Project Experience

Environmental Health & Safety

Regulatory Compliance

Manufacturing Facility, EHS Compliance Services, Glens Falls, NY
Ambient performed an EHS regulatory compliance review to support ISO 14001 re-certification efforts at this manufacturing facility.  Although ISO re-certification was accomplished, several EHS issues were identified and addressed such as waste management and consistency in Health and Safety program implementation.  Ambient followed up with a H&S gap analyses, then developed and implemented a program to address HAZCOM, Lock Out / Tag Out, Personal Protective Equipment and other programs.  Ambient conducted training and helped establish sustainable, on-going programs.

Aggregates Mining and Concrete Producer, EHS Compliance, Central New York
This 24-facility heavy building materials company is subject to state and federal environmental regulations, OSHA, MSHA and other regulatory programs.   Ambient’s Senior Consultant directed the ‘outsourced EHS department’ responsible for EHS compliance. Working with senior management, this team performed an EHS assessment of corporate programs and compliance status of all facilities, identified opportunities for improvement, and developed programs, plans and procedures that were implemented to achieve the client’s EHS goals.  To assure project sustainability, Ambient’s Senior Consultant developed and implemented a systematic and cost-effective EHS program utilizing outsourced and in-house resources.  Activities included training, continuous-improvement audits, inspections, monitoring, incident investigation and regular meetings with management.

Private Party, Petroleum Bulk Storage NOV Resolution, Lake Placid, NY.
NYSDEC issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to a facility owner in Lake Placid, NY.  The proposed penalty related to alleged violations of Petroleum Bulk Storage (PBS) regulations was $50,000.  Ambient’s Senior Consultant met with facility owner, evaluated each NOV item with respect to site conditions, documented errors in the NYSDEC NOV and associated inspection report, recommended several facility upgrades and managed the implementation of those upgrades, documented all work and provided a detailed response to NYSDEC.  Ambient’s Senior Consultant represented the facility owner at a settlement conference and obtained a release with a ninety percent reduction in the fine.

Equipment Sales, Rental and Repair Company: EHS Compliance Program, Syracuse, NY
This materials handling equipment company has five facilities in New York providing material handling and small construction equipment sales, rental and repair.  Ambient’s Senior Consultant was retained to evaluate EHS compliance at all facilities, assess corporate EHS programs, and upgrade current programs to improve the company’s EHS performance.  Over one year, Ambient’s Senior Consultant directed the evaluation of EHS compliance; development of comprehensive EHS policies, procedures and guidelines; preparation of support documents and inspection forms; preparation of training programs and provided training; development of plans and procedures such as SPCC plans, lock out – tag out procedures, and job safety analyses; developed a comprehensive compliance calendar with roles and responsibilities, and implemented a cost-saving waste reduction program.  Ambient is currently providing ongoing support.

Private Golf Course: Clean Water Act NOV Resolution, Northern New York.
A golf course / resort area near Watertown, New York received a Notice of Violation (NOV) related to Clean Water Act and the Freshwater Wetlands Act.  Ambient’s Senior Consultant worked with counsel as an expert in addressing alleged violations included illegal disposal in freshwater wetlands, encroaching on freshwater wetlands, and illegal discharge to unpermitted and non-compliant septic systems.  Ambient’s Senior Consultant provided expert hydrology and engineering support in defense of these claims.  Numerous violations of the Clean Water Act and the Freshwater Wetlands Act were alleged, each with a threatened fine of $37,500 per day.  Ambient’s Senior Consultant supported counsel in negotiating a Consent Order that carried a violation of $2,500 and referenced corrections in either documentation or site conditions, many of which had already been implemented.

Litigation Support, Pesticide Distribution Facility, Binghamton, NY.
Ambient’s Senior Consultant provided litigation support to defendant’s council related to compliance with pesticide storage, handling and distribution regulations.  The Senior Consultant performed site visits and detailed document reviews, prepared expert reports, provided depositions, and appeared in court to provide expert testimony at a bench trial.  The outcome was favorable for the defendant.

