Identifying Contaminated Soil, Water and Air to Protect the Public as well as Real Estate Investors and Developers in Puerto Rico

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed a cleanup plan to address contaminated soil at the Pesticide Warehouse I Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The plan includes removing and disposing of contaminated soil from the site and long-term monitoring of the groundwater to protect people’s health. The agency also plans to implement institutional controls to restrict the future use of the site to non-residential uses.
 
In this same municipality, 16 acres used by a former battery recycling company is another Superfund site with potential exposure hazards for residents and future property owners. EPA determined that the company processed more than 47 million pounds of lead and 605,000 pounds of antimony from just 2006 to 2008. The facility generated large quantities of battery acid and lead-contaminated waste. Improper handling of the hazardous materials and hazardous wastes led to high levels of lead contamination at and near the facility.
 
“These are just two examples of the many former industrial facilities that left behind a toxic legacy for people living nearby and for those wanting to redevelop properties in Puerto Rico,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Dusts from contaminated soils can be carried by wind onto nearby properties, just as heavy rains can wash toxic contaminants onto other properties. Another concern is the movement of contaminants in groundwater plumes. These types of issues are why people looking to purchase properties need to complete a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to protect their investment and any people that may live or work on the property in the future. At Zimmetry, our Phase I ESA experts provide answers about past land uses that are critical for investors, buyers and lenders. Our professionals have extensive experience conducting environmental due diligence for all types of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential properties. If environmental sampling and laboratory analyses are needed to identify or confirm the presence of hazardous materials, we also offer air, water, soil, and bulk material testing services.”     
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and environmental site assessments or other building science, industrial hygiene, air quality, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail