September 2013 Newsletter
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Environmental Emergency Response - The Basics
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Environmental emergencies happen suddenly, and must be addressed rapidly and appropriately. Pyramid responded to a tanker spill of toluene/lacoline/mineral spirits in the median of Interstate 40 Business. The tanker spilled 2,500 gallons between 4 lanes of interstate traffic. Our first job was to shift the traffic pattern to allow the cleanup work to proceed, while we worked quickly to restore normal traffic patterns and prevent accidents. To prevent contamination of soil, Pyramid set up an underflow dam and screened the soils. Within two days, the final sampling was completed, the project area was backfilled and the guard rails were put back up. Also, a permanent underflow dam was built to retain any further contaminants. All the work was approved by regulators without comment and the incident was closed. This project is a classic example of responding to an environmental emergency.
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What is Environmental Emergency Response?
An environmental emergency is a sudden threat to the public health, or the well-being of the environment, arising from the release or potential release of oil, radioactive materials, or hazardous chemicals into the air, land, or water (from www.epa.gov). Such incidents may occur from accidents along highways and local roads, spills at chemical or manufacturing facilities, or as a result of natural or man-made disaster events.
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After a spill, we will first check the Reportable Quantities of Hazardous Substances lists to confirm if the amount of material qualifies as a reportable event. In North Carolina, if an event should be reported, both the appropriate regional office of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Response Center should be contacted.
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 | | Locations of DENR Regional Offices (Click Map for Link to DENR Emergency Response) |
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Pyramid and Environmental Emergency Response
Pyramid is experienced in dealing with the containment and remediation of hazardous substance sudden releases. When an emergency release is discovered or suspected, Pyramid Environmental emergency response teams can be on the scene in hours. Our field teams quickly evaluate the extent of environmental impairment and take quick action to minimize damage.
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In this issue:
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The Basics of Environmental Emergency Response
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Phase I's and Commercial Real Estate Transactions
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Employee Spotlight - Vincent Daugherty
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Stay Connected!
Pyramid is a GSA Contract Holder! Contact us to find out more about GSA contracts and our experience with government contract procurement. |
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Phase I's and Commercial Real Estate Transactions
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 Pyramid recently attended the NC Association of Realtors Conference in Asheville, NC. The commercial realtors that we spoke with had a variety of stories to share regarding properties that knowingly or unknowingly contained contaminated soils, water, or underground storage tanks. For the buyer, such situations can benefit greatly from contracting a firm to perform a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment prior to the closing. Many commercial properties throughout North Carolina and the entire country have unknown or ambiguous property use histories. Without a thorough background check on potential sources of contamination, hazardous uses, or the presence of underground storage tanks, a buyer has the potential to close on a property that may require cleanup, cost the new owner time and money.
Pyramid's environmental professionals have collectively performed hundreds of Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessments, and can assist realtors and commercial property owners with navigating through the process of environmental due diligence quickly and successfully. Contact us today to find out more!
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Need to know what's underground?
- Geologic Hazards
- Geotechnical Drilling
- Landfills
- USTs
- Geologic Mapping
- Groundwater
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 Pyramid is pleased to welcome Vincent Daugherty as the newest member of our team. Vincent comes to us after serving a career of 25 years with the United States Army. His successful military career included the management of complex organizations, as well as control and fiscal responsibility of millions of dollars in military assets. He was actively involved in recruiting for the U.S. Army and training of U.S. and foreign personnel, as well as serving as a full-time Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA) for three years. Vince will be acting as a Business Development Associate for Pyramid, helping us to further expand our services throughout North Carolina and along the entire east coast. His extensive experience with the Federal Government as well as recruitment and personnel management makes him a valuable asset to Pyramid and to our clients. Welcome to the team Vince! |
Dear ,
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.
Sincerely,
DOUG CANAVELLO
Pyramid Environmental
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