Services
Exeter Environmental provides a broad range of hydrogeological and environmental assessment services, including:
- Oversight of Insurance Claims (fuel oil spills)
- Hydrogeologic Investigations
- Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)
- Phase II Site Assessments (subsurface investigations)
- Remedial Oversight and Documentation
- Underground Tank Closures and Documentation
- Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional (LSP) Services
Hydrogeologic Investigations
Hydrogeologic investigations are typically performed to determine groundwater quality and groundwater flow characteristics. They are required by state and local regulatory authorities in order to protect groundwater supplies. These studies require soil borings and the installation of groundwater monitoring wells, and may include the mapping of aquifer boundaries or the delineation of Wellhead Protection Areas.
Many towns require hydrogeologic investigations if a development is proposed within an aquifer protection zone, to insure protection of the underlying aquifer deposit. For example, a property developer may be asked to conduct a hydrogeologic investigation to determine potential groundwater impacts from the siting of multiple leachfields, or the construction of a community leachfield. Another example is that a proposed gravel pit may raise concerns over potential impacts to groundwater quality as well as availability.
Environmental Site Assessments
Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are typically conducted prior to a real estate transfer. The goal of any assessment is to determine if a subject property has been contaminated with oil or hazardous materials. The studies do not typically include radon, lead paint or asbestos, which can tested for with supplemental studies. A Phase I site assessment is typically conducted following the work scope and guidelines published by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM).
If a Phase I assessment reveals that a property has a history of chemical use, environmental problems, or underground storage tanks, then a Phase II subsurface investigation should be conducted. A Phase II study may include test pits, soil borings, the installation of groundwater monitoring wells, environmental sampling and analyses or geophysical surveys.
Potential property buyers should not attempt to rely solely on an ESA as a means to establish an "innocent landowner defense." While the performance of an ESA by a qualified consultant is an integral part of this defense, it does not in itself guarantee the defense. The ESA report becomes only a portion of the overall due diligence study undertaken by the potential purchaser.
Mr. Steven Shope, President of Exeter Environmental, is a Maine Certified Geologist, a New Hampshire Licensed Professional Geologist, a New Hampshire Licenced Monitoring Well Driller, and a Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional. Mr. Timothy Warr, Project Manager with Exeter Environmental, is a New Hampshire Licensed Professional Geologist.
