conrad i. leslie, rea environmental manager -...

4445 Eastgate Mall, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 812-2055 www.qsengineering.com

Conrad I. Leslie, REA

Environmental Manager

Summary of experience

Conrad Leslie is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered environmental

assessor (REA) with over 25 years of experience on large environmental and marine

related investigation. He previously served as a Vice President and Regional Manager

of Kleinfelder, Inc., an ENR Magazine “USA Top 100” environmental engineering firm

of over 1,200 employees. He opened and managed four environmental engineering

offices in Latin America and became the youngest professional to become a direct

shareholder / owner of the firm. He served as Senior Environmental Manager for

Golder Associates, an international environmental and geotechnical firm, where he

oversaw projects in Italy and the USA. He also served as Vice President for Gregg

Drilling & Testing performing marine environmental investigation, offshore drilling and

marine CPT testing. Mr. Leslie currently serves as President for Q&S Engineering, an

environmental / oceanographic firm specializing in US Government and projects in Latin

America.

Mr. Leslie has performed environmental work at over 22 US Navy bases, and managed

over 300 projects Latin and South America. His experience includes environmental

compliance, permitting, impact evaluation / mitigation, marine environmental baseline

surveys, environmental site assessments, soil and groundwater remediation, emergency

response, water quality, and ecological & human health risk assessments. His marine

experience includes offshore drilling, bathymetric surveys, sea floor sampling, marine

CPTs, precision navigation (D-GPS), underwater construction, underwater blasting, and

high resolution geophysical surveys. He has served as investigator and expert witness in

high environmental projects.

Among his top environmental achievements, Mr. Leslie worked with federal agencies

and helped change environmental policy with respect to the acceptance of site-specific

human and ecological health risk based Preliminary Remediation Goals (clean up goals)

in Mexico. This saved millions of dollars in clean-up cost. High visibility international

projects include 3 LNG Marine Terminals. Mr. Leslie was responsible for environmental

baseline surveys / impact analysis for the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) marine

terminal on the west coast of the Americas. He also helped approve the use of

underwater blasting making it possible for the cost effective / timely completion of the

dredging of the LNG terminal entrance channel. This saved hundreds of thousands of

dollars in liquidated damage fees for the prime contractor who was trying to break up the

rock mechanically without success.


Mr. Leslie also has a strong marine environmental / marine ecology background. He

received a US Coast Guard Unlimited License from a US maritime academy. He has

worked onboard ocean going ships, survey boats, and barges. He also served as

Chairman of an Environmental Committee for a principal US Navy / commercial

shipyard (South West Marine) where he investigated impacts to marine sediments from

shipyard operations (hydro blasting, sand blasting, hazardous materials / waste

management, and painting), implemented a spill prevention plan for the dry-docks, and

managed dredge materials from the shipyard. He has completed Dredge Material

Feasibility Studies and Pre-Dredge Surveys for the US Navy, and evaluated impacts

related to US Navy operation in the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic oceans.

He is currently a Scientific Advisory Board Member for the Association of

Environmental Health and Science (AEHS), Soil, Water, and Sediment Chapter of San

Diego CA.

Publications

“Adjusting United States Methods to Meet the Needs of Environmental Protection in

Mexico,” Air and Waste Management Annual Conference, San Diego, California.

“Site Remediation using Human Health Risk Based Action Levels” (“Remediación de

Sitio Utilizando Niveles de Acción en Base a Riesgo a la Salud Humana”), C. Leslie,

1998 Petroleum and Gas Institute of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“The Use of Aquatic Plants in the Treatment of Wastewater,” Jeremiah Jackson and C.

Leslie ; U.S. 12th Annual Environmental Management and Technology Conference.

“Health Risk Based Remediation Goals” (“Niveles de Remediacion en Base a Riesgo a la

Salud”), Scott. Dwyer and Conrad Leslie, Ecological Gazette of Jalisco, Mexico;

Comision Estatal de Ecologia, Año 4, Num. 5.

Guest Speaker

University of California, Extension, San Diego, CA

California Department of California (CALTRANS)

University of Guadalajara, Mexico

University of Mexico City, Mexico

PEMEX (Mexican Oil Company)

Various federal, state, and local environmental agencies

Education


Professional Certification: Hazardous Materials Management, University of California,

San Diego, 1990-1992

Environmental Science: US Navy Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA, 1992

Bachelor of Science: Marine Industrial Technology, California Maritime

Academy, 1981-1985

Professional Affiliations

Scientific Advisory Board Member, Association of Environmental Health & Science

(AEHS); Soil, Water and Sediments Chapter

American Society of Civil Engineers

Professional Honors

“1999 Multidisciplinary Excellence Award” Kleinfelder, Inc.

