Hazardous waste treatment and disposal is one of the most rapidly developing areas of environmental engineering. Hazardous waste management is closely regulated by the EPA under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). In addition, federal, state, and local regulations require waste tracking systems, appropriate waste treatment and disposal, and management programs that reduce waste through industrial process changes. EMG is experienced in determining the health, safety, and environmental effects of hazardous wastes, conducting hazardous waste characterizations, and developing waste treatment alternatives. Our team combines in-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements with superior technical and scientific expertise to address client needs in these areas. Effective solid waste management safeguards public health and protects the environment by controlling waste from generation through disposal. Integrated solid waste management incorporates life-cycle analysis, source reduction, recycling, incineration, and land filling, together with ongoing monitoring and evaluation, to ensure that the management strategy meets current and future regulations and is operating efficiently. EMG has extensive expertise in available solid waste management practices and technologies, and we use that knowledge to develop a comprehensive waste management strategy. We believe that the optimal waste management strategy incorporates specific client needs, and uses various waste management practices to minimize cost to our clients, and impact on the environment.

EMG’s services in the area of hazardous waste management include:

Maintaining regulatory compliance is an important part of operating a facility or owning property. Making sure that the facility or property adheres to environmental regulations helps an owner or operator avoid costly corrective actions, prevent government-imposed penalties, and preserve intrinsic property value. Environmental audits and site assessments are two methods of ensuring that owners stay in compliance - from acquisition through operation to final disposition. Environmental compliance audits are the most effective way to identify deficiencies and areas of potential noncompliance. A thorough audit evaluates permit and compliance status with respect to federal, state, and local regulations. It typically covers areas such as waste generation and disposal, storage and process tanks, air emissions, safety and health hazards, and hazardous materials handling. As a form of due diligence, site assessments are critical to assessing the potential environmental problems associated with a site before any property transactions occur. EMG has a wealth of experience providing a variety of compliance support services. In essence, we become part of a client’s “team” - representing and protecting the client’s best interests. We evaluate client procedures, operations and policies. If we identify a deficiency, we ensure client confidentiality and recommend a plan for corrective action.

EMG’s services in the area of environmental compliance include:

Until recently, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and most environmental consultants focused on “end-of-pipe” control measures. Essentially, this means that industry achieved compliance by controlling and treating hazardous waste, air emissions, and effluent discharges after these pollutants were generated. However, the benefits of preventing pollution before it occurs, rather than treating it after the fact, are far greater. Pollution prevention (P2) means designing new processes and facilities that minimize the production of pollutants and evaluating existing operations to identify pollution prevention opportunities. Effective pollution prevention efforts both decrease regulatory and financial burdens and ensure more efficient and safe operations. EMG has always maintained a proactive philosophy with regard to environmental engineering. We understand that the best way to reduce the costs and regulatory liability of hazardous wastes and other pollutants is to eliminate them―not merely treat or dispose of them. Although zero discharge is rarely an achievable goal, our P2 solutions not only dramatically decrease the output of pollutants, but also create a return on investment that can rarely be realized through “control technologies.”

We accomplish this by offering a full spectrum of pollution prevention services that include identification of P2 opportunities. We accomplish this by offering a full spectrum of pollution prevention services that include identification of P2 strategies. Our services in the area of pollution prevention include:

Although most businesses make every effort to operate in a safe and environmentally friendly manner, mistakes sometimes happen. Whether this is in the form of a small surface or subsurface spill, or a recently discovered illegal hazardous waste dump, it is important to address such problems quickly and effectively. While it is imperative to ensure that the selected treatment technology will work on a specific contaminant in a specific media, deciding the best remedial alternative constitutes only one facet of a successful remediation effort. Of equal importance are coordinating remediation, transport and disposal activities and maintaining lines of communication with the appropriate governing bodies. EMG understands the value of ensuring each of these areas is addressed effectively and comprehensively. We have the experience and flexibility to address remediation projects - whatever their size.

EMG’s services in the area of site remediation include:

EMG combines its experience in the area of remediation management, together with our team's knowledge of site assessments, sampling and the latest redevelopment regulations, to provide valuable assistance to brownfields development efforts. Brownfields clean-up and redevelopment can turn contaminated former factories, distribution centers, and even landfills into inexpensive starting points for new industrial and retail developments. With the benefit of a scientific investigation, and proper remediation, old contaminated sites that were once abandoned can become the low-cost real-estate on which new businesses are built. From researching a site’s environmental history and past ownership, to identifying existing environmental problems, to designing and overseeing the remediation efforts of any on-site contamination, EMG has the ability to facilitate a site redevelopment to completion.

EMG's Brownfields Development Services include: