Projects

Multimedia environmental compliance audit: SAK Environmental, LLC completed an environmental compliance audit for a 250,000 square foot electronic components manufacturing facility. Compliance was reviewed relative to local, state, and federal environmental regulations and laws which include air emissions, wastewater discharges, storm water management, hazardous waste management, SARA reporting, toxics use reduction, SPCC, tanks, flammable storage, and environmental training requirements. The audit was based on a visual inspection of facility operations, review of environmental operating permits, and online compliance databases.

Emergency response: SAK Environmental, LLC led a multi-disciplinary team for a major power supply company in response to three Asbestos releases. The releases occurred in public areas in downtown Boston and were subject to HazMat response by city officials. SAK was on-site within hours of the release to establish a response plan and daily written updates to city officials.  SAK personnel provided oversight during all phases of the work, including nights and weekends. SAK provided technical support during sampling prior to decontamination to determine the extent of the release, and after decontamination and excavation to ensure background conditions had been achieved.  

Pollution assessment and remediation: SAK Environmental, LLC provided engineering and consulting services for the assessment and remediation of petroleum contaminated soil and groundwater. Gasoline had released to the ground from underground storage tanks removed several years earlier. The release was located within a drinking water protection zone. Licensed Site Professional services were provided to define the nature and extent of pollution, and to design and implement enhanced bioremediation using oxygen released compounds.

Construction support - soil and storm water management:  As an agent of the Town’s Conservation Commission, SAK Environmental, LLC provided technical peer review and field oversight services during construction of a commercial/residential development project on a former apple orchard.  Prior testing indicated the presence of pesticides in the soil, so careful soil and storm water management was necessary throughout the project as well as dust suppression and air quality monitoring systems.  SAK conducted daily inspections to ensure adherence to erosion, dust control, and soil management plans.  SAK participated in community and neighborhood meetings, and coordinated closely with the Town’s Conservation agent and Town Engineer. 

Laboratory decontamination: SAK Environmental, LLC managed the closure and decontamination of over 70,000 square feet of laboratory space for a national life sciences company.  SAK oversaw relocation of equipment and hazardous materials, disposal of hazardous and contaminated material, and decontamination of building surfaces, laboratory furniture, and HVAC systems.  Post-decontamination wipe and chip samples were collected and documented for use third party use.

Industry research and stakeholder meetings: SAK Environmental completed three contracts for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) to investigate barriers to toxics use reduction.  Work included completing telephone surveys of industrial companies in Massachusetts as to their experience in successfully reducing or eliminating toxic chemicals and major barriers.  SAK developed original methodologies to identify primary barriers to toxics use reduction.  Methodologies were presented at two industry stakeholder meetings conducted at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and documented in a “barriers report” to OTA.

Divestiture of chemical facility: SAK Environmental provided services to an international chemical company to decommission its 50,000 square foot New Hampshire chemical blending facility.  Glycols and other organics resulted in extensive contamination of soil and groundwater.  SAK completed expedited field programs for drilling and groundwater testing inside and outside the facility, and remedial action alternatives.  Tanks, piping and HVAC systems were inventoried to prepare for interior decontamination of the facility.  SAK obtained expedited review by state regulators to characterize overall environmental liabilities in preparation for pending sale of the property.

Site pre-characterization for university re-development project: SAK Environmental, LLC assisted the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is environmental pre-characterization of site conditions prior to redevelopment to a parking lot.  Grading was necessary along with installation of underground utilities.  A test pit program was implemented to characterize subsoil and fill material, and soil stockpiles of unknown origin were tested.  PCBs and Lead were present.  Soil was disposed at approved treatment facilities and SAK provided on-site construction monitoring for health and safety to workers.

Air emissions permits: SAK Environmental, LLC provided environmental services for air source registration and Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Planning at a printed circuit board component assembly facility. Because it was the first air source registration submitted for the facility, a comprehensive review of process and fuel combustion emission sources was performed and a tracking system established. Additionally, it was the first TURA planning year for Lead and Lead compounds, which required a comprehensive analysis for Lead reduction.

Demolition support for concrete floor slabs:  SAK Environmental, LLC provided specialized services to evaluate potential mercury contamination in abandoned hospital buildings scheduled for demolition.  Initial screening results indicated that mercury was present in floor materials and contaminated the concrete decking.  SAK reviewed all test data and developed a comprehensive sampling plan and protocol to test the concrete floor slabs and ascertain if materials needed to be classified and disposed of as “contaminated”, “hazardous waste”, or was suitable for recycling.  The project was completed on an expedited schedule to satisfy developer requirements.

Property due diligences: SAK Environmental, LLC has performed hundreds of environmental due diligences in accordance with ASTM Phase I and II standards for commercial real estate transactions. Properties include vacant land for proposed industrial development and a former regional airport which required detailed evaluation of operations at the facility.

School conversion project:  SAK Environmental assisted a Boston developer in redevelopment of a former grade school to residential condominiums.  SAK managed the removal of a 10,000 gallon petroleum underground storage tank and disposal of 130 of contaminated soil.  Groundwater quality was evaluated for risk to building occupants.   Our services allowed for project funding by a commercial lender and redevelopment on-time.

Laboratory safety and hazardous materials management:  As part of the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance’s School Mentoring Program, SAK Environmental, LLC serves as a school mentor to the Haverhill High School. SAK provides planning, direction and training in areas of chemical inventory and management, dissection waste disposal, and laboratory safety.