“2008 Calmentor Outstanding Performance Award, California Department of

Transportation (CALTRANS) District 11.

Professional Certification

Registered Environmental Assessor, EPA CA, 1996

Post Graduate Courses

Risk Management, 30 hours

Environmental Emergency Planning, 30 hours

Environmental Toxicology, 30 hours

Industrial Hygiene, 30 hours

Hazardous Waste Management, 30 hours

Air Pollution and Toxic Contamination, 30 hours

Environmental Laws and Regulations, 30 hours

Remediation of Elimination of Hazardous Waste, 30 hours

Hazardous Materials Management, 30 hours

Scientific Equipment Used

PIDs

FIDs

Explosimeters

Dissolved oxygen meters


Data recorders

Flow meters

Drageer tube samplers

Magnetometers

Project Experience

A select list of Mr. Leslie’s project experience includes:

CERCLA-Related Action, US Navy and Marine Corps Facilities, Southern

California. Deputy Program Manager for Kleinfelder under CLEAN II . Coordinated

staff assigned to over 100 contract task orders (CTOs) conducting RI/FS and hazardous

waste treatability studies at numerous military facilities. Contract capacity was nine

years and of $35 million.

Risked Based Soil Remediation, Confidential Client, Railroad

Responded to train derailment, contained coal-tar spill, evaluated the site, and later

remediated the site. Collected and analyzed soil samples in order to assess the impact of

a spill caused by a train derailment. A risk based preliminary remediation goal (PRG)

was developed for the site based on the toxicity of a specific selected contaminant

representative from a hazardous perspective of the spilled compound. Selected PAHs

(benzo pyrene) for its potential toxicity. Collected bibliographical data regarding native

species that could have been exposed to the contaminant. Used PRG recommended in

ecological risk assessment and confirmatory sampling to demonstrate to the authorities

that the site did not represent a significant ecological risk nor needed further remediation.

Monitoring Well Installation, Development, Soil and Groundwater Sampling, US

Naval Station San Diego, CA, IR Site 7 and Site 2. Project coordinator and field sampler overseeing the installation and development of 40

groundwater monitoring wells at Installation Restoration (IR) Site 7 and 2. Collected

groundwater samples that were tested for VOCs (8260B), SVOCs (8270C), TPH diesel

(8015M), TPH gasoline (8015M), TAL metals (6020), Hexavalent Cr (7196), Organotins

(GC / FPD), Dioxin and Dibenzofuran (8290), Gross Alpha, Beta (9310), Gamma

Spectroscopy (901.1), TLC Pesticides and Aroclors (8081A / 8082), Organophosphorous

Pesticides (8141A), and Chlorinated Herbicides (8151A). A dedicated bladder pump was

used for sampling. Prior to sampling Mr. Leslie developed, gauged for depth, and purged

each well. Temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity readings were recorded.

Sediment Sampling and Contaminated Sediment Disposal Feasibility Study, Naval

Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme Facility, Ventura, CA

Mr. Leslie prepared the health and safety plan, work plan, provided precision navigation

(D-GPS), collected 45 sediment core samples, and prepared a dredge materials disposal

report. The samplers were analyzed for aquatic toxicity (acute toxicity / bio


accumulation), physical, and chemical parameters. The laboratory results from the

chemical sediment samples analyzed were screened against the following quality

guidelines: EPA Region 9 PRGs, National Standards and Trends (NS&T), SQGs, NOAA

SQUIRTs, Effects-Range-Low (ERL), Effects Range Medium (ERM), Apparent Effects

Threshold (AET), Threshold Effects Level (TELs), Probable Effects Levels (PELs),

Dredge Material Evaluation Framework Lower Columbia River Management Area 1998

(DMEF); Screening Levels (SL), Bio accumulation Triggers (BT), Maximum Levels

(MLs), Screening concentrations per 22 CCR, Section 66699, Persistent and Bio-

accumulative Toxic Substances, Soluble Threshold Limit Concentration (STLC), and

Total Threshold Limit Concentration (TTLP, Screening concentrations as per Title 40 of

the Code of Federal Regulations Section 261.4, Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure

