Subsurface Investigation

Our Subsurface Investigation Group conducts Site/Remedial Investigations and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments on behalf of a wide variety of private and public clients. With expertise focused in soil and groundwater contamination characterization and delineation, our talented staff of environmental geologists, hydrogeologists, engineers and scientists are uniquely qualified to provide a diverse array of assessment and investigation services. Our Environmental Sciences and Remediation and Landfill Design Groups often work together with the Subsurface Investigation Group to provide support for comprehensive site remediation projects.
The management, coordination and execution of any given subsurface investigation may involve:

• Well Installation
• Soil Boring Installation
• Underground Storage Tank Removal
• Soil Excavation Plans
• Geophysical Analyses
• Slug Testing
• Pump Testing
• Packer Testing
• Soil Vapor Extraction Testing
• Air Monitoring
• Remedial Investigations
• Soil, Air, Surface Water, Sediment and Groundwater Sampling
• The analysis, evaluation, interpretation and reporting of all data associated with the above-mentioned field activities in compliance with state and federal regulations.

The Subsurface Investigation Group has detailed experience with each of the various regulatory programs, including the NJ Site Remediation Program, the New NJ Grace Period Rules and new soil standards, all USEPA programs, the Industrial Site Recovery Act, the BUST program, Brownfields, Superfund, etc. Accurate characterization of subsurface materials, while being aware of the client’s ultimate goals for the property and the applicable regulatory requirements are the key considerations for any site assessment/investigation.
Summary of Subsurface Investigation Services:

• Identification of sources of soil, sediment, surface water  and groundwater contamination
• Determination of impacts to soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater quality from these sources
• Characterization and delineation of the nature and extent of soil and groundwater contamination in the environment
• Identification of potential contaminant pathways and potential receptors, such as humans and animals (including Vapor Intrusion to Indoor Air)
• Analysis of alternatives for further investigations and/or remedial actions

Presenting defensible arguments in support of a particular remedial option begins with the collection of high quality, well-positioned data in the field, supported by an in depth understanding of the site's geology and hydrogeology.  The proposed location and analysis of soil and groundwater samples during the subsurface investigation are therefore two of the most important steps in the site remediation process. The Subsurface Investigation Group considers the client’s intent for the data and the future site use in the planning stages of any investigation. Well-placed, usable data allows for precise subsurface characterization and becomes a powerful tool in support of arguments for a particular remedial action. Berger often collects soil and groundwater data from precise depths and areas, which correlate to proposed excavation depths and areas.  It is this careful planning and execution of investigation and remediation that had led to the Subsurface Investigation Group’s success in obtaining No Further Action (NFA) determinations from the regulatory agencies.
Examples of Contaminated Sites Involvement:

• Soil and groundwater contamination due to spills and releases from chemical/fuel storage manufacturing processes
• Dealing with contaminant exposure pathways via surface water, soil gas and groundwater (including indoor air quality issues due to soil vapor intrusion)
• Contaminated wetlands and other water body sediments
• Permitting and regulatory compliance issues

Summary of typical Services:

• Extensive File Reviews, Preliminary/Phase I Assessments
• Site/Phase II Investigations and associated reporting
• Development of Remedial Investigation Workplans (including HASPs)
• Remedial Investigations and Reporting
• Brownfields Investigation, remediation and plans/specifications preparation for construction, redevelopment, and remediation projects.
• Remediation, Remediation Oversight and cost estimating,Post-Remediation Support, Cost Recovery Support and Expert Testimony.
• Environmental, Geologic and Hydrogeologic Focused Engineering Field Investigations and Site Condition Analyses
• Development of Comprehensive/Detailed Remedial Action Designs and Workplans
• Proposal of measures to protect human and environmental receptors
• Resolution to past non-compliance issues and providing public relations support

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Signature Project

• Doremus Avenue Reconstruction and Widening – Berger Hazardous Waste Group Involvement and Achievements
• Small Scale Remediation and Brownfields Redevelopment to Residential Use - Harbor View Townhouse Complex - Keyport, NJ
• State-wide Remedial Investigation and Remedial Action Selection Services for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)