AZ-RI Consultants

Learn More: Radon Requirements for HUD Environmental Reviews For most HUD funded projects, a radon report is required. All testing must be performed by or under the supervision of a radon professional certified/Licensed by AARST/NRPP or NRSB as well as certification/licensure from the state where testing is being conducted. Radon testing must follow the protocols set by the AARST, Protocol for Conducting Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurements in Multifamily Buildings (ANSI-AARST MAMF-2017). This includes testing 100% of ground floor units and 10% of upper floor units in all buildings included in the project. The threshold for unacceptability is 4.0 picocuries per liter (4.0 pCi/L) based on initial and any confirmatory testing, if performed. Radon resistant construction is required for all new construction projects receiving FHA mortgage insurance and recommended for other forms of HUD funding. Radon mitigation and radon O&M plans are required for existing construction where testing has revealed that radon levels exceed the threshold for unacceptability. Visit az-ri.com to learn more!

Learn More: Exceptions to HUD’s Wetlands Review Requirements The November 2013 amendments to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) regulation on floodplains and wetlands introduced several exceptions that could exclude certain projects from wetlands review. These exceptions can be found in various sections of the regulation, specifically 55.12(a)(3), 55.12(a)(4), 55.12(c)(3), 55.12(c)(7), and 55.12(c)(10). Here is a summary of each exception: 1. 55.12(a)(3): This exception states that a project may be excluded from wetlands review if it involves the restoration or rehabilitation of a wetland area that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed as a result of human activity. The intent is to promote the ecological recovery of previously impacted wetlands. 2. 55.12(a)(4): This exception allows for the exclusion of projects from wetlands review if they involve the construction or expansion of a single-family residence or a minor accessory structure. The purpose is to provide flexibility for homeowners in making improvements to their properties without unnecessary regulatory burden. 3. 55.12(c)(3): This exception states that a project may be excluded from wetlands review if it involves the construction or maintenance of linear transportation facilities, such as roads or rail lines, that do not substantially affect the functions and values of the wetland area. This exception aims to streamline the review process for transportation infrastructure projects that have minimal impacts on wetlands. 4. 55.12(c)(7): This exception allows for the exclusion of projects from wetlands review if they involve the construction or maintenance of water control structures, such as dikes, levees, or dams, designed to manage water levels or prevent flooding. The purpose is to ensure that necessary flood control measures can be implemented efficiently without hindrance from wetlands regulations. 5. 55.12(c)(10): This exception states that a project may be excluded from wetlands review if it involves the construction or maintenance of temporary structures or facilities related to emergencies or disaster response efforts. The aim is to facilitate timely and effective responses to emergencies, allowing for the quick establishment of essential temporary infrastructure. These exceptions introduced in the November 2013 amendments to HUD’s regulation on floodplains and wetlands provide specific circumstances in which projects can be excluded from wetlands review. It is important to note that the applicability of these exceptions depends on the specific details and impacts of each project, and compliance with other relevant environmental regulations may still be required. Visit az-ri.com to learn more!

AZ-RI Consultants supports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) with environmental due diligence associated with property acquisitions. AZ-RI recently completed Ph I and Ph II environmental site assessments (ESAs) for a potential conservation property located in Millersville, MD. The Ph I ESA identified recognized environmental conditions (RECs) associated with the property including the presence of an underground storage tank (UST) historically used for heating oil. AZ-RI collected representative soil samples to assess any potential impacts to the subsurface associated with UST and provide guidance to DNR about the potential liability associated with the property.? Visit az-ri.com to learn more!

WE ARE HIRING: Part-Time Environmental Professional Job Description: We are seeking dedicated and experienced Environmental Professionals to join our team on a part-time, as-needed basis. In this role, you will provide essential support to our Project Managers in conducting Environmental Reviews. The ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in various aspects of environmental field work, including Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, lead-based paint XRF inspections, radon testing, asbestos inspections, and mold inspections. Responsibilities: - Assist Project Managers in conducting Environmental Reviews - Perform field work associated with Phase I Environmental Site Assessments - Conduct Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, including soil, groundwater, soil-gas, and indoor air sampling - Carry out lead-based paint XRF inspections, radon testing, asbestos inspections, and mold inspections Requirements: - Previous experience in environmental fieldwork - Familiarity with Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments - Capability to perform lead-based paint XRF inspections, radon testing, asbestos inspections, and mold inspections - Willingness to work on a part-time, as-needed basis - Availability for travel, with most work conducted in the Mid-Atlantic region by car - Ability to occasionally travel by air and stay overnight as required About Us: At AZ-RI Consultants, we are a dedicated team of professionals, serving a diverse clientele of nonprofits, local government agencies, lenders, and real estate developers. Our core focus revolves around HUD Environmental Reviews, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, and a range of environmental testing services, including soil, groundwater, soil-gas, indoor air, radon, asbestos, and lead-based paint. We pride ourselves on our commitment to client service, delivering top-quality work, and fostering a respectful and collaborative work environment. As a fully remote company with a "no-policy" policy approach to management, we prioritize work-life balance and individual growth. If you are an experienced environmental professional looking for part-time opportunities, we invite you to contact us to learn more about this opportunity to join our team. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, certifications, licenses, and availability to?[email protected].

Learn More: Sub-slab soil gas sampling Sub-slab soil gas sampling helps evaluate the potential impact of vapor encroachment on indoor air quality. Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile contaminants migrate from the subsurface into buildings through cracks or openings in foundations. By sampling the soil gas beneath the building’s foundation, it becomes possible to identify the presence of hazardous vapors and determine if they are entering the building. By analyzing the composition and concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the soil gas, environmental professionals can identify specific contaminants and their potential sources. This knowledge is crucial for implementing effective remediation strategies and preventing further vapor encroachment.

