Full Statement of Qualifications
CapRock was formed to solve complex technological problems, and reduce the operational and economic impacts of environmental regulations. Our team of professionals thoroughly evaluates each project, considering issues such as regulatory compliance, implementation feasibility, economics and long term liability. CapRock has the knowledge and experience to expedite difficult projects, and to provide solid compliance support strategies. We are committed to providing the best possible solution to the challenges our clients face.
CapRock provides comprehensive environmental and engineering geology consulting services to private and public sector clients, and has extensive experience negotiating with regulators. We have gained the confidence and trust of our clients as a result of our high quality work, responsiveness to their needs, and flexibility to meet demanding schedules.
The combined backgrounds of the staff coupled with a strong sense of teamwork, continuous project monitoring and peer review procedures, provide our clients with consistent, reliable consulting services:
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
Phase I and Phase II Site Assessment
Phase III Remediation
Regulatory Compliance Support
Risk Assessments (RBCA)
Business Response Plans
ENGINEERING
Facility Decontamination & Closure
Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure Plan (SPCC)
Engineering Geology & Seismic Hazard Assessment
MARINE GEOLOGY
Cable Geo-Hazards Assessment
Geophysical Surveys
Dredging Impact Studies
Seafloor Installation Monitoring
HYDROGEOLOGY
Aquifer Testing
Groundwater Modeling & Monitoring
Groundwater Remediation
Industrial Wastewater & Stormwater
INSURANCE
CapRock is fully insured and operates in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. CapRock has insurance policies in force that provide coverage for Professional Liability, General Liability, Pollution Liability, Automobile Liability, and Workers Compensation. Certificates of Insurance will be provided upon request. CapRock can also be bonded. Bonding is done on an individual, contract basis, as needed.
Clients: email for client list:
AFFILIATIONS
California Council of Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors
California Groundwater Association
Circum-Pacific Council for Energy & Mineral Resources (Gary Greene, Vice President)
Coast Geological Society (Michael Barminski, Vice President)
East-West Center Alumni Assoc. (Gary Greene, Past Fellow, Environment & Policy Institute)
Geological Society of America
Groundwater Resources Association
Monterey Bay Geological Society (Gary Greene, Founder, Robert Barminski, Secretary)
National Association of Marine Laboratories, (Gary Greene, Director)
National Ground Water Association
Salinas Area Chamber of Commerce
Western Association of Marine Laboratories (Gary Greene, President)
Society for Luminescent Microscopy and Spectroscopy
American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Division of Environmental Geosciences
American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Pacific Section
American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Geophysical Union
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Public Works Association
American Water Resources Association
Association of Engineering Geologists
Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers
REGISTRATIONS
Registered Geologist
Certified Engineering Geologist
Registered Hydrogeologist
Registered Environmental Health Specialist
Hazardous Materials Manager
Registered Environmental Assessor
Civil Engineer
Certified Asbestos Consultant
Hazardous Waste Operations Supervisor
CASE HISTORIES
Site Investigations and Remedial Design
CapRock registered geologists and field staff have extensive experience conducting subsurface investigations to characterize soil or groundwater conditions. We are knowledgeable of local geology and local, state, and federal cleanup requirements. For sites requiring cleanup, we perform remedial investigations, feasibility studies, and pilot testing. These data are used to design cost-effective remedial solutions for various contaminants, including hydrocarbons, solvents, pesticides, and metals.
The CapRock integrated approach to environmental assessments is designed to reduce client costs. Our capabilities include soil and groundwater sampling and analysis; geologic and hydrogeologic characterization; soil vapor surveys; groundwater monitoring well installation and monitoring; remedial investigations; feasibility studies; pilot testing; and agency interaction and negotiations. We apply the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) risk based corrective action (RBCA) framework where appropriate.
CapRock has conducted numerous site assessments for manufacturing facilities and industrial plants, lending institutions, attorneys, and developers. Recently completed projects completed include a subsurface investigation at a large industrial complex where soil and groundwater were impacted by metals; investigations for petroleum hydrocarbon impacts from leaking underground storage tanks at former service stations and automotive centers, industrial plants, and residential areas; and investigation and interim remediation for metals/hydrocarbon contamination of soil for a bridge construction project.
Site Assessments
CapRock performs Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) to evaluate past and current facility operating practices related to the storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials, to assess the potential for current and future environmental liabilities. Phase I ESAs are conducted according to ASTM guidelines and draw upon our comprehensive background in identifying environmental risks.
Groundwater Management
CapRock hydrogeologists evaluate the quantity and quality of groundwater. Our staff has considerable experience in water resource development including exploration, well field design, aquifer testing, and computer modeling to evaluate groundwater resources.
