Remediation Services
 Alpha
Terra’s remediation services include:
Phase I & II Investigations
Alpha Terra provides Phase I Environmental Site Assessments to assist
our clients with property management decisions and due diligence requirements
associated with property transactions or financing issues.
Phase I Assessments are conducted in accordance with the requirements
of the latest ASTM "Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments:
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process."
Phase I Environmental Investigations
The Phase I Assessment process involves a detailed review of reasonably
available records from federal, state, and local sources and addresses
site history, surrounding land use, current site conditions, and susceptibility
to impairment. Findings and observations are described and explained in
a report as specified in the ASTM
standard. In addition to these facts, the information
is interpreted in terms of environmental impact and potential liabilities
and recommendations for further action, if necessary, are provided. Supporting
photos and copies of relevant records are also included in the report.
Phase II Environmental Investigations
Phase II investigations (sampling and testing of environmental media)
are completed when the Phase I identifies environmental issues of concern,
or likely sources of environmental contamination are already known. The
scope of specific Phase II investigation activities vary based on the
situation, but typically involve advancing borings for analytical testing
of soil and groundwater. Testing for the presence of vapors is becoming more common.
A Phase II report describes observations and data collection techniques,
provides analysis and interpretation of the data, and documents the conclusions
and recommendations.
Dry Cleaner Site Investigations (DERF)
 Alpha
Terra is a leading provider of environmental consulting services for investigation
and remediation of dry cleaning solvent contamination in Wisconsin. The
Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources (WDNR) manages the Dry Cleaner Environmental
Response Fund (DERF). The fund provides reimbursement of eligible expenses
subject to a $10,000 deductible, with a percent matching deductible for
expenses above $200,000 and a site expense cap of $500,000. Alpha Terra
has managed approximately 25 projects under the Dry
Cleaner Environmental Response Program (DERP).
Projects
Typical projects include investigation of the extent of contamination
in soil and groundwater from historic releases of tetrachloroethene (PCE)
or Stoddard solvents. While working closely with the WDNR project manager,
the extent of contamination is defined, typically via a phased-Geoprobe
investigation, followed by installation of a limited number of NR141-compliant
groundwater monitoring wells.
Remediation
Remedial activities depend on the situation, and may include excavation
and off-site disposal, capping and reductive dechlorination, soil vapor
extraction, enhancement of reductive dechlorination, or chemical oxidation.
Interim remedial actions have been completed to accelerate the project
pace and more rapidly pursue case closure. Deed restrictions and placement
of the site on WDNR GIS databases also help accelerate case closure.
 In
residential areas or at facilities in multi-use retail establishments,
sub-slab vapor monitoring has been required by the Wisconsin
Department of Health and Family Services (WDHFS). Alpha Terra has
implemented an inexpensive vapor sampling protocol under WDHFS supervision
to minimize vapor monitoring expenses.
Completion
These projects have been successfully completed in an affordable manner
via use of detailed sampling, calculated site-specific soil cleanup goals,
our knowledge of hazardous waste disposal regulations, and pursuit of
alternate soil disposal options for listed hazardous materials.
Rate of Reimbursement
We pride ourselves on completion of these projects with no program-ineligible
expenses. Our excellent rate of reimbursement is due to our knowledge
of the program rules and regulations and our meticulous management of
the project budget.
Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program (ACCP)
Alpha Terra is the number one provider of environmental consulting services
for investigation and remediation of agrichemical contamination in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin
Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (WDATCP)
manages the Agricultural
Chemical Cleanup Program (ACCP).
Reimbursement
The fund provides reimbursement of eligible expenses subject to a flat
deductible plus a percent of expenses, up to a maximum project expense
of $400,000. The ACCP can cover up to 75% of eligible project expenses.
More than 65 projects have been successfully completed by Alpha Terra
under the ACCP, with millions of dollars of reimbursement successfully
obtained for our clients. We pride ourselves on completion of these projects
with virtually no program-ineligible expenses. Our excellent rate of reimbursement
is due to our knowledge of the program rules and regulations and our meticulous
management of the project budget.
Projects
Typical projects include investigation of historic incidental releases
of fertilizer and pesticides at current or former agrichemical distribution
facilities. Other types of ACCP projects have also been completed, including
investigation and clean up of banned pesticides such as DDT, chlordane,
dinoseb, and lead arsenate where land application or conventional solid
waste landfill disposal would not be permitted.
While working closely with the WDATCP project manager, the extent of
contamination is defined, typically in a one-day or two-day Geoprobe investigation
with use of a mobile or fixed-base laboratory. Use of experienced field
staff knowledgeable of the WDATCP remediation goals is essential for proper
completion of the field investigation activities.
Reports
The investigation data is summarized in a report, and the site-specific
soil cleanup goals are negotiated with the WDATCP project manager. Alpha
Terra has often been successful in negotiating cleanup levels that are
higher than the generic WDATCP standards.
Remediation Efforts
Remedial activities typically involve excavation and reuse of the spilled
materials on farm fields. In some situations, remediation includes establishment
of post-excavation vegetation as a remedial option for uptake of remaining
contaminants. Phytoremediation, including use of trees and crops, has
been successfully used to reduce overall project costs.
