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Hydrogeological Characterization & Modeling

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Understanding how water interacts with the surface and subsurface environment at any contaminated location is critical to designing innovative and cost-effective remediation systems and site-management strategies. By delineating and understanding the geology and hydrogeology affecting contaminated sites, our experts design strong conceptual site models and groundwater-remediation programs. Ultimately, hydrogeological characterization and modeling affects the performance of any remediation technologies deployed as a solution.

Regulatory Strategy & Cleanup Goal Development

2026-06-30T09:19:14-06:00March 27th, 2014|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Geosyntec provides practical solutions and a clear vision for environmental remediation that exceed client expectations and help them earn regulatory approval of the solutions they deploy. Dynamic environmental laws and standards and evolving remediation guidance demand proactive cleanup solutions and a clear strategy for addressing regulatory requirements in order for businesses to minimize environmental risk while maintaining economic benefit. Environmental remediation projects are often complex and multi-faceted. This means reaching regulatory closure is not necessarily just about reducing contaminant concentrations below a defined threshold. A range of stakeholders usually need to be satisfied that efforts have been genuinely spent in an attempt to result in better outcomes. A successful remediation project often requires stakeholders agree and own some of the key performance indicators; understand key milestones and their implications; and gain insight on the uncertainties and contingencies to address these. Geosyntec has acquired considerable experience in regulatory advocacy and stakeholder engagement in a range of jurisdictions across the globe. Our practitioners convey complex remediation strategies in a manner that these can gain support from a range of stakeholders.  We work closely with clients to develop risk-based closure strategy and criteria, advise on site closure and reuse options, and negotiate closure criteria with key regulators Stakeholder comments are addressed to achieve consensus and approval from multiple regulatory agencies. Our environmental compliance services include helping clients obtain permits through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program and determining the regulatory compliance of a waste storage facility under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). For example, for a sediment remediation project Geosyntec worked hand-in-hand with our client, the EPA Great Lakes National Program Office, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great lakes, and Energy on a cost share partnership throughout the investigation and remedial design process. Through this interaction we were able to identify and design a project that not only met federal and state requirements but could be implemented within the client’s available funding. Geosyntec practitioners help negotiate cleanup goals with regulatory agencies during strategy development and, of course, steer clients through the implementation of long-term remediation plans with their goals as our foremost focus.

Contaminated Media Investigations & Assessments

2026-09-24T10:14:27-06:00March 27th, 2014|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Geosyntec applies reliable and innovative approaches to contaminated media investigations and assessments. We help clients address a wide array of known and emerging contaminants in soil, sediment, and groundwater. We also conduct site evaluations and discover the sources of air emissions, subsurface vapor intrusion into buildings, and contaminants in surface waters. Our assessment specialists include some of the most respected and sought-after professionals in the environmental remediation industry. They possess the experience and technical skills to conceptualize and implement all aspects of contaminated media assessments and remediation programs. Using a multidisciplinary approach, Geosyntec brings together nationally recognized, in-house specialists in civil and geotechnical engineering, ecology and biological sciences, risk assessment and applied toxicology, and earth sciences to address the complex issues associated with contaminated media. Our contaminated site practitioners guide our clients through specialized remediation plans, consult on regulatory strategies, and develop comprehensive cleanup approaches. We address numerous types of media, including contaminated soil, sediment, and groundwater. Contaminated Media Services

Environmental Permitting and Compliance

2026-06-30T11:45:30-06:00March 27th, 2014|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Geosyntec provides a diverse portfolio of services to our public and private clients to improve their environmental and financial performance, manage risk, and reduce environmental liabilities consistent with their financial and stewardship goals. Our professionals have significant corporate, consulting, and government work experience and specialize in each of these sectors. Accordingly, we understand our clients' challenges and needs and provide appropriate solutions that consistently reduce risk exposure and add value to the bottom-line. Geosyntec delivers solutions in many areas of environmental compliance support, auditing, management systems, environmental studies and cleanup, infrastructure engineering and design, and natural resources assessment and restoration. We have completed nearly 10,000 projects worldwide with an outstanding and always improving safety record. Our experience delivers on the potential of innovative applications of proven and emerging technologies. Dynamic environmental laws, regulations, standards, and guidance demand a proactive approach in order for businesses to minimize environmental risk while maintaining economic benefit. Geosyntec's Environmental Management practitioners help our clients manage existing and potential liability associated with environmental, health and safety issues. Our clients have included utilities, government agencies, and companies in agriculture, manufacturing (chemical, food products, and technology), transportation, waste management, retail, and property development/management. Geosyntec assists clients with a variety of environmental compliance services. These services range from proactive to defensive/corrective, including the following: NPDES permitting support Air permitting support Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting RCRA program development and implementation Environmental auditing program development and implementation Environmental performance measurement