Remediation
Our broad background in soil and groundwater cleanup ensures implementation of effective remedial solutions to meet site specific needs. We are experienced in applying of a broad range of technologies including vapor extraction, air sparging, aeration/air stripping, fixation, bioremediation, and excavation.
Wastewater and Stormwater Management
We develop cost-effective solutions for wastewater disposal. To achieve compliance with effluent quality criteria, we perform percolation testing, implement monitoring and control measures, process modification, and treatment system design and installation. We provide all phases of stormwater management including Pollution Prevention Plans and monitoring programs.
Facility Decontamination and Closure
CapRock Geology maintains a solid track record in implementing all aspects of facility closures. This includes closure planning and design, health and safety, decontamination of process equipment and facilities, waste management and disposal, and closure documentation.
Air Quality Services
Our capabilities in air quality include preparation of air emissions inventories; air toxics plans and reports; modification of process designs to reduce emissions; and analysis, design, and implementation of control measures. We also perform assessments of indoor air quality including air sampling and analysis.
Underground Storage Tank Management
CapRock Geology assists owners and operators of underground storage tanks with cost-efficient compliance with regulations. Whether you are permitting a new tank, replacing an existing tank, assessing the impacts from a leaking tank, cleaning up contamination of soil/groundwater, or applying for reimbursement of costs from the State Clean-Up Fund, CapRock professionals will help.
Regulatory Compliance Support
CapRock Geology provides support in permitting, planning, documentation, monitoring, and reporting programs to meet federal, state, and local regulations. We prepare Business Plans/Hazardous Materials Inventories, Contingency Plans, Risk Management Plans, Hazardous Waste Biennial Reports, Air Emissions/Air Toxics Reports, and Stormwater Management Plans. CapRock will interface with the local regulatory agencies to assure environmental issues are addressed accurately and in a timely manner.
Environmental Audits
CapRock professionals review hazardous materials processes and operations, procedures, permits, documentation, record keeping, and other regulatory requirements to provide practical, cost-conscious recommendations for meeting federal, state, and local environmental rules and regulations. We also perform focused audits addressing risk management, OSHA compliance, waste minimization, or other specific areas of concern to the client.
Comprehensive Hazardous Materials/Waste Management
CapRock Geology's experience encompasses all aspects of hazardous waste management, ranging from process engineering and waste minimization to pollution mitigation and control measures. We assist our clients in developing effective compliance strategies based on our familiarity with the numerous environmental regulations which apply to the management of hazardous materials and wastes.
Engineering Geology
CapRock has performed numerous geologic hazards analyses, and landslide and groundwater studies for property owners. Our experience includes analysis of faults, liquefaction hazards, ground motion and other seismic hazards.
Asbestos Risk Management
Our California Certified Asbestos Consultants conduct asbestos surveys and provide asbestos risk management services, including abatement project oversight/monitoring but not asbestos abatement contracting.
Recent projects include asbestos sampling/monitoring and asbestos risk management support to a private client during an extensive demolition project of a 400,000 square feet agricultural processing facility.
Lead Risk Management
CapRock provides complete lead risk management services to minimize hazards relating to the presence of lead-based paint, lead containing dust, and subsurface lead contamination.
Marine Geology
CapRock marine geologists and technicians have considerable experience collecting and analyzing data for subsea survey. CapRock can provide cable assessments including an initial desk top study, geo-hazards evaluation, route profiling and selection. CapRock has provided expert witness services for submarine landslides.
Cable Geo-Hazards Assessment
Monterey Bay, California
CapRock has been under contract to interpret and format data in a GIS (ArcViewÆ) for the MCIWorldCom Southern Cross fiber optic telecommunication cable proposed for landing in the Monterey Bay area. This work requires extensive review of the onland and offshore geology of the Monterey Bay region, correlation of diverse geophysical and geological data sets and the mapping of geohazards. Our contribution includes the identification of various geologic impacts that would cause problems for the cable installation, any adverse disturbances to the seafloor that resulted from the cable installation and the development of mitigation to reduce the impacts to less than significant. Our reports and maps are produced for input into both an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) following the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA).
Methyl tertiary Butyl Ether (MtBE) Investigation
Alpine, California
Leaking tanks at a former gasoline station created a large zone of contaminated soil and groundwater in the vicinity of the site. Of particular concern was the presence of Methyl tertiary Butyl Ether (MtBE) in the groundwater. Large volume municipal groundwater drinking wells were located within 1 mile down gradient of the initial impact. CapRock conducted an investigation to ascertain the limits of groundwater impact and initiated a well head protection monitoring program.
Site Investigation and Remediation
Underground Storage Tank Farms, Monterey and Imperial Counties
CapRock contracted with an agricultural trucking firm that owned two tank farms where soil contamination had been detected. Another consultant gave an estimate of one year and a six-figure cost to obtain closure. The owner needed quick results because ownership was being transferred, and the unresolved environmental liability threatened business plans. The owner sought a second opinion from CapRock, and was provided with a more competitive proposal.
