Vapor Intrusion Investigation and Mitigation

Vapor Intrusion Investigations

Vapor intrusion is the migration of volatile chemicals from contaminated subsurface media such as soil and groundwater into overlying buildings.  As vapor intrusion has become an increasing regulatory concern across the country, many states including Washington and Oregon have developed and implemented guidance documents and regulations to assist stakeholders in assessing vapor intrusion at environmental cleanup sites.  Because vapor intrusion issues have the potential to significantly impact our clients, Farallon assumed a proactive role in the development of both the Washington and Oregon guidance documents, providing requested comment and other input encompassed in the regulatory framework.

ASTM International (ASTM) also is addressing vapor intrusion and has begun incorporating vapor intrusion evaluations into Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) via ASTM Standard Guide E2600-10.  Farallon Senior Regulatory Specialist Ms. Tina Huff is an ASTM member and part of the ASTM Task Group responsible for developing ASTM E2600-10.  Tina is keeping Farallon technical staff  updated on impacts that vapor intrusion may have on the Phase I ESA process, enabling Farallon to continue to provide clients with  leading-edge consulting services.  Being knowledgeable about emerging regulation is paramount to resolving vapor intrusion issues in a manner that meets the requirements of all involved parties.

Farallon believes that the vapor intrusion regulatory climate changes already underway will ultimately cause vapor intrusion to become an essential consideration in a client project.  This belief was the impetus for Farallon's pioneering the development of a vapor monitoring probe for use in collecting sub-slab vapor samples to monitor for the presence of volatile organic compounds in the subsurface.  This monitoring method is considered one of the best for assessing the potential for vapor intrusion risk.  Farallon was awarded a U.S. Patent for this device that has been used repeatedly in vapor intrusion investigations.  The monitoring probe also is an effective compliance tool for property owners with tenants such as dry cleaning facility operators who use hazardous substances in their business operations.  Early awareness of a contaminant release has enabled Farallon clients to prevent costly cleanup actions resulting from ongoing leaks or poor housekeeping practices.

New Farallon Vapor Mitigation Services

In addition to conducting vapor intrusion investigations, Farallon now offers turnkey design-build services for installation of sub-slab depressurization systems in buildings on properties impacted by soil and/or groundwater contamination.

The sub-slab depressurization systems installed by Farallon have proven highly successful in mitigating migration of contaminant vapors from beneath a building slab into indoor air.  These systems are designed to be an unobtrusive, cost-effective means to extract contaminant vapors from beneath buildings and safely discharge them away from occupants.

Farallon’s experienced Engineering Group designs and installs sub-slab depressurization systems in all types of buildings in a manner that integrates with existing building infrastructure.  These systems typically are installed in combination with Farallon’s patented sub-slab monitoring probes to obtain data demonstrating system effectiveness in preventing contaminants from impacting indoor air.  Farallon has successfully designed and installed sub-slab depressurization systems at multiple commercial and industrial facilities in the Pacific Northwest, including national restaurant chain locations, retail membership warehouses, office buildings, and strip malls.

Farallon also integrates sub-slab depressurization systems into new construction on or near contaminated properties with known vapor intrusion risk.

Interested in learning about the impacts of vapor intrusion regulations on your project?  Click here for information on Farallon's brown bag presentation.

Representative Farallon Project Experience in Vapor Intrusion Assessment and Mitigation:

Additional Project Experience is Available Upon Request.  Contact Us.