Services

SCST’s Environmental Science & Engineering practice is based on a long legacy of providing traditional environmental services, primarily governed by CERCLA, for premier clients such as the EPA and federal DoD agencies. The firm has executed the EPA Region 5 RAC2 contract for over nine years, supporting over 45 CERCLA sites and self-performing the full suite of services throughout all phases of the CERCLA process to include ESA, risk assessment, RI, FS, and RD services. SCST also provides extensive procurement, remedial action management, and oversite support to the EPA during the remediation phases, all with excellent performance reviews.

Projects

Jacobsville Neighborhood Soil Contamination, Evansville, Indiana

Dover Chemicals Site Environmental Forensics Technical Support to EPA

O&M of Pemaco Groundwater and Vapor Treatment Plant

Remedial Design and Dredging of Grand Calumet River, Hammond IN

U.S. Smelter and Lead RI/FS and Remedial Design

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Jacobsville Neighborhood Soil Contamination, Evansville, Indiana

Soil cleanup of 1,679 properties in a residential neighborhood affected by lead and arsenic contamination from previous industrial practices.  SCST procured remedial subcontractors and provided engineering oversight to ensure the properties were remediated according to project specifications.  Under three separate projects over five years, SCST conducted remedial action at 1,679 residential properties in an old industrial neighborhood. Industrial activities such as lead smelting during the early part of the 20th century caused airborne contamination of soils by lead and arsenic at concentrations that posed a health risk to children and sensitive populations. Remedial action involved excavating and removing contaminated soils, replacing them with clean backfill, and restoring the affected properties with new sod and other landscaping. Multiple phases of the project were executed by four separate contractors over a five year period.

Dover Chemicals Site Environmental Forensics Technical Support to EPA

Past industrial practices at an active manufacturing facility that produces chlorinated paraffins have contaminated soil and created a dichlorobenzene plume that has migrated 1.5-miles downgradient.  SCST has served as technical consultant to EPA for 15 years on a voluntary clean-up of the site that employed innovative environmental forensic techniques such as stable isotope analysis to evaluate the provenance of contaminant sources, in situ microbial population analysis to verify the potential for microbial degradation of contaminants in groundwater, CCSEM particle size analysis to characterize the mobility of dioxins in groundwater, and MODFLOW groundwater modeling to verify effective capture of contaminants and protection of a nearby municipal water supply.  SCSTs support has helped the plant to remain active while ensuring protection of the public water supply.

O&M of Pemaco Groundwater and Vapor Treatment Plant

Under this $8.3M project, SCST operated and maintained a complex dual-phase extraction system and treatment plant for EPA to remove and treat contaminated groundwater and soil vapor at a former chemical mixing facility. The site was contaminated by a variety of VOCs at depths up to 100 feet below grade.  SCST implemented a complex remedial action involving extracting soil vapor and groundwater from five different stratigraphic zones and operating a treatment plant to remove contaminants and discharge the treated fluids.  SCST modified the treatment plant to improve treatment plant efficiency, conceived creative strategies to avoid discharge permit renewal fees, and significantly reduced energy, labor, waste disposal, and analytical costs to run the plant.

Remedial Design and Dredging of Grand Calumet River, Hammond IN

SCST designed and implemented a remedial action to address contaminated sediments in the Grand Calumet River, identified as an “Area of Concern” (AOC) under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The severely impaired river runs through a heavy industrial corridor in northern Indiana that includes oil refineries, steel mills, and chemical manufacturing facilities. SCST dredged and disposed of 305,000 CY of sediments contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, PAHs, and pesticides (e.g., DDT); removed invasive species; and restored degraded habitat along the stream banks and in a 50-acre marsh hydraulically connected to the river. This project was performed under 8 separate work assignments valued at $82.2MM.

U.S. Smelter and Lead RI/FS and Remedial Design

The U.S. Smelter and Lead facility is a former lead smelter that operated in a heavily industrialized corridor near Gary Indiana,  Industrial operations at the smelter contaminated more than half of nearly 1300 residential properties in a 300-acre residential neighborhood by aerial deposition of lead-containing flue dust and direct use of blast-furnace slag as fill material.  SCST used a statistically based sampling program to achieve representative aerial coverage of the 1,300 properties spread over a 45-block urban area with a limited number of samples.  SCST’s streamlined approach to the remedial investigation allowed the project to move from initiating an investigation to signing a ROD in less than 3 years. Experience at other residential cleanup sites in economically distressed areas led SCST to propose an innovative design/build concept that would allow remediation to closely follow sampling and avoid redesign costs and project delays due to property ownership changes and changed conditions such as demolition of porches and outbuildings.

