• March 1 – Hazardous Waste Biennial Reporting to USEPA and states for Large   Quantity Generators of hazardous waste;
• March 1 – Hazardous Waste Recyclers annual reporting;
• March 1 – Annual hazardous chemical storage reporting (Tier 2) to USEPA;
• April 15 – Annual air emissions reporting for Operating Permit facilities;
• April 15 – Greenhouse gas reporting;
• May 16 -   Annual air emissions reporting for Non-Operating Permit facilities;
• June 1 -   Air emissions reporting for selected triennial filers;
• July 1 -    Annual toxic use reporting to USEPA and Massachusetts DEP;
• July 1 -   Massachusetts Toxic Use Reduction Plans Update.  This is a mandatory planning year due to MADEP by July 1;
• July 15 – Air emissions reporting for remainder of triennial filers.

SAK’s Compliance Services to Construction and Industrial Clients Grows

New staff and expanded client relationships resulted in substantial growth to SAK’s environmental compliance practice in both construction and industrial markets.  SAK’s approach to regulatory compliance and reporting is attention to detail at minimal cost.  Recent projects are highlighted below:

Multimedia Compliance Audit: SAK performed a multimedia compliance audit of Chemineer, Inc.’s 30,000 s.f. facility in North Andover, MA.  Chemineer is a world leader in the manufacture of mixing equipment to the chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, polymers, food and grain processing industries.  The audit reviewed all aspects of facility operations relative to petroleum and  hazmat use, waste generation, water and air emissions, and tanks.

Geothermal Waste Water Discharge Permitting: SAK prepared permit applications for the discharge of bleed water from a 40 ton (2 standing column well) geothermal system at the historic Norwood Theater.  Bleed water will be generated from the system during peak demand periods and discharged to Meadow Brook and Neponset River.  The geothermal system is part of a renovation project by Tribecca Builders of NY, LA and Boston which includes several green and energy efficient elements.

Air Emissions Permitting: SAK provided permitting assistance to DePuy, Inc. at its Raynham, MA facility.  DePuy is the leading developer and manufacturer of orthapaedic sports medicine products and soft tissue repair devices.  SAK’s work included identification of air emitting sources, calculation of actual and potential air emissions, and preparation of air permit applications.

SWPPP for Hingham Sewer & Water Main Replacement: SAK prepared a USEPA Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan for Albanese Bros, Inc. of Dracut, MA for a major utility construction project in the Musquashcut Pond area of Hingham, MA.  The project installed approximately 14,600 linear feet of gravity sewer (8-10″ diameter), 12,550 linear feet of water main (6-12″ diameter), and a submersible pump station.

Corporate Sustainability Policies: SAK provided sustainability consulting services to Roche Brothers Barrel & Drum manufacturing in Lowell, MA.  Roche is a leader in the manufacture of new and restoration of used drums to the food, chemical, and waste industries.  SAK’s work included development of a Green Initiative Policy, Safety Health & Environmental Policy, Waste Minimization Plan, Supply Chain Policy for Sustainability, and Occupational Program evaluation.

Did You Know?

SAK Environmental joined the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) as a Sustaining Member.  Recognizing the emphasis on small business participation on Federal projects, SAK recently joined SAME’s Boston Post and will exhibit at their annual Small Business Showcase on February 8, 2012.  SAK is a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) under the new Federal contracting program, and has capabilities in Environmental Consulting (NAISC 541620), Remediation (NAISC 562910), and Engineering Services (NAISC 541330).

Through SAK’s partnership with Premium Environmental Services (based in Newburgh, Indiana), SAK serves as a 3rd party emergency response manager ensuring environmental compliance in New England for national trucking companies such as Western Express, Landstar, Road Scholar, Prime, and JB Hunt.

As a trusted local resource, SAK’s Licensed Site Professional (LSP) and emergency response team provides rapid response and sensible management strategies, ensuring a cost effective and regulatory compliant response effort.   This work has included intermodal facilities, roadside spills, and destination releases.

Clients with no local presence are vulnerable to excessive project costs and harsh regulatory enforcement.  SAK has saved clients tens of thousands of dollars via strong project management, reduced government penalties, and cost recovery support from insurers and others.

“It’s in their best interest for the national companies need to have local representatives on site,” says Stephen Sakakeeny, Principal and LSP for SAK, “in many cases, a hazmat spill triggers a multi-party response and communication with federal, state and local emergency responders and regulators is critical.”

SAK work is used to support PRP cost recovery from insurers.

Building Sustainable Communities: Lowell Youth Center expansion –
The United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) is a non-profit community organization that provides hope for disadvantaged youth in the Lowell community.  Through job training, social and educational services, and recreational services,  UTEC ignites and nurtures the ambition of Lowell’s most disconnected young people to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success.