Levels (TCLP). Mr. Leslie used the Green Book, Inland Testing Manual, and various

sediment quality guidelines to screen sediment concentrations and develop select /

preferred disposal options and cost estimates. The select disposal options include:

upland disposal; confined disposal facility (CDF); confined aquatic disposal (CAD);

cement stabilization / permanent storage at NBVC; temporary storage at NBVC

/subsequent disposal at Port of Long Beach (POLB) as fill; and unconfined ocean

disposal at Port Hueneme Ocean Disposal Site (LA-1). Mr. Leslie then performed a pre-

dredge survey in order to develop a dredge material volume. The survey included side

shots underneath wharfs using slant angle fathometer of estimate dredge material volume

underneath the wharfs.

Groundwater Sampling, US Marine Corps El Toro (MCAS El Toro) CA

Installation of dedicated sampling pumps, micro purging of MWs, collection of GW

samples from approximately 35 monitoring wells located at MCAS El Toro, CA.

Groundwater Monitoring Well Abandonment, MCAS Tustin

Project manager in abandonment of approximately 14 groundwater monitoring wells

from MCAS Tustin

Storm Water and Spill Prevention Plans, Amphibious Naval Base, Coronado,

California

Participation in the preparation and review of a Storm Water Management Plan and Spill

Prevention Plan for the US Navy. The plan addressed storm water discharges from 26

Naval Departments in Coronado, CA.

Soil, Water, and Sediment Sampling, US Naval Command Control and Ocean

Surveillance Center (NCCOSC) Morris Dam, IR Site 2, Azusa, CA

Performed drilling using hand powered auger and collect soils samples at various

locations of IR Site 2. Use small vessels to collect water samples from the reservoir at

various locations at 5 foot intervals in depth. Used Viborcore barge to perform sediment


coring and sampling at 9 locations. Completed chain of custody and prepared samples

for shipping.

Preparation of Hazardous Material Management Plans; Oil, Hazardous Substances,

and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan, Naval Medical

Center, SD Performed reconnaissance and completed a plans as per the applicable San Diego County

requirement for each activity the exceeded the regulatory threshold. The standalone

plans were accumulated into a single source document (Integrated Contingency Plan)

designed to meet the regulatory requirements of the US Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan. The plan also

addresses the emergency planning, notification, and response actions directed by the

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental

Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Emergency Planning and

Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA). The plan was consistent with the National Contingency Plan

(NCP), the San Diego Area Contingency Plan (ACP) and complies with the Oil Pollution

Act of 1990 (OPA 90). Subcontractor to CDM Federal.

Proposed Plan for Operable Unity 5, Alameda Point, Alameda, CA

A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for groundwater was completed on

former Naval Air Station Alameda (now Alameda Point) Site 25 and Alameda Annex

Installation Restoration Site 02. The RI/FS describes the results of prior environmental

investigations, the cleanup alternatives evaluated for the contaminated groundwater, and

the Navy’s proposed preferred remedial action alternative to remediate OU-5

groundwater. The Proposed Plan is a brief, generally non-technical summary of the site

and the remedial action proposal. The proposed plan provided a summary of the RI/FS

and presented supporting information for the Navy’s proposed preferred remedial action

alternative for the impacted groundwater. Q&S worked with the Alameda Point BRAC

Cleanup Team, made up of representatives from the Navy, U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency (USEPA), California Environmental Protection Agency Department

of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), and the California Regional Water Quality Control

Board (RWQCB).

Other Environmental Liabilities (OEL) Project, Southwest Naval Division,

California and Nevada

Perform environmental compliance for the Navy’s Southwest region at various

installations in CA and NV including: North Island, China Lake, Point Loma (SPAWAR

and Sub-Base), Corona, Pt Magu, Concord, Fallon, Lemoore, Hawthorne, Ventura, and

32nd

street. The project required detailed assessment of Navy-owned equipment that may


possess an inherent environmental liability and/or associated contingent environmental

hazard. Field data was analyzed and cost estimates were created to develop a budget for

the Navy to predict potential closure costs and to develop a baseline inventory of

equipment. Subsequently provided hazardous materials specialist, environmental

geologist, and environmental specialist to assist in report preparation.