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SCST’s Geotechnical Engineering team investigates subsurface conditions and materials to determine the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties relevant to a particular project. Investigating and compiling data obtained from soil and rock samples allows the potential risks posed by existing site conditions to be assessed and allows the specifications and requirements for structures and earthwork to be built. Our preliminary geotechnical exploration can prevent unforeseen and costly complications prior to construction and provide informative data to be used in the development of a site to ensure structural integrity and longevity.

Projects

San Ysidro Land Port of Entry West Pedestrian Building, San Ysidro

Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC), San Diego International Airport, San Diego

Broadstone Balboa Park, San Diego

Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project, Moapa, Nevada

Building 99 Bunker Demolition, Naval Base Coronado

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San Ysidro Land Port of Entry West Pedestrian Building, San Ysidro

A $12 million design-build project consisting of a 22,300 square foot pedestrian processing facility located to the west of the existing San Ysidro Land Port of Entry. The building will house US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Border Patrol.  Facility will consist of 7,560 square-feet of pedestrian processing and immigration services space, 2,128 square-feet of violator processing and enforcement spaces, and CBP agricultural space. Additional space includes a conference/training/muster room, restrooms, electrical switchgear room, emergency generator, mechanical room, janitorial space, an electrical closet, and administrative, staff and support spaces.

Geotechnical Services:

• Geotechnical Investigation
• Observation & Testing of Underground Utility Trenching and Grading
• Footing Excavation Observation
• Percolation Testing

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Cast-In-Place & Reinforced Concrete
• Drilled Anchors
• Concrete Quality Control
• High-Strength Bolting
• Masonry
• Shop & Field Structural Steel Welding

Facilities Consulting Services:

• Substrate Moisture Testing

Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC), San Diego International Airport, San Diego

Brand new, $240 million, four-story rental car center. Features include a ready/return facility with customer service and security kiosks and support facilities, a customer service plaza with bus drop off/pickup areas, and a quick turn-around facility. This facility consists of fueling, car wash facilities, employee amenities, administrative support areas, vehicle storage and stacking spaces, and light vehicle maintenance facilities. Project also included a customer service building with rental counters and retail space, back office space and support areas, and customer and employee amenities.

Geotechnical Services:

• Piles
• Pier
• Site Observation

Broadstone Balboa Park, San Diego

This seven-story, 170,000 square-foot building with 100 units, consists of row homes, studios, one and two-bedroom units, and penthouse lofts. The project also included underground parking with electrical vehicle charge stations, a fitness center, clubhouse, and street level retail and cafe space.

Environmental Services:

• Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and Lead Mitigation

Geotechnical Services:

• Footing Excavation Observation
• Foundation Analysis
• Observation and Testing of Backfill
• Underground Utilities
• Curb and Gutter
• Wall Backfill
• Piers
• Soldier Piles
• Temporary Shoring

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Cast-In-Place and Reinforced Concrete
• Framing
• Post-Tension Concrete
• Shear Wall/Diaphragm Nailing
• Drilled Anchor
• Concrete Quality Control
• Shotcrete
• Masonry
• Shop and Field Structural Steel Welding
• Drilling Observation of Nail/Tie-Backs

Moapa Southern Paiute Solar Project, Moapa, Nevada

A 250 Megawatt photo voltaic solar array (PVSA) that is a tracker-type system on approximately 514 acres on the Moapa River Indian Reservation. It is the first utility-scale solar project on tribal land. Other features include an onsite substation and a new 5.5 mile, 500 kV transmission line connecting the project to the existing Crystal Substation. The plant generates enough clean solar energy to power more than 93,000 homes, displacing 313,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the road. This project was a step toward the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's effort to build a clean energy future by eliminating coal power, which will be required by California law in 2019.

Geotechnical Services:

• Geotechnical Investigation
• Pile Load Testing
• Corrosion Study

Building 99 Bunker Demolition, Naval Base Coronado

A $16 million design-build project to demolish Building 99. The bunker is a World War II era, earth covered reinforced concrete framed structure consisting of two gun emplacements and multiple interior spaces constructed for coastal defense purposes. The guns were never installed and the bunker was never put into its intended service. The bunker was demolished to a level 48 inches below finished grade and all concrete, reinforcing steel and other materials were recycled to the maximum extent possible. Concrete found free of contaminants was ground and stockpiled onsite for future use as road base.