UTEC has embarked upon an ambitious expansion and renovation project which includes a 3- story, 7,500 square foot LEED certified green building addition to their existing home at the historic Methodist Church building on Hurd St. in downtown Lowell.   The project will increase UTEC’s capacity to serve Lowell’s youth.  They expect to be the first LEED Platinum Building in the Merrimack Valley and the oldest building in the country to gain LEED Platinum status.

SAK Environmental participated in the building project, by providing pro-bono and discounted services for ASTM Phase I environmental site assessment, and soil quality testing and management though the early phases of construction.

The existing church building was constructed in 1839, and is located in a densely populated area which has been developed and used for industrial and commercial uses for hundreds of years.  Investigating and pre-characterizing soil quality prior to construction was an important step to determine environmental risks and control costs by minimizing the export of potentially contaminated urban fill from the site.

“There was no known contamination as this was not a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) or USEPA listed Brownfield site,” says Maureen Sakakeeny, Principal of SAK Environmental, “but any time you are excavating in an old, urban area – urban fill, metals, and residual petroleum contamination are always a concern.”

SAK performed an ASTM Phase I Environmental Assessment on the site, and subsequently performed soil testing and MADEP compliance documentation for proper management of offsite soil disposal.

“Partnering on a sustainable green building addition with an organization committed to youth and community development in the Merrimack Valley just made sense to us,” says Sakakeeny, “We’re pleased to be a part of this important project.”

UTEC celebrated its first milestone on the project with their Topping Off Ceremony on September 20th where the last beam for the steel structure on the addition was placed.  SAK Environmental attended the event, along with Governor Patrick and several government officials, and other contractors and corporate partners.

Hiring Locally –
New civil engineering graduate and North Andover native, Vincent P. Helfrich III, graduated May 22, 2011 from Merrimack College, and started his OSHA HAZWOPER 40 training for SAK Environmental the following week.

“We were very busy this spring with permit compliance field work and responding to numerous hazmat spills, so we didn’t waste any time hiring a new graduate to add to our resources,” says Maureen Sakakeeny, “and, hiring local was important to us.  With Merrimack College so close, there are great job entry level candidates right here in our backyard. “

Vincent earned an ABET-accredited civil engineering degree, with upper level electives relating to environmental hydrology.   He had prior internship experience in environmental site investigations for cell tower installations for another consulting firm, and hands on experience in fabrication, design and field service at Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works.   He was an active member of the Merrimack College community – as part the environmental team for his senior design project, serving as a construction leader for Merrimack’s ASCE “concrete canoe” project, and played on the rugby team.

Vincent is a graduate of Central Catholic High School (Lawrence) Class of 2007.

The top 3 costly (and avoidable) mistakes that can lead to underperforming geothermal wells:
1) Lack of hydrogeologic feasibility and environmental site assessment (rock quality, brackish water or pollution issues, and setbacks)

2) Lack of oversight of the drilling contractor (to insure proper well construction)

3)    Lack of planning for wastewater management (for well drilling, bleed systems and permit compliance)

Steve Dowaliby, Licensed Asbestos Inspector

Environmental Scientist Steve Dowaliby recently became a MA Licensed Asbestos Inspector. This credential is another step in the expansion of SAK’s services to our real estate and development clients, which already includes facility decommissioning, Phase I environmental site assessment, remediation and compliance services.  Steve will be working as part of SAK’s hazmat inspection team conducting an asbestos, lead and hazardous materials survey for a 160,000 square foot multi-purpose academic building at North Shore Community College in Lynn for DCAM to be renovated.  Mr. Dowaliby is also working towards a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Did you know?  SAK is a Federal certified WOSB
SAK Environmental recently completed certification as a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) for the new SBA Federal Contracting program

It’s that time of year and air emissions and toxics use reporting deadlines are upon us.  If you hold an air emissions permit (and are not a power plant, incinerator, or other major facility) this may be your year for triennial filing to MADEP.  If you don’t have a permit, you should document why.  Common activities that may require an  air emissions permit include major boilers, ovens and other heat-generating units,  coating, degreasing, and sanding/grinding operations.   Many in the food industry were surprised to found that they needed a permit even though they don’t use chemicals per say.  MADEP recently launched an industry-wide enforcement program on the baked-goods industry for emitting Ethanol, a by-product of yeast, without a permit.  Call Steve Sakakeeny at 978-688-7804 to determine your reporting date or if you should have an emissions permit.

Filing Dates for Triennial Air Source Registration Filers:  June 1 and July 15

If your facility “otherwise used” 10,000 pounds or more, or 1,000 pounds or more of a designated  High Hazard Substance of a regulated compound you may be subject to Toxic Use Reporting  to MADEP and EPA. Filing Date (link to our website) for Toxic Use Reporting:  July 1.