Groundwater monitoring and MW inspections, Various California Landfills

Performed quarterly and yearly groundwater monitoring at Sycamore, Borrego, Otay, and

Ramona landfills. Inspected and gauged wells. Collected groundwater samples using

designated pumps and hand bailers.

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Study,

Munitions Range, MCAS Yuma, Yuma Arizona

Project manager and field investigator evaluating point source discharges into navigable

waters of the United States. Performed site reconnaissance, prepared topographical

information, and interviewed site personal to determine potential discharges.

Suitability to Transfer, Former Mare Island US Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA

PM searching land grants for California in an attempt to identify the current fee title

owner of the parcel referred to as the Northern Sliver at the Former Mare Island Naval

Shipyard in Vallejo, CA.

Environmental Investigation, City of Merced, CA

Project manager on environmental soil and groundwater investigation related to a large,

multi-source PCE plume impacting municipal drinking water. Duties included reviewing

and providing advice of existing soil investigation reports and laboratory data, assessment

of potential sources, and the critique of opponents’ reports

AST Removal and Installation: US Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA

Project manager on above ground storage tank removal project. Q&S was subcontracted

to provide technical project review in AST installation project at Naval Amphibious

Base, Coronado. Duties included review of draft documents, site visits, and review of

final documents

Site Remediation, Railroad Repair and Fueling Facility, Confidential Client


Used ex-situ and in-situ remediation technologies to remediate soil and groundwater.

The ex-situ system consisted of 5 bio-cells of approximately 800 cubic yards each. The

in-situ system consisted of approximately sixty CO2 extraction-ventilation wells and

thirty-five air sparging wells. Supervised drilling of remediation wells, installation, and

operation of the system. CO2 data collected from the extraction blower exhaust was used

to estimate advances. Performed confirmatory sampling every six-month in order to

evaluate advances. Interacted with environmental authorities in behalf of the client and

negotiated soil and groundwater clean up levels. Identified other possible responsible

parties (PRPs) that may have contributed to contamination. The soil and groundwater

remediation project was among the first mayor and largest federal clean up efforts in

Mexico.

Site Assessments; Railroad Repair and Fueling Facilities

Oversaw six major site assessments in order to estimate the vertical and horizontal extent

of soil and groundwater impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons. The project included

remediation feasibility studies and risk assessments. The preliminary non site specific

remediation goal designated by the authorities for diesel in the soil was less than 1,000

mg/kg. Human health risk assessments identified preliminary site specific remediation

goals (PRGs) protective of human health at different sites that varied from 16,000 mg/kg

to 32,000 mg/kg, representing thousands of dollars of savings to the client.

Site Assessments, International Airports, Various Locations

Over saw 5 site assessments in order to estimate the vertical and horizontal extent of soil

and groundwater impacted by jet fuel at 5 international airports. The project included

remediation feasibility studies and risk assessments. Lime stone formations were

encountered at three of the five sites. Accomplished geophysical surveys in order to help

locate subsurface canals and caverns within the lime stone formations that were

facilitating preferential migration of the contaminant in the subsurface. Based on the

estimated location of the canals and caverns, the soil and groundwater plumes were better

identified.

Remediation Center, Mobil Oil Company

Responsible for developing the concept, design, construction, and operation of an ex-situ

centralized remediation center. The client used the center to deposit contaminated soils

extracted during remodeling and tank pulling operations. Contaminated soil from service

stations was brought into the center and deposited in windrows. Mechanical aerators and

extraction blowers extracted vapors from soils contaminated with gasoline. At the same

time, the aeration system helped maintain aerobic conditions during the bioremediation of

diesel contaminated soils which were segregated from the gasoline contaminated soils.

The center was able to treat over 1,000 cubic meters of soil every 3 to 4 months. Prior to


establishing the Center, the client paid to remediate each service station separately and in-

situ. The center allowed the client to consolidate its soils in one place. This represented

significant savings to the client (designs, blowers, drilling, PVC, et) as compared to in-

situ remediation at each site location.