Business Transactions

Banks and Financial Institutions, Various Sites, Nationwide
Ambient professionals have conducted hundreds of Phase I ESAs and Phase II Site investigations including assignments working directly for over 25 banks and financial institutions at facilities across the USA.  Projects have included single site and multiple locations with end use including industrial, commercial, hospitality (hotel, restaurant, etc.), automobile dealers, recreation (golf courses, marinas, etc.), and other ongoing or planned uses.  Ambient takes a practical and flexible approach to the Phase I ESA process while still protecting the potential users and meeting ASTM requirements.

Former Manufacturing Facility, Phase I ESA and Follow Up, Central New York.
This former industrial Site consisted of approximately 270,000 square feet of interior space on a 6.4-acre parcel in Central New York.  Ambient conducted a Phase I ESA and identified several RECs and outstanding compliance issues, along with unknown waste materials in the building.  To facilitate an impending transaction, Ambient characterized and arranged for proper disposal of hazardous waste, addressed all RECs and compliance issues, and accommodated environmental considerations to allow completion of the transaction.

Building Supply Company, Acquisition Due Diligence, Northeast / Atlantic Coast.
Ambient’s Senior Consultant directed and managed the assessment of 55 lumber and building supply outlets on behalf of the purchaser. This assessment consisted of the visual review of all sites with the identification of significant potential environmental liabilities. Site reports documenting potential issues were assembled and recommendations for further investigative actions were presented. In addition, cost estimates for the remedy of potential environmental liabilities were formulated and presented in a tabular report which, when summed, presented the total environmental impairment estimates for potential environmental and asbestos liabilities. The Senior Consultant managed the work in association with the buyer’s acquisition team to formulate a purchase arrangement that protected the buyer from the most severe environmental exposures.

Former Bus Terminal/Repair Facility, Voluntary Cleanup Program, Syracuse, New York
To support the purchase and redevelopment of the former bus terminal / repair facility, Ambient personnel performed a Phase I ESA at the site which identified several areas of concern, including petroleum-impacted soil, PCB-containing transformers, PCB-containing light ballasts, asbestos-containing materials in the site building, various containers of hazardous chemicals and substances, numerous in-ground hydraulic piston lifts, and pigeon waste throughout the building. To characterize areas of concern, Ambient personnel evaluated previously available documentation and reports, asbestos surveys, and historic site plans and then designed and implemented a comprehensive, multi-phase site investigation program. Ambient professionals also managed the performance of an asbestos survey of the building.

Following completion of the investigation tasks, we developed a remedial program, which would allow for cleanup of the site under the New York State Voluntary Cleanup Program (NYS VCP). We prepared the VCP work plan and application and worked with the developer’s legal counsel to negotiate a favorable remedial program for the site.  Site cleanup and redevelopment was performed on time and within budget.

 Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessment, Auto Glass Service Facility, Syracuse, New York.
Ambient personnel completed a Phase I/Phase II environmental site assessment in support of a property transaction involving an auto glass service facility located in Syracuse, NY.  Phase I activities identified multiple recognized environmental conditions (RECs) at the subject site, including the untreated discharge of the onsite building’s floor drain system directly to ground surface.  Shallow impacts to soils associated with the RECs were detected and delineated through the Phase II soil sampling program.  Ambient professionals evaluated the sampling data and determined the impacts to soils were likely caused by a combination of historic filling and industrial activities in the area as well as onsite activities.  Based on the data evaluation and proposed future usage of the property, Ambient professionals provided recommendations to remediate the site in a manner that would be protective to human health and the environment through excavation and offsite disposal of shallow soils.

Metal Finishing and Plating Facility- Vernon, New York.
Ambient personnel provided due diligence services for the purchaser of this molding, finishing and plating facility in Vernon, NY.  Services included site evaluation in accordance with the ASTM Standard for Environmental Site Assessment, recommendations for corrective actions, oversight of corrective actions on behalf of the corporate buyer, supporting negotiations between buyer and seller, final inspection and reporting.  Several recognized Environmental Conditions were identified and rectified in an expedited fashion, allowing the transaction to be completed within the desired timeframe.