Depending on the depth to groundwater and the presence of potential
receptors, post-excavation groundwater monitoring may be required.
Petroleum Investigations and Cleanup Actions
 Whether
your petroleum release is a result of a leaking underground storage tank,
failure of your aboveground tank system, or a spill, Alpha Terra has the
expertise to guide you through the regulatory cleanup process.
Investigative Techniques
Alpha Terra employs several investigation techniques including the use
of traditional drill rigs, Geoprobes, or backhoe test pits depending on
the particular site conditions and objectives. Some sites are closed after
the investigation or a short time of groundwater monitoring, while remediation
is necessary at other sites. Remediation techniques used by Alpha Terra
have included excavation, groundwater pump and treat, soil vapor extraction
and oxygen release compound injection among others.
PECFA Reimbursement
With creation of the Petroleum
Environmental Cleanup Fund Act (PECFA), the Wisconsin State Legislature
established a program where costs related to investigations and cleanups
at petroleum tank sites are reimbursed after a deductible is met. We are
well versed in this program, and have an excellent rate of reimbursement
for our clients. We’ll even prepare your reimbursement claim for
you!
Brownfield Redevelopment
 Brownfields
are abandoned or underutilized industrial or commercial properties where
redevelopment is hindered by possible environmental contamination and fear
of liability under Superfund. Redevelopment of brownfields removes environmental
hazards from communities, relieves pressure for urban sprawl and revitalizes
communities by creating jobs and returning productive property to local
tax roles.
Projects
Brownfields can vary greatly in size and past use, ranging from an old
corner gas station to a foundry or turn-of-the-century manufacturing facility.
To ensure a smooth project, Alpha Terra works with project managers at
the WDNR to ensure any required investigation meets their needs and remediation
can be completed in the necessary timeframe.
Funding Opportunities
There are a number of federal, state and local programs that provide financial
assistance and incentives to convert these blighted properties to productive
assets. State and
local programs include:
- Blight Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment Grants (BEBR)
- Site Assessment Grants
- Greenspace and Public Facilities Grants
- Environmental Remediation Tax Incremental Financing (ER-TIF)
- Other federal, county, or state programs related to job creation
Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE)
The Voluntary
Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) is a process by which parties can
elect to conduct an environmental investigation and cleanup of a property
and then receive limits on their future liability.
Once the WDNR has approved the completion of cleanup activities at a
property, a certificate of completion is issued and owners are guaranteed
they will not be liable for any historic contamination. The certificate
assures no additional environmental work will be required of the party
with respect to releases that occurred prior to receipt of the certificate,
even if previously undiscovered historic contamination is detected in
the future.
The VPLE process can provide peace of mind and help facilitate real
estate transactions involving contaminated property, as certificates of
completion can be passed to new property owners.
Industrial Cleanup Actions
Contamination at industrial sites can occur due to spills or low-level
repeated releases over extended periods of time. Investigations begin
by defining the objectives. All work is done in accordance with NR700
requirements. Where investigation results indicate that corrective action
is required, a review of remedial alternatives is conducted, that will
meet the cleanup objectives.
Alpha Terra has experience with practical technology applications, familiarity
with innovative approaches, and awareness of regulatory constraints. We
can design remediation systems and provide engineering support for implementation
of a Cleanup action. Conceptual and detailed designs for groundwater extraction
and treatment systems and soil removal, treatment, and disposal projects
are prepared to allow efficient remediation while minimizing cost and
impacts on the client's facilities or property.
Alpha Terra has a track record of successful closures, some above the
generic levels established by the WDNR. The SESOIL model and health-based
equations are used to establish site-specific soil cleanup standards wherever
appropriate.
Vapor Intrusion Assessments
While many are familiar with investigations related to soil and groundwater contamination, vapor phase contaminants are often ignored. There is a nationwide recognition that, in many cases, the effects of vapor intrusion have been under estimated.
Alpha Terra can access the potential impacts to your property by vapor intrusion, whether it is from a spill of industry solvent on site, a dry cleaner, or a plume from a nearby gas station. To assess whether a potential vapor intrusion exists, methods from the “ASTM Standard Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions” is typically used as a screen tool. The methods in this standard are equally applicable if the property is not for sale. If the potential for vapors exists sub-slab vapor monitoring or indoor air monitoring plans can be prepared.
Alpha Terra has worked closely with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services to ensure our methods and services meet their criteria to protect human health and the environment.
Project Summaries
Phase I & II Investigations
Wells Manufacturing
DERF - Dry Cleaner Environmental Repair
Fund
Strip Mall
Bluemound Plaza
ACCP - Agricultural Chemical Cleanup
Wood Orchard (Sturgeon Bay, WI)
Frontier FS (Brodhead, WI)
Del Monte Foods (Arlington, WI)
Agriland Cooperative (Ripon, WI)
Brownfields
Product Service and Manufacturing
Development 3000 LLC
Industrial Chemical Cleanup
A.P. Nonweiler Investments
Bemis Manufacturing (Sheboygan Falls, WI)
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