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Pyramid has been asked to participate in the Battelle 2011 Bioremediation & Sustainable Environmental Technologies conference in Reno, Nevada. The conference will reflect bioremediation's maturity & new directions in environmental research and application. It is a program for scientists, engineers, regulators, site government agencies, consultants and service firms from around the world to share ideas and success stories. Pyramid will be showcasing our work on Optimization of Aerobic Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons to Achieve Closure. A poster will be on display exhibiting the work we've completed using the iSoc tool. The iSoc is a system that provides pure oxygen infusion to groundwater treatment wells through micro-porous fibers.
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Pyramid wants to know what you think about us!
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Greetings!
Pyramid Environmental & Engineering is springing into summer with many projects that leave us sunburned and scratching mosquito bites!
We wish you a great start to summer and don't forget to visit our Facebook and Linked-In pages to stay up-to-date about Pyramid!
 
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Pyramid Assists VA Hospital
Pyramid was requested by the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the work required to close a petroleum release incident. The release was located at the bottom of an elevator shaft inside the VA Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. Previous environmental assessment of the elevator showed that hydraulic fluid had leaked from the elevator lift system into the underlying soil and groundwater. It was determined that an additional monitoring well was needed. Pyramid partnered with the VA Medical Hospital and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources to install the monitor well downgradient from the release area. The key issue was that downgradient meant almost twenty feet below ground level in the sub-basement of the building. The well was installed through a combination of coring and hand-augering, all performed with equipment lowered down two sets of stairs.
Once the well was installed and groundwater was sampled, it was determined there was no significant remaining petroleum contamination. The job was completed according to plan and the VA Hospital was granted closure. With the help of Pyramid Environmental, the VA Hosptial avoided the incident remaining open and enforceable for years to come. |
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Exploring On-Site Testing Equipment
 Pyramid Environmental recently welcomed Felecia Owen, president of QROS, to speak about their environmental chemical analysis onsite testing equipment. They provide a field analytical technique to determine type and concentration of contamination.
For Pyramid, the equipment best suited for our environmental needs is called QED. This hydrocarbon analyzer is able to identify as well as quantify the type of hydrocarbon in the sample. With this technique, more accurate results are available because the testing is done onsite and done immediately (i.e. no waiting for days or weeks for testing results). This equipment can easily be set up in the back of a vehicle or on a table.
Currently, Pyramid Environmental is in the process of testing the QED equipment and hopes to use it for future projects. If you know of a project that could benefit from quick sampling results call us and we will discuss this method with you.
For more information regarding QROS, please visit their website. |
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Vapor Encroachment:
What You Need to Know
Vapor Encroachment, formerly known also as Vapor Intrusion, is an environmental issue that is making waves in the real estate industry. Vapor Encroachment is caused by the release of volatile chemicals from contaminated soil and/or groundwater into indoor air spaces of overlying buildings. These chemicals migrate in ways similar to that of radon gas seeping into homes and can cause safety as well as health concerns. In extreme cases, vapors can cause explosions, acute health effects along with aesthetic problems (i.e. odors). Typically, the chemical levels are low and in some cases, may not be detectable however; there is still a concern regarding long-term exposure to these low levels and the risk it may pose. As a result of this possible hazard, the Environmental Protection. Agency has created federal regulations to help protect owners from incurring costs related to Vapor Encroachment.
ASTM has provided guidance in assessing properties involved in real estate transactions that have evidence of this environmental problem. To determine if Vapor Encroachment is present an ASTM E2600-10 Tier 1 assessment can be performed. Once Tier 1 has been completed and there is evidence of chemicals, a Tier 2 investigation may be required. Depending on the severity of the situation, different measures can be taken to correct the situation. The overall goal is to protect the owner from liability if Vapor Encroachment is present.
To find out more, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website. |
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This year has been flying by, and we are still plugging away at our projects. The environmental consulting business is outdoor work, and everyone is wondering who turned off the AC.
Soil and groundwater cleanups take time. Especially in the Piedmont, we have tightly packed, clay-rich soils that just don't cooperate with our efforts of pumping and pushing. Sometimes the old fashioned soil dig is still the best method we've got, but it can't always get the job done. Thus, if groundwater is a problem, we may have to try and clean it. Fortunately, our main ingredients are still bacteria and oxygen. If you are interested, read the article on our Battelle Conference presentation in this newsletter to see how we are applying our trusted ingredients with new technology.
Thank you to all our loyal customers, vendors, and employees for your support and efforts this year. Pyramid can't do it without you. |
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Sincerely, 
DOUG CANAVELLO
Pyramid Environmental |
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