Vapor intrusion occurs when there is a migration of vapor-forming chemicals from any subsurface source into an overlying building. The vapors can enter buildings through cracks in basements and foundations, or through conduits and other openings. Examples of vapor-forming chemicals that are hazardous to human health include methane (from landfills), tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) […]
Water is the life blood of any city, but its systems are not always pretty. So the two-million-gallon Forest Park Low Tank was embedded into the hillside to preserve the natural character of the area and leave unfettered views. However, this presented engineering challenges. Overcoming those challenges helped us win a 2017 Grand Award from […]
What do you do when the State requires you to take action, yet prohibits that action? It’s a conundrum that takes imagination and determination. The Setup For over 100 years, several companies used the nearshore at the former Custom Plywood site for processing and manufacturing wood-related materials that would be used nationwide. They filled the […]
The Game of Thrones (the HBO series based on George R. R. Martin’s books, A Song of Fire and Ice) features a giant wall made of ice. Seven hundred feet high. It’s an imposing structure, but it has to be, in order to keep out the terrifying dead people who inhabit the north. According to […]
A dozen years ago an American port representative was asked how his port was preparing for rising sea levels. “Well…we aren’t,” he answered, somewhat sheepishly, because he knew they should be. Back then, the public was skeptical of the controversial topic, and frankly many ports had too many other priorities. But now public officials see […]
Nick Galvin, Hart Crowser environmental scientist, is in Guatemala with his family to volunteer for the Xeroderma Pigmentosum Project. A bumpy two hours from the nearest “town” of Santa Cruz Barillas, a padlocked chain stretches across the one-lane dirt road. The volunteer team’s diesel Land Cruiser rumbles to a halt. Another Guatemalan road toll. The […]
Individuals have a direct influence on storm water quality in their communities, and regulators strongly emphasize public education and involvement campaigns in municipal storm water management programs. But how can leaders convince residents to pick up after pets, reduce lawn pesticide use, and wash cars without getting soapy water in storm drains? And how […]
You’re at the bottom of Lake Washington, 200 feet underwater. It’s flat as a pancake here, but the first 50 feet of soil is diatomaceous silt and clay, which is unspeakably unstable. Think microscopic glass Christmas tree ornaments with the consistency of chocolate mousse. Below that is 50 feet of very-soft clay (zero blowcount, to […]
The newest and hottest topics when it comes to disaster discussions in Oregon and Washington, as well as on the national level, are an earthquake warning system and earthquake prediction possibilities. They are the new obsession that has come on the heels of the New Yorker articles this summer. While we don’t object to advancing […]
In a previous post about invasive species, we learned what invasion meant and who the invaders look like. Now let’s discuss how invasive species get a foot hold in the first place and what can be done about it. How Invasions Happen Invasive species can be introduced intentionally or unintentionally. They may be introduced […]