Environmental Liability Valuations

2026-06-30T11:55:07-06:00March 27th, 2014|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Environmental Liability Valuation (ELV) focuses on evaluating the financial relevance of environmental liabilities and opportunities by applying fundamental engineering and scientific analysis within a specific financial, legal and risk management framework. The technical analysis, consulting support and expert testimony of our practitioners provide a better understanding of cost certainty and liability valuations, potentially reducing both the size and share of cost allocations related to insurance transactions, risk transfer, financial report, and portfolio management. Building upon our renowned expertise in environmental remediation, geotechnical, water resources, and infrastructure risk engineering, Geosyntec provides public and private sector clients with defensible valuation of environmental liability to support business decisions, such as those pertaining to insurance transactions, risk transfer, financial reporting, and portfolio management. When ELV matters to the bottom line, corporate management and legal counsel seek out Geosyntec to provide technical analysis, consulting support, and expert testimony. They know that Geosyntec offers a unique set of qualifications to apply fundamental environmental engineering and scientific analyses within a financial, legal, and risk management framework inherent to key business decisions, negotiations, and disputes. This provides our clients greater cost certainty and more usable valuations. For example, Geosyntec: Focuses on complex environmental liability portfolios. We provided concurrent evaluation of environmental liabilities at more than 1,000 sites in 48 states and international locations with alleged environmental liabilities in the billions of dollars. Focuses on environmental risk management. We provided the technical basis for a greater than $30 million insurance recovery to a clients' bottom line in less than 18 months from project inception. Offers unique environmental costing tools. We have developed and employed costing techniques and models specific to the intricacies of environmental valuations. Provides expert support. Our experts have consulted and opined on approaches, magnitudes, and appropriateness of environmental costs for more than 10,000 sites worldwide, representing billions of dollars of alleged environmental liabilities.

Conceptual Site Model Development

2026-05-27T08:08:12-06:00March 27th, 2014|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Developing an accurate conceptual site model (CSM) is paramount to understanding and interpreting contaminant fate and transport in the subsurface. One of the main reasons that site remediation fails or produces less than optimal outcomes is a reliance on an overly simplified CSM.

Treatability & Pilot Studies

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Geosyntec provides treatability testing services to support a wide variety of environmental remediation projects around the world. The results of our studies and pilot tests provide important, actionable data about environmental challenges presented by contaminated soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, and waste. Armed with accurate data on the impacts facing a given study area, our design engineers and our clients are better able to understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes present at a site that can help mitigate potential risks associated with contaminants in various media. The performance data produced by our treatability studies and pilot tests also allow Geosyntec to assess the applicability of specific remediation technologies or solutions under a variety of conditions present in a particular study area. The results of our studies are critical for understanding and demonstrating, for example, an attenuation process that can occur in sediment if natural conditions are maintained at the site. The data may also demonstrate the potential results if cap material is placed on top of impacted sediment, or they may help us understand the potential benefits of adding enhancements to either the existing sediment or cap material. Treatability and pilot studies conducted by Geosyntec's engineers and scientists begin by determining the data quality objectives of an investigation and the most appropriate sources of the data. We then complete a thorough work plan for the study area that includes sampling and analysis plans for collecting the data and interpreting its results. This systematic approach to sample collection and analysis ensures we gather the most valuable, site-specific data necessary — data that, ultimately, aids in the screening, selection, and implementation of remediation technology or solutions for impacted sites regulated under local, state, and national criteria. Well-documented treatability studies are an important component of the contaminant removal process, for remedial investigation/feasibility studies, and the remedial design/remedial action process required under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Our treatability studies and pilot tests also provide the detailed design, cost, and performance data needed to optimize treatment processes and to implement full-scale treatment systems. Additionally, Geosyntec's in-house laboratories provide physical and chemical testing that effectively monitors the performance of treatment processes, technologies, and systems. We also produce field application quantities of naturally occurring consortia of microorganisms that target specific recalcitrant compounds. Using genetic testing we can demonstrate the efficacy of these consortia in achieving containment reduction targets. Our technical evaluation facilities regularly conduct chemical oxidation and bioreactor tests; examine the presence of organics and inorganics in wastewater; evaluate the effectiveness of remediation products; simulate the performance of conceptual designs; and analyze the likely behavior and end point of various treatment processes. All of our lab teams communicate regularly to share knowledge and direct internal and external client projects to the most appropriate technology solutions.

