Mitigating Environmental Risks in Real Estate: The Role of Turnkey Services

Real estate development in New York City is a dynamic and challenging landscape, where environmental risks can have significant implications for projects. As developers strive to create sustainable and successful properties, it is crucial to address potential environmental liabilities proactively. In this article, we explore the essential role of turnkey environmental services in mitigating environmental risks and ensuring smooth real estate development in the vibrant metropolis of New York City.

Identifying and Assessing Environmental Risks:

One of the primary responsibilities of turnkey environmental services is to identify and assess environmental risks associated with real estate projects. Through comprehensive site assessments and thorough investigations, experts can evaluate potential hazards such as soil contamination, groundwater pollution, asbestos, and hazardous materials. By understanding these risks early on, developers can make informed decisions and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

Tailored Remediation Strategies:

When it comes to remediating environmental risks, a one-size-fits-all approach simply won't suffice. Turnkey environmental services offer customized and targeted remediation strategies that address specific site challenges. Whether it's contaminated soil remediation, groundwater treatment, or asbestos abatement, these services leverage advanced technologies and industry best practices to efficiently and effectively clean up the site, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing potential liabilities.

Streamlined Regulatory Compliance:

Navigating the complex web of environmental regulations is a daunting task for real estate developers. However, turnkey environmental services have a deep understanding of local, state, and federal environmental regulations in New York City. They assist clients in obtaining the necessary permits, managing compliance requirements, and staying up to date with ever-evolving environmental laws. By ensuring compliance, turnkey services help developers avoid costly penalties, delays, and reputational risks.

Risk Mitigation and Due Diligence:

Turnkey environmental services play a critical role in risk mitigation and due diligence for real estate projects. They conduct comprehensive assessments, evaluate historical data, and perform thorough site investigations to identify potential environmental liabilities. This diligent approach helps developers make informed decisions, negotiate potential environmental risks during property transactions, and protect their investments.

Case Studies: Real-Life Examples:

Let's examine a few real-life case studies that demonstrate the power of turnkey environmental services in mitigating environmental risks. From successfully remediating contaminated brownfield sites to implementing sustainable practices that minimize the environmental impact of new developments, these case studies showcase the invaluable contribution of turnkey services in ensuring the success and sustainability of real estate projects in New York City.

Residential Development in Brooklyn -NYCDEP/NYCDEC/NYCDOB – Monitoring, Mitigation Design and Permitting

HydroTech provided engineering, monitoring and permitting services for a new development at this site. HydroTech’s scope of work included collecting as-built drawings, records & GIS maps, performing full scale site investigations (surface & sub-surface), visual inspection to confirm the existing conditions, construction oversight, preparation of site investigation and monitoring reports, facilitating regulatory approvals, coordinating with several city agencies to obtain all required permits and approvals. The HydroTech team designed stormwater pollution prevention and dewatering mechanisms, and also prepared and obtained Letters ofApproval for the client. The proposed development involves excavation that will extend 1’-2’ below the water table which is located at approximately 24 feet below grade surface (bgs); therefore, dewatering of approximately 1.4 million gallons for a duration of one (1) year will be required.The groundwater will be pumped via a standard eighty gallons per minute (80 GPM) submersible pump using a 1-?” single jacket discharge hose which drains to a catch basin located along Bergen Street. The catch basin ultimately connects to an 18’’ New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) combined sewer main.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN QUEENS / NYC OER "E" DESIGNATION AND NYC BCP

HydroTech had been involved in the remediation of these properties that span several acres and located in the Forest Hills section of Queens, New York. Since the initial assessment of this site, the environmental equality was impacted by old developments and gas stations that have operated at these properties for more than 36 years. HydroTech had undertaken all the steps to transition the remediation of an E-designation for hazardous materials assigned to this property by NYC OER and pursue this remediation under the NYSDEC BCP. HydroTech had prepared and implemented an environmental remedial program which incorporates the requirements of the BCP; design the appropriate remedial measures to achieve compliance with federal, state, and city regulations; and addresses the soil, water quality, groundwater, and soil vapor management and remediation procedures. HydroTech managed the full site-civil and remedy onsite and offsite, including the design, permitting, coordination, installation, and operation of an SVE system, and an insitu groundwater treatment program. HydroTech coordinated and supervised the disposal of a total of 50,000 tons of non-hazardous soil/fill material including PCE/Pesticide impacted soil, the performance of a post-remedial excavation endpoint sampling confirming achievement of unrestricted soil cleanup objective, the performance of a soil vapor intrusion investigation and the design, installation, and start-up of an active sub-slab depressurization system. In addition, HydroTech also performed geotechnical investigation, conducted required sampling, and prepared the application and renewal package for a NYCDEP Dewatering & MS4 Permits for discharging approximately 200,000 gallons of groundwater into the combined sewer.

Conclusion:

Mitigating environmental risks is paramount in the realm of real estate development. Turnkey environmental services provide a comprehensive solution that identifies, assesses, and addresses potential liabilities, allowing developers to move forward with confidence. By leveraging their expertise, tailored remediation strategies, and in-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance, turnkey services play a vital role in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of real estate projects in the dynamic landscape of New York City.

HydroTech Environmental, a trusted provider of turnkey environmental services, stands ready to partner with real estate developers in New York City. With our expertise in risk assessment, tailored remediation strategies, and regulatory compliance, we mitigate environmental risks, protect your investments, and help you achieve your development goals. Together, let's build a resilient and environmentally responsible future for real estate in the vibrant city of New York.