Professional Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineers in Clifton, NJ

Yes, it can, but there are many influencing factors that can elongate this process for decades. Soil chemistry, contamination concentration, groundwater influence, soil density, soil porosity, and proximity to certain flora are some of the determining factors. Oil also characteristically finds its way to disturbed soils where it can travel vertically or horizontally to zones less conducive to natural attenuation. We use the best technologically advanced equipment for site remediation.

This type of site remediation will require a measure of care that may include structurally supporting the foundation. If the foundation is well constructed, dig depth is shallow, soils are well-graded (i.e., not loose sand), and no more than a 5-foot-wide section of the foundation is undermined, then it may be possible to avoid a full-blown structural support plan. Such plans are designed by a structural engineer and require a building permit. Structural support methods vary and depend on accessibility, depth to bedrock, house construction, and penetration depth beneath the structure. Methods include grade beams, helical piers, cribbing, jack post and/or sono-tube piles, and drilled mini piles. Afterward, there is usually a significant amount of reconstruction work needed.

Sometimes, yes. LSRPs are absolutely required by the DEP if the tank was a non-residential regulated petroleum tank. However, even if not required, LSRPs have decades of site remediation experience, knowledge of uncommon remedies, a reputation that adds accountability, and the unique capability of making judgment calls on the behalf of the DEP. Such judgment calls include de-minimis impact, technical impracticability, groundwater classification exemption, remedial action permitting, and the design of presumptive remedy plans with engineering controls. Applicability of such options is often not known until a project is well underway.

Licensure, capability, experience, reputation, responsiveness, and in-house resources are paramount. Accountability to a third party can also be helpful. Not relying on outside vendors to provide vacuum trucks, drill rigs, chemical injection equipment, structural support gear, excavation, and earth moving equipment provide smoother project progression with less finger-pointing if there are problems. DEP licenses are mandatory and proper insurance is a must. Be sure your site remediation contractor has both professional and pollution liability insurance coverage.