Geotechnical Services:

• Site Investigation
• Existing Conditions Report

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SCST’s fully staffed and equipped geophysical division provides site and structure characterization services through state-of-the-art non-destructive methods. Our geophysical team has provided innovative and cost-effective solutions on a wide range of projects, often reducing site exploration costs and minimizing unexpected site conditions. The use of geophysics can provide useful information regarding site structural, geotechnical, geologic, and hydrologic conditions as well as subsurface infrastructure. Areas of expertise include:

SCST’s licensed inspectors help to make sure the correct procedures are in compliance with the applicable codes, plans, and specifications. Special inspection can help ensure that no shortcuts are taken during construction that may diminish the quality of a project. Inspections can be provided on a periodic or continuous basis, depending on project and client needs.

Our materials testing services test, analyze, and certify a wide range of materials for purity, chemical compatibility, and environmental impact. SCST’s state-of-the-art, full-service laboratory provides soils, aggregate, asphalt, metals, and concrete services.

Projects

UCSD Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (CTRI), La Jolla

Pacific Gate, San Diego

Block 8 - Parcel D, Los Angeles

Hollywood Casino, Jamul

East County Detention Center, Indio

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UCSD Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute (CTRI), La Jolla

New seven-story, 350,000 square foot steel and concrete building.  This $269 million facility will include wet and dry research labs, a clinical research area, lab support and office space, an auditorium and cafe. The project which is targeted for LEED Silver certification, includes a sophisticated mechanical system that is ultra-energy efficient.  Green elements include lighting and air conditioning systems and use of “green” materials.

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Masonry
• Concrete
• Welding
• Structural Steel
• Shotcrete
• Soil Nails
• Non-Destructive Testing and Mix Design Review

Pacific Gate, San Diego

This 41-story, 215 unit luxury condominium project will also consist of 16,000 square feet of retail space and 460 parking spaces on three subterranean levels. Additional features will include a fitness center, pool deck, community lounge, screening room, business center, as well as a garden area and 1,391 square foot dog run in the building on the 2nd floor, which is the first of its kind.

Geotechnical Services:

• Footing Excavation Observation
• Foundation Plan Review
• Observation & Testing of Grading
• Subgrade
• Aggregate Base Material
• Wall Backfill
• Sidewalk
• Utility Trenching
• Asphalt Concrete

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Cast-In-Place and Reinforced Concrete
• Post-Tension Concrete
• Field Structural Steel Welding
• Concrete Quality Control
• Mix Design Review

Block 8 - Parcel D, Los Angeles

New Type III construction, which is part of the Block 8 Master Plan in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles. The project includes 240 apartment units in a 204,416 square foot, 10-story building with 470 stalls on three levels of underground parking. Other features include 16,737 square feet of ground level retail and restaurant space, recreation areas, a fitness facility, and a sky deck with a pool and spa.

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Reinforced Concrete
• Masonry
• Shotcrete
• Grout
• Concrete Quality Control
• Structural Steel Welding
• Framing
• Tie-Backs and Non-Destructive Testing

Facilities Consulting Services:

• Observation & Documentation of Installation of Waterproofing & Exterior Building Envelope

Hollywood Casino, Jamul

Construction of a $360 million, 200,000 square foot, three-story gaming and entertainment facility on six acres. This casino will include restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as a 10-story below grade parking structure with 1,900 spaces.

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Reinforced and Cast-In-Place Concrete
• Drilled Anchors
• Post-Tension Concrete
• Gunite
• Shotcrete
• Fireproofing
• Masonry
• Shoring System Welding
• Field Structural Steel Welding
• Concrete Quality Control
• Non-Destructive Testing

East County Detention Center, Indio

A 990 stall concrete parking structure adjacent to the new detention center and site preparation for construction of a $248 million, 516,000 square foot Type II detention center on 6.5 acres. New detention facility will consist of a three level support building, with one level underground, which will contain a public lobby, intake/transfer/release area, warehouse, medical and dental clinic, administrative space, staff services and locker rooms and the extension of the underground tunnel that connects to the existing Larson Justice Center. The housing building will consist of a four-story structure with a total of eight housing units containing 1,626 beds. The units are subdivided into separate security segments around a central housing control station. Support areas include classrooms, medical units, interview rooms, administrative space and storage. Other features include a secure vehicle intake sally-port, entry canopy, hardscape and landscape. The project is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.