CapRock performed a soil investigation at the Monterey County site and obtained regulatory closure. At the other site in Imperial County, remedial excavation was performed and regulatory closure was granted. CapRock completed both projects in six weeks at 10% of the competing bid.
Site Investigation and Characterization, Remediation, and Hazardous Materials Management, Agricultural Processing Plant, Salinas, California
CapRock provided closure support for a 50-acre industrial site where vegetable processing and trucking activities, chemical storage tanks, and hazardous materials/wastes were located. The project included all phases of site assessment, characterization, and remediation.
CapRock prepared site health and safety plans and project work plans and coordinated with oversight agencies for all phases of the extensive site investigation, demolition and remedial activities. Numerous borings and trenches were sampled to identify the nature of the subsurface impacts and to determine the lateral and vertical extent of contamination at several suspect areas on the site. In addition to soil sampling and analysis of the samples at certified laboratories, field analysis techniques were also employed to expedite demolition.
During the demolition of 400,000 square feet of buildings, CapRock coordinated the disposal of; a metals contaminated wooden cooling tower, 125,000 gallons of chromium brine, asbestos containing material, and transformers containing PCBs. CapRock supervised and monitored sub-contractor activities to ensure compliance with the work plan. Water supply wells were sampled and then abandoned according to Department of Water Resources protocol.
Several areas of contamination were recommended for remediation by excavation. Following excavation a treatment cell was constructed for passive bioremediation of the excavated soil.
Environmental Monitoring of Storm Drain Construction
Pajaro, Monterey County, California
In response to localized flooding, the County of Monterey redesigned storm drains in Pajaro. The area has mixed residential, commercial and industrial usage with known contaminated sites. CapRock provided cost effective screening of the work locations to minimize slow down of the project due to unexpected contaminates.
In response to peculiar flooding patterns related to El Nino storm events, parts of the project were redesigned necessitating rapid screening response.
Solvent Remediation
Ventura County, California
At a fortune 500 company's former facility long term solvent usage had created a wide spread zone of solvent impact in soil and groundwater. CapRock provided oversight to the design, installation, operation and monitoring of the remedial systems. The remedial systems consist of a liquid phase carbon absorption system for groundwater treatment and a gas phase carbon absorption system for soil treatment. Treatment at the site is ongoing.
Underground Storage Tank Compliance Database, Monterey County Health Department, Salinas, Monterey, King City, 1998
Monterey County Environmental Health Department contracted with CapRock to design and assemble a database on the compliance status of underground tanks. The project was completed on schedule within a very demanding timeline dictated by the Federal EPA compliance deadline of December 22, 1998. Within three weeks CapRock reviewed the MCHD files for every documented UST in the county, determined compliance status, and created a custom software application that compiled data on each site, detailed tank construction, permit history, and compliance status.
Subsurface Investigation, Groundwater Monitoring, and Remediation, Agricultural Supply Facility, Salinas, 1993 to present
CapRock performed a subsurface investigation at a site where USTs were removed and soil, groundwater, and drinking water well impact from hydrocarbons was detected. Groundwater monitoring wells, soil vapor extraction wells, and multiple completion wells were subsequently installed. Mike Barminski performed feasibility testing and prepared a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) accepted by the RWQCB. The CAP recommended soil vapor extraction to remove petroleum hydrocarbon mass. CapRock installed a soil vapor and air sparging system that reduced hydrocarbon mass in the capillary fringe and groundwater through volatilization. Based on results of the investigations and correspondence with RWQCB, semi-annual groundwater monitoring is continuing. >From 1993 to the present Robert Barminski has supervised monitoring of up to 23 wells on a regular basis. This site has been kept in compliance under RWQCB oversite as the highest priority leaking UST site in the Central Coast Region.
Asbestos, Lead, and Radon Risk Management
Fort Ord, Monterey, California
Robert Barminski, C.E.G. performed an asbestos, lead-based paint, and radon hazards survey for a gas and utility metering project at the Presidio of Monterey Annex and Non-Annex facilities at the former Fort Ord in Monterey County, California.
Asbestos: Available asbestos reports were reviewed to determine if asbestos containing materials (ACMs) would be disturbed or released during the wall mounting of electrical meters and the penetration of the roofing eves for gas ventilation piping. Attention was focused on the asphalt pipe wrap on gas lines and the building wall and roofing materials. It was determined that ACMs were present in the buildings affected by this project primarily in the asphalt pipe wrap, stucco walls, roofing mastic, roof flashing, roofing composites, the resilient floor tile, floor sheeting, and floor tile/sheeting mastic, and that precautions were required to minimize the risks associated with the presence of ACMs.