Geoscience service studies are performed to understand how the earth’s natural processes impact man-made structures and how these structures impact the earth, as well as how to minimize hazards arising out of both natural or man-made conditions. The goal of geoscience services is to protect both life and property from geologic damage.
Some mold is found on walls in moist areas in the home, like bathrooms, kitchens or basements, and can be removed by professionals. After the mold is removed, it’s important to remember to keep these trouble areas dry to avoid mold coming back.
Electromagnetic induction (EM) is a useful tool for pinpointing subsurface objects and geological conditions. Once something of interest is identified, additional equipment can be brought to a precise location to conduct further analysis if necessary.
Environmental engineering incorporates so many facets of engineering and science, it can be difficult to define. Why? As naturalist John Muir said, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.”
Concrete penetrating radar is often used for concrete inspection and condition assessment for rehab project planning. Using the technology of ground penetrating radar, the technician is able to map the current condition of substructure concrete.
For an area to be considered a wetland ecosystem, hydric soils must be in place. These are soils that have been saturated or flooded long enough to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the soil structure.
Wetlands recharge our fresh water underground aquifers which we utilize with our drinking water wells. Safe drinking water is one of the many reasons why keeping our wetlands clean and protected is an important task.
If your water source is somewhat questionable then it's crucial to have a whole-house water filter installed in your home. It also can't hurt to have your home's water quality tested but make sure that whoever's doing it is reliable.
So what does the principle of mass and energy transfer refer to when it comes to environmental engineering? Basically, the law of conservation of mass says that when chemical reactions take place, matter is neither created nor destroyed. Thus, in an environmental context, pollutants have to go somewhere.
According to the United States EPA, the indoor air quality is among the top 5 environmental risks to public health. In fact, indoor air pollutants are generally 2 to 5 times greater than outdoor pollution levels.
When the contaminants in the groundwater plume are heavier than water, tracking the contamination can be done through topographical mapping of the top of the aquifer using a combination of techniques including refraction seismography, resistivity, electromagnetic equipment, and GPR.
Environmental testing helps you make informed decisions. For instance, asbestos can sometimes be left in place if the basic materials are intact and in good condition. It can be enclosed with a wrapper that contains the fibers and prevents them from being released into the air.
Did you know that geophysical methods do not require excavation or direct access to the subsurface (except in the case of borehole methods)? This enables the evaluation of large areas and volumes of earth at a much lower cost.
If your home has tested positive for asbestos, you may be able to repair the problem by sealing the asbestos fibers with a sealant that will prevent them from coming loose. This is often used to fix furnaces and pipes.
Conrad and Marcel Schlumberger of Alsace were pioneers in the field of well logging. During the 1920s, the brothers conducted geophysical surveys throughout Eatern Europe, Africa, and North America. They ran the first wireline electric log in 1927.
Did you know that a professional often performs environmental testing when he or she inspects your home? This can include testing for harmful substances such as radon, asbestos, mold, and lead.
When filing an application for an individual permit for your project for work in a wetlands area, one of the stages is its review by several different groups; our expertise is used to generate the reports needed to facilitate this process.
One of the primary routes of exposure to contaminated air as a result of emissions of a variety of chemicals and toxins, both within and outside the home, is inhalation.
People who consume fresh fruits and vegetables that have been in contact with contaminated water are at risk of developing foodborne illnesses. Even small amounts of certain organisms and microbes can cause severe illness.
Commonly found in consumer products like paint and gasoline, lead is an environmental toxin that can cause severe health problems in both children and adults.
“The high intelligence demanded [of engineers] and the revolution in training … has finally, beyond all question, raised the work of application of science to industry to the dignity of a profession on a par with the law, medicine, and science.” (Herbert Hoover, 1909)
When it comes to sediment sampling, choosing the most appropriate technique will depend on several factors: the purpose of the sampling, the location of the sediment, and the characteristics of that particular sediment.
In areas with significant amounts of clay in the soil, sinkholes can form out of site. Water runoff and erosion create underground cavities, but the clay-based surface remains relatively intact until the cavity grows large enough to break through the surface.
Environmental testing can help locate the source of contamination in water. Common sources include septic systems, livestock, pets, storm water runoff, farming, oil, gas production, pesticides, and herbicides.