Former Bus Garage Facility, Watertown, New York.
Ambient personnel conducted an ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of a former bus garage facility to support a pending property transaction.  Multiple recognized environmental conditions were identified at the subject property including two underground storage tanks (USTs) that were removed without proper documentation; an in-place UST out of compliance with current regulations; floor drains with uncontrolled discharge points within portions of the building with staining on the floors and oil and chemical storage lacking appropriate containment; and the accumulation of ash and soot on the floor, ceilings and walls of the building associated with a vehicle fire that occurred within the garage.  Phase II recommendations were implemented to address all identified areas of concern and the transaction closed based on a complete understanding of site conditions.

Site Remediation and Restoration

Sphere Development: Brownfield Redevelopment (Former Auto Dealer)- Herkimer, NY.
Ambient personnel identified this 2.5-acre site just off the NYS Thruway as a prime site for re-development, and presented the site to a known developer.  Areas of concern at this former automobile dealership included UST locations, in-ground hydraulic lifts, floor drains, surface disposal of paint waste, and hazardous building materials (asbestos, lead, PCBs).  Ambient’s Project Director worked with developers to arrive at an alternative use; performed Phase I/Phase II activities; met with NYSDEC to obtain entry into the NYS BCP; prepared work plans for site remediation and building demolition; and implemented the Work Plan which included surface and subsurface remediation, groundwater cleanup, sub-slab vapor extraction, and hazardous materials management (including conducting all Community Participation activities).  The project was completed in less than 12 months- unprecedented for a BCP project.  A new Tractor Supply store operates at this site.

Superfund Site Investigation and Remediation- Elmira, NY.

Ambient’s’ Senior Consultant managed all aspects of this $10 million NPL site investigation, interim remediation, and final remedial design; including RI, RA, FS, Interim Remedial Measures (IRM), pre-design studies, remedial design, construction management and regulatory negotiations. Site concerns included soil, sediment, and surface water contaminated with PCBs, metals, oils and chlorinated solvents and ground water contaminated with chlorinated solvents, metals, and petroleum products. Interim Remedial Measures (IRM)  included soil and drum excavation, characterization and off-site disposal. Final remedial measures included soil excavation and off-site disposal, sediment stabilization, construction of an on-site containment cell, stream diversion and sediment removal, and ground water capture and treatment. An on-site industrial landfill was also closed as part of the remediation effort.

Time Warner: Former Bus / Train Station Brownfield Redevelopment- Syracuse, NY.
Areas of concern at this former train station/bus terminal included petroleum-impacted soil, PCB-containing transformers, PCB-containing light ballasts, asbestos-containing materials in the site building, various containers of hazardous chemicals and substances, and pigeon waste throughout the building. To facilitate redevelopment, Ambient’s Senior Consultant developed a remedial program, which would allow for cleanup of the site under the New York State Voluntary Cleanup Program (NYS VCP) and worked with the developer’s legal counsel to negotiate a favorable remedial program for the site.  Remediation activities included removal and disposal of petroleum-impacted soils and soils containing heavy metals, UST and hydraulic lift removal, confirmation soil sampling and analyses, evaluation of historic site features, installation of monitoring wells, and evaluation of groundwater. Exterior remediation tasks were conducted concurrently with site redevelopment activities in accordance with stringent schedule requirements.  A state-of-the-art 24-hour news station now operates on this site.

