Environmental Waste Profiling

Introduction

Highlands Environmental Solutions, Inc. (HES) was retained to conduct emergency environmental sampling following an industrial fire at a commercial printing and container manufacturer. A large portion of the building containing various ink, solvent and lubricant products was partially consumed. Water and foam products applied during fire suppression activities mixed with the chemicals stored at the facility, entered the facility stormwater system, and were eventually discharged to nearby surface water streams.

Overview

HES personnel rapidly mobilized to the scene and implemented a comprehensive surface water quality assessment to determine the concentrations of chemical released to nearby surface water bodies, and to determine if these chemicals had adversely impacted the natural environment. Additionally, HES personnel assisted in conducting an inventory chemicals and waste materials remaining in the facility that would require disposal.

HES implemented a comprehensive sampling program to determine the extent of chemically impacted building materials, and to determine if the waste material would be considered hazardous waste. Using data collected by HES, an industrial waste disposal company was able to segregate waste materials based on hazard classification, resulting in a reduction in the volume of material that required disposal as hazardous waste.

Furthermore, HES interacted extensively with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Management and U.S. EPA Region 4 regarding the monitoring of surface water quality and assessing other potential areas of environmental impact at the facility, which resulted from the fire.

Conclusion

With the assistance of HES, a demolition contractor was able to remove all waste materials from the property in an expeditious manner, such that facility restoration activities were able to begin within one week following the fire.