Renovating a property listed on the historic registry is difficult. Doing it while also changing the property's intended use is even harder. Taking that on after a fire and with hazardous contamination present is the kind of challenge that requires experts from across industries to work together. When they do it successfully, the results can be spe...
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new drinking water standards to limit the concentration of a family of forever chemicals known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS. PFAS chemicals were widely used for years in various industrial and consumer products and have been linked to health issues. The new limits are a sig...
Anytime you sweep dirt into a dustpan, there's always that little line that remains on the floor. So you back the dustpan up an inch, start again, and keep going until the dirt line has all but vanished. No matter how well you sweep, there will always be a small amount of dust left. It's the same with residual contamination in the world of environm...
You've purchased brownfield property, conducted Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, installed a vapor intrusion mitigation system, completed a site investigation, and conducted remediation. But have you done enough? Site contamination has potentially lethal consequences and shouldn't be taken lightly. That's why engineers have a va...
For facilities storing hazardous chemicals, the deadline for Tier II inventory reporting is quickly approaching. Governed by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, known as EPCRA, Tier II Chemical Inventory reports are due March 1 for the previous reporting year. This is a fixed deadline, and extensions are not granted. Delayed rep...
Some scents, like chocolate chip cookies or fresh linen, evoke delight. Others, like smoke from a fire, serve as a warning, signaling that something could be wrong. But what if something was wrong – and you couldn't smell it? Those smells – or vapors – are perhaps the most harmful because you're breathing them without knowing it. Then, you don't ta...
Ongoing compliance with MS4 permits is among the most critical aspects of maintaining clean stormwater systems within your community. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires municipalities that are MS4 permit holders to conduct ongoing monitoring and reporting. There are six minimum control measures expected under MS4 permits: P...
Keeping bodies of water clean is a priority for everyone, which is why the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates MS4 permits. What are MS4 permits? Short for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, MS4 permits are required for municipalities that have water discharging into state or federal waters. Because that encompasses n...
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) intends to implement a new rule (32 Ill. Administrative Code 622) that addresses the ways radioactive water treatment residuals may be safely handled. IEMA is still accepting comments on these proposed rules. Expected to be in place by the end of this year, the incoming state guidelines will affect se...
For industries required to obtain an Illinois General Stormwater Permit, subtle changes went into effect this summer that will change a company's environmental responsibilities. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for stormwater discharges from industrial acti...
For brownfield redevelopment projects, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) might uncover evolving environmental concerns, including leaking underground storage tanks, contaminated soil or water and illegal waste disposal, among others. If a Phase I ESA identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions, including emerging contaminants of conc...
Blazing hot summer days can be brutal for everyone, but particularly for people working outside. Heat-related illness is a real concern for employers whose teams are working in the elements. That's why it's crucial for managers and workers to recognize the dangers of overheating – and how best to prevent it. Keep reading for a rundown of the main c...
Food manufacturers in Illinois and Ohio can expect additional Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections in 2023, after the federal safety agency noted higher-than-normal injuries at those facilities. OSHA issued an alert for food production facilities in Illinois and Ohio last month, saying it would launch a Local Emphasis Pr...
Approval for construction projects might require additional time and money moving forward, but for a good reason: protecting the balance of the natural ecosystem throughout Illinois. In 2015, the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat were listed as a threatened species, after a deadly disease of hibernating bats spread through their populations. ...
Sometimes, workers make poor choices. But as employers, it's our job to educate them to make the best ones. And as safety-conscious businesses who want to ensure safety while minimizing liability, keeping records of safety compliance is essential. Case in point: A worker on his break decided to use a company propane torch to light his cigar. It cau...
From small, boarded-up gas stations to abandoned factories, variously sized brownfields comprise familiar parts of the landscape across the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates more than 450,000 brownfields are situated throughout remote and urban settings. Often in economically distressed communities, the proximity of...
When you need to develop an effective soil remediation strategy for contaminated sites, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends short-term exposure prevention and long-term cleanup goals as essential strategic elements. Exposure to soil contamination may occur via direct pathways such as ingestion, inhalation or skin contact with ...
To prevent employees from getting sick or injured in the workplace, Industrial Hygiene (IH) Programs are necessary. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) defines Industrial Hygiene as the practice of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling workplace hazards to prevent employee injuries and illnesses. Having and unde...
Although lead pipes are often thought of as relics of a bygone era, they are still a common component of water systems. Recent estimates indicate that up to 12.8 million homes in the U.S. are served by water systems with lead service lines, which are most common in older homes and infrastructure. In the past, lead was a common water service line ma...
Most people are aware that lead and asbestos exposure can have health-threatening consequences. When there is cause for concern, being aware of the dangers of asbestos, lead and other toxins – and knowing how to prevent and remove them safely – is the first step. Inspections by licensed experts who test for lead and asbestos can ensure safety...