Learn More: Tribal Consultations for HUD Environmental Reviews Any project that has the potential to impact natural or cultural resources requires consultation with the relevant tribes even if the project is not located on tribal land. Examples of activities that require tribal review are listed below. - Ground disturbances; examples include digging to create foundations, footing, or the installation of new water lines - New construction in undeveloped natural areas; undeveloped natural areas include but are not limited to, canyons, mountaintops, and islands? - Incongruent visual changes; an example of this is the construction of a structure that blocks a viewpoint or detracts from the natural character of the region - Incongruent audible changes; any increase in noise levels above acceptable decibel levels - Incongruent atmospheric changes; an example of this is the introduction of lights that interfere with the natural night sky and create skyglow - Work on a building with significant tribal association; such as rehab of a native tribal structure or former home of an important person - Transfer, lease or sale of a historic property of religious and cultural significance; such as leasing a property that contains archaeological sites Consulting with tribes is important because many projects have the potential to impact the natural and cultural resources that are important to tribal communities that wouldn’t be recognized by the state historic preservation officer nor the professional performing the review. These resources can include sacred sites, traditional hunting and fishing grounds, and other areas of cultural or spiritual significance. In addition to preserving historical artifacts and resources, many tribal communities have unique knowledge and perspectives on the environment that can be valuable in assessing the potential impacts of a project. This knowledge may be based on centuries of observation and traditional ecological knowledge and can help to identify potential environmental impacts that might not be apparent from a purely scientific perspective.

WE ARE HIRING: Part-Time Environmental Professionals Job Description: We are seeking dedicated and experienced Environmental Professionals to join our team on a part-time, as-needed basis. In this role, you will provide essential support to our Project Managers in conducting Environmental Reviews. The ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in various aspects of environmental field work, including Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, lead-based paint XRF inspections, radon testing, asbestos inspections, and mold inspections. Responsibilities: - Assist Project Managers in conducting Environmental Reviews - Perform field work associated with Phase I Environmental Site Assessments - Conduct Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, including soil, groundwater, soil-gas, and indoor air sampling - Carry out lead-based paint XRF inspections, radon testing, asbestos inspections, and mold inspections Requirements: - Previous experience in environmental fieldwork - Familiarity with Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments - Capability to perform lead-based paint XRF inspections, radon testing, asbestos inspections, and mold inspections - Willingness to work on a part-time, as-needed basis - Availability for travel, with most work conducted in the Mid-Atlantic region by car - Ability to occasionally travel by air and stay overnight as required About Us: At AZ-RI Consultants, we are a dedicated team of professionals, serving a diverse clientele of nonprofits, local government agencies, lenders, and real estate developers. Our core focus revolves around HUD Environmental Reviews, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, and a range of environmental testing services, including soil, groundwater, soil-gas, indoor air, radon, asbestos, and lead-based paint. We pride ourselves on our commitment to client service, delivering top-quality work, and fostering a respectful and collaborative work environment. As a fully remote company with a "no-policy" policy approach to management, we prioritize work-life balance and individual growth. If you are an experienced environmental professional looking for part-time opportunities, we invite you to contact us to learn more about this opportunity to join our team. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, certifications, licenses and availability to [email protected].

Are you looking to complete the environmental review of your HUD Community Project Funding (CPF) grant? AZ-RI Consultants can help. Once you are in the Federal Nexus, grant recipients should not conduct any Choice Limiting Actions prior to completing their Environmental Review. Grant recipients should immediately register with SAM.gov to obtain their UEI and then email their completed Grant Application Package to HUD. Your HUD CPD Grant Officer will send back your executed Agreement. Once you have an executed Agreement, you may begin drawing on “soft” costs. Your Environmental Review must be completed and approved by HUD or your RE, prior to drawing down on “hard" costs. Please contact us at [email protected] if we can answer any questions regarding your project.

When is a HUD Environmental Review required? A HUD Environmental Review is required for all HUD-assisted projects. This includes projects that will use federal grant dollars as well as FHA-insured projects. For grant recipients, the Environmental Review must be completed and approved by HUD or a delegated Responsible Entity (e.g. local government agency) prior to using any of the grant money for “hard” costs such as demolition, grading, renovations, or construction. For FHA-insured projects, the Environmental Review must be approved by HUD prior to Firm Commitment. The required level of review is determined by the scope and nature of the project. 1?? The lowest level of review is referred to as CENST (Categorically Excluded from NEPA, Not Subject To other laws and authorities). These reviews typically include refinancing of an existing FHA loan or operating costs and maintenance. 2?? The next level of review is referred to as CEST (Categorically Excluded from NEPA Subject To other laws and authorities). These reviews typically include FHA financing of existing buildings and minor rehabilitation. 3?? The highest level of review for most HUD projects is called EA (Environmental Assessment). EA reviews include NEPA and other laws and authorities. These reviews include new construction, demolition, ground disturbance and substantial rehabilitation projects. AZRI Consultants is here to help both understand and complete your HUD Environmental reviews. Please visit https://az-ri.com/ to learn more!

Want to learn how to help your community access the benefits of the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment grant??Join HUD and nonprofit partner EducationSuperHighway for a webinar this Wednesday from 2-3:30PM EST to learn more. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eBUSSRXV