Geotechnical Services:

• Pavement Analysis
• Compaction Testing
• Observation & Testing of Grading
• Backfill and Underground Utilities
• Drilled Nails/Tie Backs
• Temporary Shoring Observation

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Batch Plant
• Concrete Quality Control
• Reinforced Concrete
• Post Tension Concrete
• Masonry
• Field Structural Steel Welding
• High-Strength Bolting

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SCST’s Facilities Consulting team provides third-party observation and documentation to provide detailed written and photographic records of installation and replacement of materials used during the construction process. An accurate and reliable observations inventory record contributes to the overall quality and success of projects. This documentation can be particularly helpful when underground or hidden elements of construction come into question, especially when verification testing or observation would require costly and destructive demolition and replacement work. Site visits are conducted by our experienced technicians who prepare written and photographed records of horizontal and vertical construction components which are documented according to the location, date, and type of construction. This documentation provides details of the activities, materials, and methods occurring on the job site during various phases of construction.

Projects

Block 8 - Parcel D, Los Angeles

Celadon at 9th and Broadway, San Diego

Del Lago Apartments, Wilmington

Ballpark Village Parking Structure, San Diego

Mesa College Math + Science Complex, San Diego Community College District, San Diego

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Block 8 - Parcel D, Los Angeles

New Type III construction, which is part of the Block 8 Master Plan in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles. The project includes 240 apartment units in a 204,416 square foot, 10-story building with 470 stalls on three levels of underground parking. Other features include 16,737 square feet of ground level retail and restaurant space, recreation areas, a fitness facility, and a sky deck with a pool and spa.

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Reinforced Concrete
• Masonry
• Shotcrete
• Grout
• Concrete Quality Control
• Structural Steel Welding
• Framing
• Tie-Backs
• Non-Destructive Testing

Facilities Consulting Services:

• Observation & Documentation of Installation of Waterproofing & Exterior Building Envelope

Celadon at 9th and Broadway, San Diego

This $76 million, 17 story affordable mixed-use project consisted of 250 units, 88 of which are targeted for supportive housing. The project also included 10,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, and common areas with a kitchen, supportive services office, and media, laundry and seminar rooms. The project was designed to achieve LEED Silver certification and features an eco-roof with draught tolerant planting and a photovoltaic system. Funding was provided by various agencies, including the City of San Diego, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, California Housing Finance Agency and the San Diego Housing Commission.

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Cast-In-Place Concrete
• Post-Tension Concrete
• Reinforced Concrete
• Shotcrete
• Concrete Quality Control
• Masonry
• Fireproofing
• Shop and Field Structural Steel Welding
• Non-Destructive Testing

Facilities Consulting Services:

• Observation & Documentation of Installation of Subgrade Waterproofing
• Steep Slope Roofing
• Utilities and Exterior Building Envelope Finish Systems

Del Lago Apartments, Wilmington

Apartments on 7.6 acres with 204 units in 13, three-story residential buildings. Other features include a single-story recreation building, a single story pool building, 380 parking spaces and open spaces. This is the first project site to be fully permitted for storm water to be re-used in the City of Los Angeles.

Facilities Consulting Services:

• Observation & Documentation of Installation of Steep and Low Slope Roofing
• Horizontal Waterproofing
• Exterior Building Envelope, including Windows, Building Paper, Lath and Exterior Walls

Ballpark Village Parking Structure, San Diego

Three level below grade parking garage with 991 spaces laying under this 3.5 acre, $250 million project. Other aspects of the project will consist of a 400 foot high, 37 story, 446 unit multifamily tower, an above grade walkway, 45,000 square-feet of retail and restaurant space, and a 12,000 square-foot open air central plaza that leads to the Petco Park Main Gate. The garage was partially funded from a grant from Caltrans.

Facilities Consulting Services:

• Observation & Documentation of Installation of Subgrade Waterproofing

Mesa College Math + Science Complex, San Diego Community College District, San Diego

The 206,000 square feet, $109.3 million, four-story facility is the center for the school's biology, chemistry, physical science and mathematical studies programs. The project consisted of regular classrooms, computer classrooms and lab rooms, as well as faculty, staff and administrative support space. Features include a greenhouse, a rooftop astronomy observation center and exterior landscaping to include globally-themed gardens and landscapes. The project was funded by Proposition N and used the CM Multi-prime delivery method. The project was designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.

Special Inspection & Materials Testing:

• Reinforced and Cast-in-Place Concrete
• Drilled Anchors
• Batch Plant
• Concrete Quality Control
• Shop and Field Structural Steel Welding
• Masonry
• Fireproofing
• High-Strength Bolting
• Non-Destructive Testing
• Floor Flatness and Ceiling Wire Pull Testing
• Mix Design Review

Facilities Consulting Services:

• Low Slope Roofing
• Horizontal Waterproofing

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