Environmental Remediation

environmental remediationAt the time a property is set to change ownership, that’s the best time to call for an environmental risk assessment. Similar to a building inspection, an environmental risk assessment will keep you from engaging liabilities that may be lurking in the groundwater or the soil in the form of previously undetected pollutants. Many of today’s manufacturing processes and industries use hazardous chemicals that can end up in the environment. Changes to Environmental remediation requirements for both state (Kentucky, Ohio, & others) and federal laws, will require expensive cleanup and frequently can become the liability of the new owner, even if they weren’t the culprit who caused the spill. If you’re wondering if any of your properties might need remediation, it’s time to consider what type of industry is on or near the property to determine your risk.

Common Industries that are Environmental Nightmares

To be truthful, any company dealing with hazardous chemicals can end up causing pollution by improper disposal procedures. However, some industries have more risk than others. Common businesses that make use of storage tanks (particularly underground), like gas stations or manufacturing facilities, can end up with undetected leaks detected only after a property changes hands. Dry cleaners can also be one business you wouldn’t suspect that have a high rate of contamination. Environmental remediation Kentucky laws will be strict on contaminants that come from mining operations that may not even be within sight of your property, but is affected by it never-the-less. The time to figure out if your property might need remediation is before you actually sign ownership papers, not afterwards.

Clean Industries are Also Suspect

One would think that such intensely “clean” manufacturing processes like semiconductor manufacture or pharmaceuticals would also be safe. Don’t let the white lab coats fool you. They can end up with some of the worst contamination from heavy metals and chemicals that leach into the soil and can potentially end up in groundwater. Costs to clean up soil may be high, but may just require the removal of topsoil. Excavation and other types of soil remediation aren’t fun, but possible. However, if groundwater is affected, it can be an ongoing issue that must be dealt with by using expensive groundwater contamination remediation efforts to protect an entire ecosystem. It could end up costing your company for years to come. If you are not sure how a previous company might have dealt with their previous hazardous materials, or your building is near a risky industry, it’s time to make sure you aren’t being affected by someone else’s negligence by calling for a risk assessment now to get the real dirt on contaminants.

Please contact us (859-689-9222 – KY, 513-367-4100 – OH) to get more information about how we can help your business.