Assessing Your SchoolAn Environmental Investigation
• You have been hired by Eagle Environmental, Inc. to perform an Environmental Assessment of South Hunterdon Regional High School.
• Job orientation will take place today and tomorrow.
• After training, you will perform an environmental inspection of the school property.
What Do We Do?• Inspect school buildings and
property.• Interview of onsite personnel
(custodians administrators)• Take photographs of the property
and areas of concern.• Collect measurements of buildings
and other landmarks.• Prepare a site map of school
property.• Prepare an “Environmental
Assessment Report”
What are we looking For?
• Underground or above ground storage tanks
• Hazardous material or chemical storage areas
• Septic systems
• Wells
• Asbestos Containing Building Materials
• Lead Based Paint
• Floor drains and/or trench drains
• Sump pumps
Environmental Conditions and Areas of Concern
• The presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property under conditions that indicate an existing release, a past release, or a threat of a release into structures on the property or into the ground, groundwater, or surface water of the property
• Area or condition that may impact human and/or environmental health.
Above and Underground Storage Tanks
USTs and ASTs • A UST consists of tanks,
pipes and fixtures used to contain hazardous substances.
• At least 10% of the tank is located underground.
• An above ground tanks must be completely above the ground.
• Gas, oil, antifreeze, used motor oil
Hazardous Material and Chemical Storage Areas
• Drums• ASTs• Chemical closets
• Identify all chemicals used at a property.
• Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• MSDS sheets are necessary in case of emergency.
Septic Systems and Wells
• Location • Clean- out schedule• Date of installation
• Location• Depth• Type of water supply• Sampling schedule
Asbestos Containing Building MaterialsACBMs
• May be present in buildings constructed before 1972.
• In in good condition can be left alone.
• If in “friable” condition, properly remove
• Can cause lung disease if inhaled.
Lead Based Paint
• Prior to 1978 lead based paint was used.
• Paint in good condition (no chips or cracks) is not a problem
• Exposure to lead based paint can cause serious health problems.
• Headaches, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, digestive and reproductive problems
Floor Drains and Sump Pumps
• Usually located in restroom, kitchens and basement areas.
• Remove excess water
• Identify location of each• Identify where discharge
point is located.
Environmental Assessment Report
• Introduction• Site History• Site Features• Physical Features• Description of current
site conditions• Current operations• Utilities
• Site inspection observations
• Findings• Recommendations• Site Assessment
Photograph Log• Site Plan including
Areas of Concern
Where can we find more info?
• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/
• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
http://www.epa.gov/
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