 Ventura Development: Brownfield Redevelopment (Hazardous Waste Site)- Herkimer, NY.
Ambient personnel identified this 11.7-acre abandoned scrapyard as a prime commercial development site; however, development had been precluded due to its condition and Hazardous Waste Site status.  Our Senior Consultant identified an interested developer, then took the lead in applying for VCP consideration and developing a remedial approach that would be cost-effective and allow for on-site construction of a supermarket. We negotiated with NYSDEC and achieved a workable approach that would limit the liability of the developer.  Site investigation activities included geophysical surveys, soil borings, monitoring well installation, test pits, multi-media sampling, data evaluation and report preparation. Upon completion of the site investigation, we evaluated data and prepared the VCP site remediation work plan and specification.  Site remediation and development activities included underground storage tank removal, soil excavation and off-site disposal, construction of an on-site cell for soil consolidation and capping, building demolition, and ground water monitoring. Our innovative remedial approach saved the client over $500,000 and resulted in the construction of a new grocery store on this former Hazardous Waste Site.

City of Lockport: Brownfield Redevelopment of a Waterfront City Block- Lockport, NY.
Ambient’s Senior Consultant was retained by the City of Lockport to evaluate site conditions at a waterfront city block to determine the potential for restoration and redevelopment. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and limited Phase II ESA was performed, and estimated the scope of work and associated cost to investigate, remediate and restore the site for beneficial use.  Phase I / Phase II results were used to support an application for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) funding under the Clean Water / Clean Air Bond Act. The application was accepted and a State Assistance Contract was obtained. Detailed Work Plans and investigation / remediation specifications were developed and finalized in negotiation with NYSDEC.  Restoration work included UST and hydraulic lift removal, remediation of soil affected by heavy metals, asbestos abatement and building demolition.  Our efforts resulted in complete site remediation as “Interim Remedial Measures” (IRMs), which reduced the project schedule by over 12 months and saved the developer and the City over $300,000. The site is now a waterfront park and gathering place, shops, and apartments.

Operating Foundry: PCB Remediation- Utica, NY.
A release of several hundred gallons of transformer oil from an electrical substation at this facility resulted in PCB contamination of storm water sewers, soil and sediment.  Ambient’s Senior Consultant managed the response to this spill and immediately recovered a majority of the released oil.  Measures were taken to halt the spread of PCBs and evaluate all affected structures and media.  On behalf of the client, the Senior Consultant negotiated response actions and cleanup standards with local, state, and federal regulators. Site remediation efforts included soil excavation and off-site disposal, decontamination of electrical substation equipment, cleaning and confirmation sampling of subgrade storm water piping, stream diversion and sediment removal, streambed restoration, closure report preparation, and site closure.

Industrial Hygiene and Safety

Manufacturing Facility, EHS Compliance Services, Glens Falls, NY
Ambient performed health & safety regulatory compliance review at this manufacturing facility and identified opportunities to improve its health & safety program and procedures.  Ambient developed and implemented a program to address HAZCOM, Lock Out / Tag Out, Personal Protective Equipment, respiratory protection, confined space and other programs.  Ambient conducted training and helped establish sustainable, on-going programs.

Aggregates Mining and Concrete Producer, EHS Compliance, Central New York
This 24-facility heavy building materials company is subject to state and federal health & safety regulations including OSHA and MSHA.  Ambient’s Senior Consultant directed and outsourced staff of H&S professionals and internal management resources to identified opportunities for improvement, and developed programs, plans and procedures that were implemented to achieve the client’s safety goals.  Activities included developing programs and procedures, training, continuous-improvement audits, inspections, monitoring, incident investigation and regular meetings with management.

Equipment Sales, Rental and Repair Company: EHS Compliance Program, Syracuse, NY

This materials handling equipment company has five facilities in New York providing material handling and small construction equipment sales, rental and repair.  Ambient’s Senior Consultant was retained to evaluate EHS compliance at all facilities, including developing and implementing a robust corporate Health & Safety program.  We directed the development of comprehensive H&S policies, procedures and guidelines; preparation of support documents and inspection forms; preparation of training programs and provided training; development of plans and procedures such as confined space, lock out – tag out, job safety analyses; cranes and lifts, HAZCOM, SDS management, etc.  Ambient is currently providing ongoing program support.