The Leaf – Our Quarterly Newsletter – 2017 3rd Quarter

Triterra has the experience and equipment to perform demolition site management and demolition air monitoring. Triterra has been involved with hundreds of demolition-related projects and has performed demolition air monitoring for asbestos, lead, and nuisance dust.

Triterra can develop demolition specifications and health and safety plans that provide the direction required for all contractors and inspectors to use when conducting activities on-site. During demolition activities, Triterra site representatives ensure regulatory compliance with key issues such as UST removal, universal waste removal, and abatement of asbestos, lead, and mold-laden building materials. When necessary, Triterra will provide site clearance, air monitoring, and the coordination of site-wide dust control measures.

Triterra offers a full-service approach for full facility decommissioning.

Hazard exposure monitoring is the process of measuring the frequency, magnitude, and duration of potential exposure to a known hazard to human life. Examples of potential workplace hazards include nuisance dust, various types of fuels, solvents, noise, radiation, and various biological hazards. Exposure monitoring is a prime assessment to determine the types of engineering controls required to reduce or remove the hazard to acceptable levels to promote and healthy and safe work environment.

Triterra performs exposure monitoring after consulting with the client to identify each potential exposure hazard that may exist. Triterra will work to identify, evaluate, anticipate, and reduce workplace exposure hazards through exposure monitoring.

If you’re concerned about potential workplace hazards, please consult with Triterra to develop a detailed work plan for hazard exposure monitoring.

Triterra routinely provides expert assessment services for Hazardous Materials, including Asbestos, Mold, and Lead, in commercial, residential, and industrial settings. Considering hazardous materials can pose significant environmental and public health-related challenges, we combine our knowledge of inspection methods, applicable regulations, and construction practices along with a strong understanding of our client’s liability to develop effective strategies to address the issue(s) identified.

• Asbestos-Containing Material Inspections
• Asbestos Management or Maintenance Plans
• Mold Assessments & Consultations
• Pollution Incident Prevention Plan (PIPP) Preparation
• Lead Paint Inspections and Risk Assessments
• Lead Paint Clearance Inspections
• Hazardous Material Assessments
• Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Preparation
• Preparation of Hazardous Material Abatement Specifications
• Hazardous Material Abatement Oversight
• Owner’s Representation and Abatement Contractor Management
• SARA Title III Reporting

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold. Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been a flood. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. Mold can also grow in dust, paint, wallpaper, building insulation, drywall, plaster, carpet, and upholstery.

Triterra offers a comprehensive and turn-key approach to all indoor air quality and mold investigations. Triterra is equipped with trained staff to perform air, bulk, dust, and swap testing for the presence of mold within your building. Triterra can identify the hazards and develop remediation plans with licensed and trained mold mitigation experts to rectify any mold-related hazards. Post air sampling is part of the remediation process and Triterra will make sure that the building is safe to reoccupy following any mold remediation activities.

Triterra offers a multitude of asbestos, lead, and OSHA compliance training. Triterra can provide:

• Asbestos & Lead Awareness Training (2 Hours)
• OSHA Non-Friable Task/Material Specific Removal Training (8 Hours)
• AHERA Asbestos Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Training (16 Hours)
• Silica Awareness (2 Hours)
• HAZWOPER Refresher (8 Hours)
• Other trainings available upon request

Radon gas is a naturally occurring noble gas that is released from the decay of Uranium within the earth’s foundation. Radon gas is colorless, odorless, and is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States.

Triterra has experienced staff to perform short-term and long-term duration sampling within single-family, multi-family, commercial, and industrial properties. Triterra can also assist with the installation of radon mitigation systems as well as provide post-mitigation site assessments to ensure that radon mitigation systems are working adequately.

Triterra has State of Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Lead Inspectors and Risk Assessors approved to conduct drinking water samples for the analysis of lead in drinking water. Triterra works with developers, homeowners, and educational facilities to perform drinking water analysis to determine lead concentrations.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires exposure monitoring for any and all employees when lead-bearing paint may be impacted during construction or maintenance activities. Triterra has the equipment and experience to review the proposed scope of work and generate an air exposure monitoring plan to comply with all OSHA requirements. Triterra works with construction trades to ensure that workers have adequate training, air monitoring data, and engineering controls in place to work safely and effectively.

Triterra has the experience and experience to assess and proactively manage lead-based paint concerns related to the use, demolition, or renovation of facilities.  Triterra has State of Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Lead Inspectors & Risk Assessors who routinely perform lead surveys on industrial and commercial structures to facilitate renovations and demolition, and also perform lead-based paint inspections and risk assessments on residential properties or child-occupied facilities. Triterra routinely works with K-12 schools that require Lead Risk Assessments for daycare compliance.