People News

Introducing Sherry Albert, P.E.
Sherry is a senior environmental and chemical engineer with 25 years of broad experience in environmental management and risk assessment for the commercial, industrial and public sectors.  She possesses a wide range of technical skills and in-depth knowledge of state/federal environmental regulations.  Her areas of expertise include human health risk assessment, Phase I site assessment and all phases of pollution assessment, Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP), toxics use reduction, pollution remediation, process design, industrial waste treatment, fate and transport modeling.  Ms. Albert received her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from University of Maryland and is a Registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  Sherry had consulted to SAK Environmental prior to joining the staff.  Welcome Sherry!

Mark Grady & Steve Dowaliby Certified as Asbestos Inspectors
Two of our staff members were recently trained and certified as asbestos inspectors to better serve our clients.   Mark and Steve, both hold bachelor’s degrees in engineering and science respectively, and both work as field inspectors on a variety of ESA Phase I assessment, pollution remediation, and monitoring projects.  This additional training will provide our clients the added expertise of managing asbestos in building projects and hazmat spills.  Congratulations Mark & Steve!

Project Profile: Construction Monitoring for Environmental Compliance – MWRA Pipeline Project, Saugus, MA
SAK Environmental is providing comprehensive construction monitoring  for  on-site health & safety, and management of soil and groundwater to Albanese Bros. for the  replacement of nearly 2 miles of MWRA water line along Route 1 in Saugus, Massachusetts.  Prior testing indicated the presence of urban fill, metals and residual petroleum contamination in soil and groundwater, which needs to be tested and properly managed throughout the project.  Construction work will be performed at night for 12 to 18 months.

SAK prepared a Hazardous Materials  Health & Safety Plan, Excavated Materials Management Plan, MCP Utility Release Abatement Plan notification, NPDES Remediation General Permit application, and Dewatering Treatment Plan.   These plans required careful analysis of the prior hazardous materials reports and test results, and close coordination with the contractor and MWRA representatives.  SAK will provide onsite environmental monitoring and compliance inspections throughout the project.  Plans were reviewed, discussed and approved by MWRA and their engineer.

SAK is well acquainted with fast track construction projects involving hazardous materials management and is able to test and remedy hazmat spills with our licensed site professional and registered professional engineer.  Our OSHA trained field scientists and engineers are equipped to add value and manage situations real time in the field, providing cost saving alternatives to meet compliance requirements while in full environmental compliance.

New Contracts and Company News:

DCAM Prequalifies SAK for Environmental Consulting & Engineering
The state building authority in Massachusetts, the Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM), has approved SAK Environmental to provide environmental engineering services on building projects in the Commonwealth. Under the contract, SAK is approved for Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) support, Facility Assessment and Compliance/Due Diligence, and Hazardous Materials Inventories.  As a task order contract vehicle, our work may be include pollution remediation or assessment projects, environmental compliance audit, and supporting building projects for the construction of schools, hospitals, and court houses.

SAK on Winning Teams for Statewide Contract
SAK Environmental is a subcontractor to both The Cadmus Group and ERG on Massachusett’s OSD Statewide Contract PRF-46 for Management Consultants, Program Coordinators and Planner Services.  This contract is a simple and flexible way for municipalities and state agencies to receive program development services, program management or technical assistance, and program administration for a variety of environmental related projects.

SAK will be supporting our prime consultants and/or taking the lead depending on project requirements and  the client’s needs.  Examples of the types of projects that organizations can use this contract for include recycling, renewable energy, education and training, barriers studies, and programmatic evaluations.
SAK’s prior experience in this area include the projects below and demonstrate the environmental expertise and program management abilities of our group to complete a variety of projects for prospective clients:
* supporting Cadmus on providing technical assistance to municipalities on ground mounted solar PV arrays through DOER’s EECBG grant programs;
* supporting MADEP and private clients on solid waste ban compliance/recycling initiatives;
* and conducting stakeholder meetings for toxic use reduction through an OTA study

To learn more, contact Maureen at msakakeeny@sakenvironmental.com or use Comm-Pass to solicit a Quick Quote from our partners, ERG and/or The Cadmus Group.

SAK Recertified as WBE and DBE
In January SAK Environmental was recertified as a Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) for Environmental Consulting and Engineering by the Commonwealth of MA Supplier Diversity Office (SDO, formerly SOMWBA).  SAK’s certification may be helpful for clients seeking to meet their diversity goals, while receiving practical advice, high quality technical analysis and deliverables, and responsive and flexible service from experienced engineers and scientists.

• USEPA SARA Tier II filing – March 1 (this date has passed)

• Air Source Registration Statements for Massachusetts facilities:
  • April 15 for operating permit facilities
  • May 16 for non-operating permit annual filers
  • June 1 and July 15 for triennial filers.

• USEPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting – March 31 (deadline extension planned)

• MADEP Greenhouse Gas Reporting - April 15

• USEPA TRI Form R, MA TURA Form S – July 1

• Annual above ground tank (AST) inspection – date specific to your facility

SAK Provides Technical Assistance for Renewable Energy Projects
The concept of “Brightfields,” turning closed landfills into renewable energy generators, is one gaining much interest locally and around the country.  SAK’s Mark Grady recently attended an EBC seminar on the subject, and SAK is currently providing technical assistance to two Massachusetts municipalities installing ground-mounted PV (photovoltaic) arrays for renewable energy.  As an environmental compliance specialist to The Cadmus Group , SAK reviewed and prepared documentation for applicable local, state and federal environmental permit requirements for an 800kW installation on the Huntington Avenue Landfill in Methuen and for a 112+kW system on a highway embankment along Route 44 in Carver, MA.  Additionally, SAK met with Conservation Commissions, Town and State Officials, and assisted in the preparation of bid documents in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources standards.  This work, funded by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through a MA DOER grant, and is allowing cities and towns to realize sustained savings on the town’s electricity bills.   SAK will be providing on-site construction monitoring, and both systems are expected to be operational later this year.

SAK Environmental Helps Establish Regional Geothermal Professionals Association.
SAK Environmental is a Charter Member to the newly established New England Geothermal Professional Association (NEGPA) . “NEGPA fills a large void in the New England geothermal industry” says founding board member Stephen Sakakeeny,  “ by serving as a professional and technical focal point for geothermal providers, and a unified voice to government, utilities and the general public”.  The first meeting is this April. To learn more and to join NEGPA, visit www.NEGPA.org.

Renewable Meets Recycling: Creating Greener Communities through Recycling
Most of us recycle newspapers, cans and bottles at home, but the 2008 Massachusetts Green Communities Act has married solid waste recycling with renewable energy through its Class II Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for waste-to-energy facilities.  Waste-to-energy facilities have always monitored incoming waste for compliance with MADEP’s waste ban limits, but the Class II RPS has taken waste ban compliance to a new level and SAK is assisting facilities across the state in this effort.  SAK is providing on-site Waste Ban Compliance inspections at three waste-to-energy incinerators in Massachusetts.  Acting as a third-party, independent inspector for the facilities, SAK works with the facilities compiling detailed documentation and a statistical analysis of “failed loads” (i.e. loads containing waste ban items such as excessive cardboard and paper, yard waste, whitegoods, etc.) for submittal to MADEP.  This information gives valuable information to identify where there are weaknesses in recycling efforts – a key factor in determining how to assist companies,  municipalities, and haulers in improving.   In return, the facility earns Carbon Credits to sell.

SAK staff is also active in Environmental Business Council’s (EBC) Construction & Demolition Committee and MA DEP’s Source Separation Workgroup (a sub group of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee).   These committees work towards enhancing recycling of construction and demolition debris both at construction and demolition handling/processing facilities, and at construction sites, tackling issues of site separation, and re-sale outlets for gypsum board, asphalt shingles, ceiling tiles, carpet, wood, etc.

SAK Environmental Helps Establish Regional Geothermal Professionals Association
SAK Environmental  is a Charter Member to the newly established New England Geothermal Professional Association (NEGPA) . “NEGPA fills a large void in the New England geothermal wells industry” says founding board member Stephen Sakakeeny, “ by serving as a professional and technical focal point for geothermal providers, and a unified voice to government, utilities and the general public”.  The first meeting is this April. To learn more and to join NEGPA, visit www.NEGPA.org.

After 5 years in our previous location, SAK Environmental has moved its offices across town into a newly renovated office condominium in the Cash Energy Condominium complex located at 231 Sutton Street in North Andover, MA. With the assistance of an SBA loan, SAK is now owner occupied, and the new office space and configuration will allow SAK to continue its growth and upgrade our facilities to better assist our clients. Prior to the move, SAK performed environmental due diligence on the property, located in an emerging economic development corridor with some brownfields concerns. The new office is a quarter mile from Route 495 (Merrimack St. Lawrence/Sutton St. North Andover exit), and a half mile from Route 125 in North Andover.

Welcoming new staff to SAK Environmental

SAK welcomes two new environmental scientists to our staff – Peter McCarthy and Stephen Dowaliby. Peter (right photo) is an experienced environmental field technician and scientist with over 5 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. He earned his B.S. in Geology from Northeastern University, and an A.S. in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology. For several years he balanced his environmental career with his musical career, as he traveled and played in the rock band, Bang Camaro. Stephen (left photo), a North Andover native, is a 2009 graduate of the University of Southern Maine who received a B.S. degree in Geosciences. Stephen has recently completed his OSHA 40 HAZWOPR training and has prior experience with GIS.