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Need to know what's underground? Our geophysical services can help!
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Pyramid is a GSA Contract Holder!
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Greetings!
Pyramid Environmental & Engineering invites you to take a look at this month's publication providing the latest news and information on environmental issues.
In this issue:
- Geophysics in the world of geotechnical engineering - applications and benefits
- November Water Conservation Segment - Water Reuse and Reclamation
- Employee Spotlight
 
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Geophysics in the World of Geotechnical Engineering: Applications and Benefits
Many of you know Pyramid as an environmental firm. However, our geophysical capabilities can also provide geotechnical engineering and design firms with valuable resources in site characterization and pre-design planning.
Combining geophysical mapping with traditional sampling techniques can help "fill in the gaps" between sampling locations and provide a more comprehensive analysis of the subsurface at a project site.
Such information can be used by geotechnical engineers to more effectively design foundations based on accurate subsurface conditions, or repair/modify existing structures.
Geotechnical drilling programs are designed to characterize the subsurface at a project site in order to properly design foundations and avoid any subsurface hazards. However, drilling alone only provides isolated locations where subsurface information is obtained. Performing a geophysical survey at a project site prior to designing the drilling program provides continuous geologic data across the site, without missing any areas of concern. The results of the geophysical survey can help to design a more strategic drilling program that is focused on potential anomalies, as well as reducing the total number of borings required to characterize the site.
Applications of Geophysical Mapping to Geotechnical Problems:
- Depth and integrity of subsurface rock formations
- Soil type, thickness, and distribution
- Aid in pile design and location, foundation design
- Cut-fill operations - map soil type, rock integrity/depth, quantify pre- and post-compaction densities
- IBC Site Classification
- Concrete inspection - map rebar locations, moisture intrusion, identify the presence of reinforcement mesh, etc.
Benefits of Geophysics in Geotechnical Applications:
- Geophysical data are continuous and fill in gaps between borings
- Geophysical surveys will pinpoint anomalous features that may have been missed by a traditional drilling program
- Significant cost savings can occur by reducing the total number of borings required at a project site
Contact us today to discuss your own geotechnical issues and the added value of incorporating geophysical surveys!
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Water Reuse and Reclamation in North Carolina
This month our Water Shortage and Conservation in North Carolina segment focuses on water reuse and reclamation within the state. The recycling and reuse of industrial and waste water can provide a significant total savings in both water and energy if implemented properly. Examples of water reuse in North Carolina and throughout the country include the use of condensate for cooling tower makeup, closed-loop recycling systems where wastewater is repeatedly recycled back through the process in which the water was generated, the collection of rainwater for irrigation, and recycling water from processes such as vehicle cleaning or sewer cleaning.
On a more specific level, the use of reclaimed water also helps in conservation efforts. Reclaimed water is highly treated waste water from a municipal wastewater treatment system that is utilized for beneficial and appropriate purposes. Extensive treatment is required before using reclaimed water to meet public health and safety protocols in North Carolina.
The specific rules associated with North Carolina's water reuse policy can be found here: CLICK LINK
The website www.savewaternc.org lists the following non-potable uses of reclaimed water:
- Irrigation of public and private landscapes and turf
- Soil compaction
- Dust control
- Non-potable processes such as concrete production and cooling water
- Industrial and commercial toilet flush and fire prevention systems where there are separate, non-potable plumbing lines
- Bulk fill stations
- Decorative ponds and fountains
- Street sweeping (not street cleaning)
- Sewer cleaning (not washing)
- Vehicle washing
One example of water reuse in North Carolina is at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, where a 70,000 gallon cistern was installed underground along with a gravel storage field at a sports field. The cistern is used to collect and store rainwater runoff which is subsequently used to irrigate the field. A link to this case study can be found here: http://savewaternc.org/casestudies/unc-ch-cisterns.pdf
Please take the time to research how your own business or industries that you employ can take part in water reuse and reclamation. Water shortages continue to be a problem in the state of North Carolina, and developing more efficient and conservative methods can ultimately result in a long-lasting and beneficial water system throughout the state.
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Employee Spotlight:
Danny Oldham, Operations Technician
Danny Oldham has worked at Pyramid for over 12 years as a site supervisor and remediation systems operator. He is responsible for daily field operations and safety at multiple assessment and remediation sites and has more than 18 years of environmental experience. His primary duties include operation and maintenance of a wide variety of soil and groundwater remediation systems.
Danny has seen the complete site remediation process from preliminary design to implementation and of course operation and maintenance. Danny has been involved in all aspects of site remediation and is the NC Certified Operator of Responsible Charge (ORC) for over a decade and can put his knowledge and experience to good use for clients.
In performing daily operations in the field, Danny is trained in the importance of safety and has completed many years of work with an excellent safety record. Danny was the site Health & Safety Officer for project at the Fort Bragg Military Installation where he monitored all personnel, equipment, and activities for the large construction project over a 4 week period without a safety incident.
Danny has been on the Chatham County Hazmat team for over 12 years and has responded to over 100 spill events as a team member. Danny is cross trained to perform all job duties during an emergency response including response to petroleum, chlorinated solvents, RCRA storage area spills, flammable chemical spills, acids, and many other spills.
Thanks for the great service Danny !
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Pyramid maintains the most up-to-date knowledge of the industry's regulations, changes, and events, and we will continue to pass this information along to YOU. Once again, thank you to all our loyal customers, vendors, and employees for your continued support . Pyramid can't do it without you. |
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Sincerely, 
DOUG CANAVELLO
Pyramid Environmental |
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