Discovery

Identifying and recognizing potential hazardous materials issues is the first step to reduce potential risk of project delay, additional costs and possible litigation. During the construction process, indicators of possible contamination include, but are not limited to:
  • Rusted barrels and containers
  • Stained or discolored earth, as contrasted to adjoining soil
  • Fill material containing debris other than construction-related items
  • Household trash covered by earth or other material that appears to be interspersed with industrial debris
  • Gasoline smells or other odors that emanate when the earth is disturbed
  • Oily residue intermixed with earth
  • Sheen on groundwater
  • Cinders and other combustion products like ash.
Structures such as abandoned oil & gas lines, asbestos cement (transite) pipe and underground storage tanks also require special handling when disturbed.