Environmental Baseline Assessment / EIR; LNG Marine Terminal, El Paso Gas /

Phillips Petroleum Mr. Leslie served as project manager and senior field investigator on an environmental

baseline assessment and EIR) for a LNG Terminal located approximately 60 miles south

of San Diego. The LNG project was the first of its kind in on the west coast of the

Americas. Mr. Leslie provide fast-track project management and environmental

engineering support as part of an environmental baseline assessment / EIR that included

the construction of three hazardous materials ASTs located along the coast, a one

kilometer long pier, and a marine terminal for the offloading of ships. The proposed

marine facility would discharge approx. 43,000 m³ /hr of cold (7º C colder than ambient)

wastewater with a hypochlorite concentration of 0.05 mg/l. The coastal facility was

located in a protected marine / coastal zone. California gray whales migrated along the

coast adjacent to the project site, and sea urchins were also harvested along the shoreline.

The wastewater plume required detailed modeling and evaluations in order to identify

potential impacts to whale migration and marine benthic organisms. Mr. Leslie collected

discrete water samples from various depths, operated a portable marine laboratory in the

field, and used the data to evaluate various wastewater diffusers that would reduce the

size of the plume. Mr. Leslie performed a noise survey that included three sets of 24-

hour measurements from six locations (72 hours of continues measurements per

locations). Other tasks included: biological surveys, MW installation, and hazardous

materials management. The overall scope included close interaction with the engineering

design firm to obtain project characteristics sufficient to determine environmental

impacts; preparation of project descriptions; site visits and other data collection activities

to characterize existing baseline environmental conditions to the physical, biological, and

social environment; participation in meetings with local, state, and federal regulators; and

preparation of a EIR report (Spanish / English).

The environmental baseline assessment / EIR included the following:

Field Investigations

Collected site specific baseline information

Installation of MWs / groundwater monitoring

Social economic survey

Marine biology

Terrestrial biology


Noise monitoring

Air monitoring

Soil sampling

Limited geologic hazard assessment

Sea water sampling and insitu / laboratory analysis of the samples

Bibliographical Research

Collected published information in support of field investigation, modeling, and

ecological impact assessment

Modeling:

Used to evaluate environmental impacts

Groundwater modeling

Cold Water Modeling

Residual Chlorine Modeling

Noise Modeling

Ecological Risk Assessment

Used to evaluated effects of potential impacts

Effects of a cold water discharge on Benthic Marine Community

Effects of residual chlorine on Marine Environment

Expert Witness, FNM (Mexican National Railroad), Mexico City

Project manager supporting FNM legal department. Focus of the project involved

reviewing groundwater data from other consultants related to subterranean explosions in

the City of Guadalajara that killed approximately 300 people. Regulatory agency

(PROFEPA) accused FNM of being sole responsible party due to the presence of diesel

in the groundwater. Review of documents revealed potential multiple sources of

groundwater contamination, other possible responsible parties, and methodology errors in

past groundwater modeling data. FNM was subsequently acquitted by PROFEPA.

Environmental Evaluation and Wastewater Treatment, Confidential Client,

Railroad Facility

Consultant in investigations to evaluate pounded wastewater in an industrial site. The

wastewater had been discharged by a third party and had accumulated in a natural

depression of the railroad facility. Evaluated laboratory results from water samples

collected by other consultants. The water samples contained a BOD between 1,000 and

3,000 mg/l which exceeded wastewater discharge parameters at the time of the

investigation. Worked with senior engineers in order to design a wastewater treatment


system. The wastewater treatment system contained PVC horizontal aerators in the

initial treatment stage and used macrophytes to polish the treated effluent.

Site Assessments and Remediation, Gasoline Service Stations, Various Locations

Project Manager in charge of environmental assessments, and soil and groundwater

remediations (vapor extraction, air sparging, in-situ and ex-situ bioremediation, and free

product removal) at gasoline service stations. Over 70% of the service stations were

situated over clays and silts. Thus, conventional remediation technologies had fail in the

past due to the low permeability and poor air conductivity of the soil. Used pneumatic

fracturing to increase permeability and accelerate remediation. After the soils were

fractured, rehabilitated existing fracture points in diesel contaminated sites to continue to

inject air (augmenting aerobic conditions) and macronutrients (accelerating

bioremediation) into the subsurface.

Served as senior consultant for the largest gasoline-distributing consortium in Mexico

City (CODESA). Charged with performing site assessments, regulatory compliance,

emergency response, and site remediations. Also, personally assisted Mexico City

environmental authorities in the development of work plans for service station site

assessments, criteria for the evaluation of remediation performance, and recommendation

of non site specific PRGs for service stations in Mexico.

conrad i. leslie, rea environmental manager -...

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