Triterras experience includes compliance with the State of Michigan and local government entities, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Triterra can provide a “turn-key” approach that involves the identification of lead-based paint and lead hazards as well as developing a remediation scope of work and bidding out the abatement activities to State of Michigan licensed lead abatement contractors. Triterra also performs clearance sampling and final reporting for all inspections and abatement-related activities.

Following the identification of hazardous materials associated with the project, Triterra will review construction documents and regulatory requirements to develop hazardous material abatement project designs and bid documents. Triterra has State of Michigan and EPA-approved Asbestos Project Designers experienced to develop safe and efficient project designs which keep a project on budget and on schedule.

Triterra has accredited and trained staff to perform on-site phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) analysis for worker exposure air monitoring, background, perimeter, and clearance air monitoring for asbestos abatement work. As part of Triterras asbestos abatement management services, Triterras employees will provide the necessary equipment, analysis, and experience required to keep the project moving forward efficiently and safely. Air sampling and analysis follow the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 7400 Method.

Triterra partners with American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) laboratories to perform Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) required air monitoring clearances for K-12 projects.

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) rule became effective on December 14, 1987 and applies to all non-profit elementary and secondary schools nationwide, both public and private.  Local Education Agencies (LEAs) are responsible for ensuring compliance with the AHERA rule and are required, among other things, to develop and maintain an up-to-date Asbestos Management Plan (AMP), conduct training, inspections, and sampling related to asbestos.

An asbestos management plan is required to provide documentation of the recommended asbestos response actions, the location of asbestos within the school, and any action taken to repair or remove the material. The school authority must maintain records to be included in the Asbestos Management Plan.

Triterra works with various school districts across the State of Michigan to perform period surveillance inspections to visually inspect asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and do not provide a health hazard to school occupants as well as perform 3-year AHERA reinspections.

Triterra has State of Michigan and EPA-approved AHERA Management Planners on staff to conduct thorough investigations and help school districts remain in compliance with AHERA regulations.

Regulatory agencies like OSHA and EPA require asbestos surveys and inspections to be completed on projects at education, commercial, multi-family, and industrial buildings undergoing renovations or demolition.

The first step in any successful renovation or demolition project includes the identification of asbestos-containing materials prior to starting any work. Triterra conducts pre-demolition/renovation inspections to meet the specific renovation and/or demolition scope associated with any sized project.

Triterra works with facility owners, developers, construction managers, bank lenders, and trade workers to review construction documents and historical sampling to provide a thorough inspection of all potential workplace asbestos hazards. Triterras hazardous materials inspections include asbestos-containing materials, heavy metal-containing paints, universal waste, and other hazards regulated by OSHA and EPA.

Triterra has EPA and the State of Michigan accredited Asbestos Inspectors, Management Planners and Project Designers to assist with every type of project from small-scale residential to multi-facility developments.

Project: MSU Federal Credit Union, Cedar Street Branch
Location: Lansing, Michigan
Duration: 2015-2020

The MSUFCU Cedar Street Project transformed the former gas station site located in Delhi Charter Township into an MSUFCU local branch office. In 2015 Delhi Township identified this site as a priority development site. Triterra provided Brownfield Consulting services for the developer, which secured $1.125 million in Brownfield incentives through multiple local and state sources including a $370,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and $755k in Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to raze the former obsolete building and address environmental conditions at the site. Overall benefit to the community includes replacement of a former vacant filling station building with a new branch building on a formerly tax-reverted property that generated zero tax revenue for the township.  The improvements to the property are permanent and will significantly increase the taxable value of the property, as well as assist in increasing the property values in the area. The project brings significant investment to this parcel, adds to the economic vitality of the Cedar Street corridor, and adds to the success of the township’s broader development strategy.

Project: Capitol View
Location: Lansing, Michigan
Duration: 2015-2020

This Capitol View redevelopment project brings 96 residential units and 4,430 sq ft of office & retail space to the heart of Downtown Lansing, just north of the State Capitol. Triterra provided Brownfield Consulting Services for the developer, George F. Eyde Family, LLC, and helped secure $4 million in Brownfield incentives through multiple local and state sources, including the Michigan Community Revitalization Program (MCRP) Grant and Loan Program, the Lansing Regional Brownfield Coalition EPA Assessment Grant Program, Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and a tax abatement through the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA). Triterra also conducted a baseline environmental assessment (BEA), hazardous materials surveys, and due care consulting for this project. Formerly the Lansing Housing Commission, the building has been vacant for nearly 15 years and required extensive interior demolition, as well as remediation of mold growth and asbestos-containing materials. Without brownfield tax increment reimbursement, the cost burden related to brownfield conditions would have made the project financially unfeasible.

Position: Project Environmental Scientist or Geologist
Type: Full Time
Location: Michigan
Contact: hr@triterra.us

We are currently seeking a Project Environmental Scientist or Geologist with 3-8 years of experience. The primary role of this position will be to manage projects in our Environmental Due Diligence, Investigation & Remediation, or Brownfield service groups. The primary functions of this position would be to oversee all project phases including, work scope development, client communication, implementation, reporting, budget tracking, invoicing, change orders, and account collections. Additional responsibilities would include maintaining a thorough understanding of applicable regulations, understanding and prioritizing projects tasks, developing strong working relationships with clients, training entry-level staff, providing QA/QC project reviews, preparing technical reports, and assisting with business development activities.

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@triterra.us

Position: Staff Environmental Scientist or Geologist
Type: Full Time
Location: Michigan
Contact: hr@triterra.us

We are currently seeking a Staff Environmental Scientist or Geologist with 0-3 years of experience. The primary role of this position will be to provide assistance to our Environmental Due Diligence or Investigation & Remediation service groups. Our Environmental Due Diligence group provides consulting services to individuals looking to acquire property or financial institutions that support the purchase of real estate.  Our Investigation & Remediation group provides consulting services in response to ongoing liabilities with Part 201 (Environmental Remediation) and Part 213 (Leaking Underground Storage Tanks) of Public Act 451 as well as hazardous materials assessments (asbestos, lead, and mold). Daily work tasks would include completing field assignments (i.e. advancement of soil borings, collection of soil and groundwater samples, site visits to assess current property conditions, etc.), working with project managers to understand project goals and objectives, data tabulation and interpretation, and technical report writing.

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@triterra.us

Position: Senior Environmental Scientist, Geologist, or Consultant
Type: Full Time
Location: Michigan
Contact: hr@triterra.us

We are currently seeking a Senior Environmental Scientist or Geologist with 8+ years of experience. The primary role of this position will be to manage projects in our Environmental Due Diligence, Investigation & Remediation, or Brownfield service groups. The primary functions of this position would be to oversee all project phases including, work scope development, client communication, implementation, reporting, budget tracking, invoicing, change orders, and account collections. Additional responsibilities would include maintaining a thorough understanding of applicable regulations, understanding and prioritizing projects tasks, developing strong working relationships with clients, training and mentoring staff, providing QA/QC project reviews, preparing and reviewing technical reports, and regular business development activities.

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@triterra.us

Project: 409 on Nine
Location: Ferndale, Michigan
Duration: 2016-2019

Triterra conducted environmental due diligence and vapor mitigation services on this mixed-use, multi-story development located along the 9 Mile corridor in the immediate vicinity of City Hall in Downtown Ferndale. Triterra also assisted in amending a restrictive covenant, which then allowed for the planned development and secured $2.6 million in Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Redevelopment of the site had been previously hindered due to extensive brownfield conditions including, but not limited to, outdated building structures and site features, and the presence of soil, groundwater, and soil gas contamination. The project was only financially feasible through the implementation of financial incentives to address Brownfield conditions.

Completed in 2020, the project increased urban density and existing green space in the corridor, as well as provided additional housing and employment in the downtown area.

Project: Bridge Street Lofts
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Duration: 2017-2019

The project involved the redevelopment of the former Red Lion building in the city of Grant Rapids. The newly constructed, 5-story, mixed-use building now includes 9,100 square feet of ground-floor restaurant space and 44 apartments. Through a partnership with Michigan Community Capital, 30% of units are attainable housing available to households earning 80% of the area median income (AMI).

Triterra provided Brownfield Consulting services for the developer, 3MISSION, which secured $2.1 million in Brownfield incentives through multiple local and state sources including a $330,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and $1.76mm in Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to raze the former obsolete building and address environmental conditions at the site.

Project: Provident Place
Location: Lansing, Michigan
Duration: 2015-2018

Another exciting project along the Michigan Avenue Corridor connecting Lansing and East Lansing! The Provident Place Redevelopment Project transformed the former gas station site located in the Lansing Eastside Neighborhood into a vibrant mixed-use development.  The 4 story building includes 9,500 square feet of office/retail space and 37 residential units.  Triterra’s role in this project included environmental due diligence services on behalf of the developer to evaluate and understand environmental challenges at the property including the presence of abandoned underground storage tanks, environmental contamination, and asbestos-containing building materials. Triterra conducted an assessment of available economic incentives and implemented several Brownfield incentives including environmental assessment under an EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant, approval of Brownfield tax increment financing (TIF) allowing for local and state tax increment revenue capture, and ultimately the award of $1 million in cleanup funding through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and Loan Program. Over $2.1 million in Brownfield Incentives were approved for this vital project located between the state Capital Building and Michigan State University.