Preliminary Site Assessments and Remedial Investigations

The Foundation of Informed Environmental Decision-Making

Bay West provides the critical first steps in the environmental management process through our preliminary assessments and site inspection services. These assessments provide essential information on potential contamination, environmental liabilities, and the overall environmental status of a site. The primary objective of a site assessment is to identify and evaluate potential pathways linking contamination to potential receptors. These receptor pathways may involve groundwater, vapor migration, surface water, or direct human contact with contaminated soil.

As part of the site assessment, Bay West performs four primary tasks:

Determine if emergency conditions exist;
Review background information to identify potential contaminant sources and other environmental site conditions;
Perform well, vapor, surface water, and surface soil receptor surveys; and
Perform a subsurface investigation to begin to evaluate the magnitude of impacted soil, groundwater, soil-gas, sediments, building surfaces, and any other potentially impacted media, based upon potential contaminant sources.

If potential pathways exist between the receptors and the contamination, a remedial investigation is required. A remedial investigation involves the following additional activities:

Site Investigation and Characterization: We conduct complete detailed and cost-efficient investigations to fully define the extent and magnitude of the contaminants of concern. All investigations are developed for your site’s needs by our team of licensed engineers and scientists.
Conceptual Site Modeling: Develop an illustrative model of the existing processes at your site to provide a communication tool for decision-making.
Risk Assessments: Assess the potential impact of identified contaminants on human health and the environment, which will define the need for future remediation efforts.

This process is fundamental for making informed decisions regarding remediation efforts. It ensures compliance with environmental regulations and helps in planning mitigation or cleanup activities, ultimately guiding stakeholders towards safer, more informed, and cost-effective project outcomes.

Recent Investigation Experience

Eglin AFB Munitions Investigation and Removal

Bay West conducts munitions investigation and removal at Eglin Air Force Base, allowing the site to be continuously utilized for training. Bay West collaborated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other state and federal agencies to provide military munitions support.

St. Louis River Area of Concern Remediation

The St. Louis River and Duluth/Superior Harbor have historically been polluted by industries like logging and papermaking. Bay West has been a key partner with local and state agencies in addressing comprehensive cleanup plan aimed at restoring the area.

Perham Investigation and Remediation

The East Otter Tail County Fairgrounds in Perham, Minnesota, served as a mixing station and depository for unused arsenic-based grasshopper bait in the 1940s. Bay West has helped ensure the ongoing protection of communities and the environment with various site investigation, optimization studies, and groundwater modeling.

Superior Plating Remediation and Oversight

The largest plating facility in the Midwest was closed due to soil and groundwater contamination. Bay West is pivotal in providing support and oversight for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and its cleanup efforts.

Preliminary Site Assessments and Remedial Investigations

The Foundation of Informed Environmental Decision-Making

As part of the site assessment, Bay West performs four primary tasks:

Recent Investigation Experience

Eglin AFB Munitions Investigation and Removal

St. Louis River Area of Concern Remediation

Perham Investigation and Remediation

Superior Plating Remediation and Oversight

Recent Insights

Biofilm Mediated Destruction of PFAS in Groundwater receives LCCMR recommendation for funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

Did Your PFAS Sampler Shower This Morning?

What Does 4 Parts Per Trillion Look Like?

Celebrating 50 Years of Environmental Excellence at Bay West LLC – A Letter from the CEO

Bay West Pioneers Military Site PFAS Destruction in Collaboration with General Atomics

New PFAS Rules: What it Means for You

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