of the required test methods for water, soil, sediment and air on a very fast turnaround time. Time sensitive decisions are required for the disposal of excavated soil, the use of clean backfill, to optimize the use of heavy equipment and to demonstrate that general ambient air quality is acceptable. Eurofins Environment Testing uses local courier services for the delivery of sampling equipment and to pick up samples, and provides data in near real time through MyEOL, our 24/7 on-line data portal.

Manufactured gas plant (MGP) operations began in the United States in the late 1800s and ceased operations in the 1950s. Manufactured gas was produced locally from coal, coal/oil mixtures, or from petroleum. It served as a community’s primary source of gas fuel, before the development of natural gas systems, for heating, lighting and cooking. There were an estimated 50,000 manufactured gas plants that operated in the United States between the 1800s and the 1950s.

MGPs were often located along a river at the edge of a town or city. Today, legacy MGP sites are often surrounded by parks, residential housing and/or industry. MGP structures and equipment were generally dismantled decades ago but the legacy environmental issues associated with coal tar and other byproducts may remain. The substances of concern related to MGP operations include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals. BTEX compounds are volatile hydrocarbons found in MGP byproducts and also found in most petroleum products such as gasoline. PAHs are also found in MGP byproducts as well as many petroleum products, such as asphalt.

Utilities generally maintain ownership of the sites since today’s large utility companies formed over the years through the merger of many small, local gas companies.

Ambient and Indoor Air

Air monitoring stations may be used to evaluate the general air quality at the perimeter of the site. Eurofins Environment Testing provides sampling equipment such as canisters, tubing, filters and sorbent materials for the collection of samples that will be sent to an offsite laboratory. Test methods typically include TO-13 for PAHs, TO-15 for VOCs, and filters for the collection and analysis of particulates and metals.

Eurofins Environment Testing also provides equipment and testing services for indoor air and soil gas testing to determine if subsurface MGP contamination is negatively impacting indoor air quality in surrounding buildings. To learn more, please visit our Air section. Please click on the following links to download detailed guidance concerning Summa Canister Sampling, Soil Gas Sampling Instructions, and Field Leak Testing Procedures.

Soil, Sediment, and Water

Many states have regulations that are broader in scope than the federal regulations for the management of MGP soil and sediment. Eurofins Environment Testing works with consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to select and use the appropriate methods for the analysis of soil and sediment samples.

Surface and groundwater samples may be collected as part of MGP investigation and remediation programs, depending on the location of nearby creeks or rivers, if groundwater has been impacted or if rain events occur during the clean-up process. Drinking water samples will generally be collected only if sources of drinking water are impacted.

Eurofins Environment Testing's Support of Long Term Groundwater Monitoring

Eurofins Environment Testing partners with clients performing routine groundwater monitoring, utilizing a programmatic approach to lower costs and mitigate client risk. Our programmatic approach to groundwater monitoring includes many services including sampling support, industry leading laboratory analyses, and customized data delivery options to meet your individualized and regulatory needs.

To ensure the success of a long term monitoring project, Eurofins Environment Testing suggests the development of a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP), together with the lab, to establish key information that will be utilized in our programmatic approach. Information in the SAP includes primary points of contact, sampling schedules, required reporting limits and background analyte concentrations present at the site. Utilizing this information, Eurofins Environment Testing provides support to clients in the following key areas:

• Sampling Support
  • Eurofins Environment Testing provides coolers, packing material, certified pre-cleaned bottles with applicable preservatives to prevent leakage, and pre-printed chains of custody directly to the sampling site or office. Our bottle kits reduce the potential of error in the field by providing the correct containers with the applicable preservatives and paperwork based upon the analyses outlined in the SAP.
• Laboratory Analysis
  • Samples received at the laboratory are logged into our industry leading Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) based on the information provided on the chain of custody and the SAP. Sample receipt confirmation forms detailing sample collection information and requested analyses will be sent to client contacts after receipt to reduce error potential, and ensure proactive communication with clients.
• Data Delivery
  • Eurofins Environment Testing’s network of more than 80 locations across the nation are linked by a single LIMS, allowing Eurofins Environment Testing to provide clients with one report or EDD, regardless of where samples are analyzed within our network. Our single platform also allows our analysts to perform historical data review and comparisons to background levels to identify outliers or data anomalies prior to reporting data. Once data is ready to report, clients have the option to receive their data in one of our 2,500 formats, as well as via our online data portal, MyEOL.