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/