Remedial Design

2026-06-30T09:17:15-06:00March 27th, 2014|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Geosyntec is a preferred partner for innovative, cost-effective, and successful remediation solutions because we approach each project with technical expertise and creativity. For every client, we develop a clear understanding of how to achieve best-value outcomes using the most appropriate technologies and management strategies for individual projects. When the nature of the problem, like an emerging contaminant, requires a new type of remedy, our professionals set the standard for developing innovative science into novel and effective solutions for environmental remediation. From advanced vapor intrusion evaluation strategies to sophisticated bioaugmentation techniques and beyond, Geosyntec delivers practical environmental management solutions that meet project-specific needs and achieve our clients' objectives. Along with our expertise in treatability and pilot tests, Geosyntec practitioners are adept at conducting feasibility studies that develop, screen, and provide detailed evaluations of alternative remedial solutions for impacted sites. Our studies help clients determine the optimum performance they can expect from a remediation system and the expected cost of implementing a remedy. We also provide detailed remediation system design and design/build services for a wide range of innovative and traditional remediation strategies, including those that employ groundwater pump and treat systems; bioremediation and bioaugmentation solutions; chemical oxidation; the injection of nanoscale zero-valent iron; soil vapor extraction; indoor air venting and treatment; and much more. Geosyntec applies the principles of future optimization at the forefront of the design process, positioning the client for long-term savings opportunities, with strategies like modular unit operations of an ex situ treatment train to reduce chemical and energy costs as influent concentrations decrease, or incorporating flexibility into injection systems such as allowing for alternating passive and active flow fields or the ability to add additional components to target residual source zones. Geosyntec is the leading provider of remedial design services, particularly for complex sites where the challenges – whether from unconventional contaminants, difficult geology and site setting, multi-party groups of responsible parties, or all of the above – make the exit strategy difficult to envision. Our collaborative, global network provides our clients with access to the most talented group of environmentally-focused professionals in the industry. We also approach every project as a time-critical action, recognizing that when our clients require remediation services, they should expect to see the positive results of those actions in a timely manner.

Remediation System Operation & Optimization

2026-06-30T09:20:29-06:00March 27th, 2014|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

The operation of expensive remediation systems, sometimes for decades, is often the result of heterogenous or fine-grained geology, fractured bedrock, restrictive criteria that are regulated down to the part per trillion level, and contaminant mass that is caught up in fine-grain soil making painfully-slow diffusion the primary mass transfer mechanism. Our practitioners are adept at expediting investigations and accelerating site closure through a wide range of innovative technology applications. At many sites with languishing remedial systems, optimization is an option that may improve mass recovery, but it may not be the ideal solution, if contaminant source zones have been inadequately characterized. Geosyntec has repeatedly demonstrated that high-resolution characterization of these zones, followed by targeted source zone removal, can optimize remedy performance and lead to the safe closure of the system. Geosyntec is frequently called upon to critically evaluate and optimize existing systems, providing solutions that range from modification to the unit operations of an ex situ treatment train to reduce chemical and energy costs as influent concentrations decrease; or incorporating flexibility into injection systems by alternating passive and active flow fields or adding additional wells in targeted source zones. When performing remedial design of a new system, Geosyntec applies these same principles of future optimization at the forefront of the design process, positioning the client for long-term savings opportunities. System optimization includes a critical evaluation of the performance monitoring plan. At large sites with sprawling networks of monitoring wells, often sampled quarterly or more, Geosyntec has successfully utilized statistical models to develop streamlined monitoring networks that effectively monitor the system, are defensible to the regulatory community, and can save clients significant monitoring costs. Decades of experience in the implementation of new, emerging, and conventional technology allows our practitioners to frequently bridge the gap between the development and "first-to-field" stages of environmental solutions. In addition, Geosyntec's in-house laboratories provide physical and chemical testing that effectively monitors the performance of treatment processes, technologies, and systems. Our technical evaluation facilities regularly conduct chemical oxidation and bioreactor tests; examine the presence of organics and inorganics in wastewater; evaluate the effectiveness of remediation products; simulate the performance of conceptual designs; and analyze the likely behavior and end point of various treatment processes. Our lab teams communicate regularly to share knowledge and direct internal and external client projects to the most appropriate technology solutions. Working together, Geosyntec's engineers, scientists, and innovators leverage the power of chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions to detoxify, immobilize, and eliminate exposure risks to a wide range of chemicals in the environment, especially those difficult to treat by more conventional means. Geosyntec uses a combination of standard and developing technologies to create solutions at burdensome sites. These solutions often displace systems that have been running for many years and for which closure may have seemed impossible.

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