Paradigm Lab Certifications | Hazardous Waste Characterization | Industrial Wastewater Monitoring
Site Investigative Support | Petroleum Contamination | Field Sampling
Vapor Intrusion Monitoring | ASP and Category B | Chain of Custody Forms
Site Investigative Support | Petroleum Contamination | Field Sampling
Vapor Intrusion Monitoring | ASP and Category B | Chain of Custody Forms
Contact Paradigm today to discuss your environmental analysis needs.
HAZARDOUS WASTE CHARACTERIZATION
The EPA defines solid waste as any material that is discarded or abandoned, including liquids and gases. In many instances the origin of a waste is uncertain. In others, the level of hazardous constituents may vary over time. Without detailed knowledge of wastes it is impossible to properly dispose of potentially hazardous materials.Paradigm uses test procedures established by the EPA to assess wastes for Ignitability, Reactivity, Corrosivity, and release of toxic constituents through the Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). TCLP is a bench scale extraction designed to predict the release of toxins under sanitary landfill conditions. At Paradigm we assess wastes quickly and accurately, allowing you to complete waste profiles with confidence and arrange for proper disposal well ahead of regulatory deadlines.
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER MONITORING
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program regulates discharges to waters of the United States. This program encompasses direct dischargers, those that discharge indirectly through municipal collection systems, and stormwater runoff.Paradigm offers analyses covering EPA’s Priority Pollutant and Conventional Pollutant lists. We also provide on-site automated sampling. In many cases our clients are required to monitor their discharges on a regular basis, with strict deadlines for reporting. With Paradigm’s standard one-week turnaround, our clients are able to complete their monitoring well ahead of schedule, allowing them time to evaluate data, investigate problem areas, and make adjustments on a proactive basis.
[ Top of Page ]
SITE INVESTIGATION SUPPORT
One of the legacies of an industrial economy is widespread contamination of properties, including manufacturing facilities, dry cleaners, gas stations, railroad yards, truck depots, etc. Much of this contamination occurred many years ago, and in many cases the contaminants have spread to adjacent properties. As a result, site investigations have become standard practice prior to buying and selling commercial properties.Paradigm provides quality analytical services to consultants and industrial site managers in support of site assessments, remedial investigations, and implementation of remedial measures. We employ the latest in chromatographic and spectrometric procedures to assess contaminated soils, soil vapors, and ground waters. Analyses include volatile organics, semi-volatile organics, pesticides, PCBs, petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and more.
Environmental samples, particularly those contaminated with hazardous wastes, frequently involve difficult matrices and complex interferences, requiring additional cleanup procedures and repeated analysis to generate useful data. At Paradigm, we are committed to providing data of the highest quality. We do whatever it takes, usually at no additional cost, to provide data that is both valid and usable.
[ Top of Page ]
PETROLEUM CONTAMINATION
Petroleum and related products have been refined, stored, and shipped in huge quantities for over one hundred years. For much of that time regulations were either lax or non-existent, and spills and leaks were common. It is only since the late 1980s that the US has begun to address the large backlog of petroleum contaminated sites.New York State has a well-developed Spill Response Program maintained by the NYSDEC. The DEC also provides technical guidance (the Spills Technology and Remediation Series) concerning remediation of petroleum spill sites, including the STARS Memo #1 covering excavation of contaminated soils.
Paradigm routinely provides analytical support to consultants and contractors involved in the cleanup of petroleum sites. Our analytical services include STARS List Volatiles, STARS List Base/Neutrals, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Ignitability, Lead and more. All STARS analyses are performed via GC/MS, eliminating the false positives associated with GC only methods. Additionally, our expert chemists can assist you with data interpretation, allowing you to gain valuable insight into product identification and contaminant sources.
[ Top of Page ]
FIELD SAMPLING
Field sampling can be one of the largest single sources of error in any site investigation or monitoring program. Obtaining representative samples requires attention to detail and a commitment to quality, and Paradigm provides both. We offer field sampling services covering a wide variety of sample types, including industrial wastewaters, solid and hazardous wastes, soils, soil vapors, ground waters, and ambient airs.Samples of the highest integrity are obtained using established procedures derived from federal and state guidance. Sampling activities are carefully documented for each sample taken, and strict custody procedures are followed. In addition, our field sampling technicians are trained to recognize site conditions with the potential to adversely affect sample quality and to advise our clients immediately.
[ Top of Page ]
VAPOR INTRUSION MONITORING
In the late ‘90s, it was realized that vapors could migrate from contaminated soils and accumulate in commercial and residential structures. It is known that occupants may incur long term, chronic exposures to low levels of toxic organic vapors.Paradigm has an analytical laboratory dedicated to the analysis of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds in air and soil vapor. With laboratory capability of US EPA Method TO-15 and TO-17, we can provide clients with state-of-the-art analysis for:
- Soil vapors in petroleum-based products
- Occupational and industrial hygiene screening
- Ambient monitoring of volatile emissions
- Landfill, wastewater, and lagoon gas compounds
- Food / flavor / fragrance associated with consumer products
- Odor and aroma associated with meat processing, dairy, and beverage industries
- Mold and fungus detection via their volatile emissions
- Odors and emissions associated with construction and floor coating products
