The Complete Guide to Environmental Construction

In a world where commercial floor space is projected to increase by 33% between 2020 and 2050, the environmental impact of construction becomes a critical concern. However, there's a solution – environmental construction. Contrary to common perceptions, it's distinct from being merely 'sustainable' or 'eco-friendly'; it's a comprehensive approach to construction that addresses environmental challenges.

With HCI at the forefront, environmental construction takes a strategic stance. HCI, as a trusted expert, contributes to this transformative approach by ensuring adherence to government regulations, recommending infrastructural enhancements, and providing specialized environmental construction services. Amid the rising demand for responsible construction practices, HCI stands as a reliable partner for projects aiming at minimizing environmental impact and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Understanding Environmental Construction

Environmental construction services are at the forefront of assessing and transforming contaminated sites, adhering to guidelines that promote safety. These services extend beyond traditional constructions, involving the removal of hazardous waste, asbestos, and mold. Environmental contractors, like HCI, navigate complex regulations set by entities such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The Core of Environmental Construction

Environmental construction services, often acting as general contractors, focus on specific tasks crucial for a sustainable future:

Soil Remediation/Removal

Soil remediation is crucial for restoring contaminated soil, using methods like biological, chemical, and physical processes on-site or off-site. Safe trenching operations reduce risks to workers, addressing hazards like falls and hazardous atmospheres. Improper disposal of hazardous waste poses threats to health and the environment, requiring remediation through options like off-site removal or on-site containment with impermeable covers and cutoff walls.

Excavation Protection Systems

Excavation Protection Systems are essential for on-site remediation, especially in processes like asphalt batching and stabilization. These systems ensure safety during excavation, reducing accidents and enhancing efficiency.

In applications such as asphalt batching and stabilization, these protection systems offer significant cost savings. By providing a secure environment, they minimize risks, enhance worker safety, and streamline the overall remediation process. This efficiency not only reduces project time but also contributes to substantial cost efficiencies.

Consolidation, Containment, and Capping

Capping is a remediation technique involving the placement of a cover over contaminated material, such as landfill waste or contaminated soil. These covers, known as "caps," don't eliminate or remove contaminants; instead, they isolate and contain them, preventing their spread. Caps act as barriers to protect people and wildlife from coming into contact with harmful substances.

Groundwater Collection Systems

Excavation and removal of contaminated soil are vital for constructing groundwater collection systems, preventing contaminants from entering surface water drains. This process safeguards local water systems and ecosystems by proactively addressing contamination and serving as a preventive measure for environmental protection and human health.

UST Removal and Remediation

The removal and remediation of Underground Storage Tanks (UST) involve thorough compliance programs designed to tackle concerns associated with leaking or non-compliant systems. This involves strategic planning and execution to safely remove underground storage tanks that may pose environmental risks. Remediation efforts aim to rectify any contamination issues arising from these tanks, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and safeguarding the surrounding environment from potential hazards.

RCRA Closure of Hazardous Waste Storage Areas

When a hazardous waste management unit concludes its active life, it must undergo closure, monitoring, and maintenance in adherence to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) closure and post-closure care requirements. In essence, these regulations aim to ensure the proper closure and long-term care of hazardous waste management units, guaranteeing the protection of the environment and human health.

Wastewater Treatment Neutralization

This involves the implementation of processes to meet stringent wastewater discharge regulations in California, ensuring that the treated wastewater adheres to the environmental standards set by regulatory authorities.

Fuel/Oil Tank Inspection, Maintenance, and Cleaning

For industrial facilities, municipalities, and utility companies, this service ensures compliance with Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) regulations. It involves thorough inspections, regular maintenance, and cleaning of fuel or oil tanks to prevent hazards and maintain compliance with safety standards.

Utility Manhole and Vault Cleaning

Utility companies contract HCI Environmental for the essential task of cleaning utility manholes and vaults. This involves the removal of sludge and debris, ensuring a safe environment for utility workers during inspections and maintenance. The cleaning process typically includes power washing to maintain optimal working conditions.

Tank and Vessel Cleaning During Decommissioning and Industrial Renovations

HCI Environmental provides services for industrial facilities during decommissioning and renovation projects. This entails entering and cleaning tanks that may contain hazardous substances such as acids, caustics, and chemicals. The process ensures safe disposal or relocation of tanks and vessels, contributing to overall environmental and safety objectives.

The Evolution: Environmental Construction vs. Traditional Construction

Traditional construction methods significantly contribute to environmental degradation, accounting for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. From non-sustainable practices to emissions during transportation and deforestation for materials, the standard construction model is unsustainable.

Why Environmental Construction Matters

The urgency for environmentally conscious construction is underscored by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s declaration of a "code red for humanity." Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is imperative to avoid catastrophic consequences. Buildings play a pivotal role in this transition, making environmental construction essential.

How Environmental Construction Differs

Optimizing energy consumption, conserving water, choosing the right location, and prioritizing sustainable building materials are key distinctions in environmental construction. Limiting energy consumption involves climate-responsive design, daylight utilization, and efficient HVAC systems. Water-saving measures include reusing greywater and stormwater systems. Choosing the right location minimizes land disturbance, and sustainable materials further reduce environmental impact.

Building for the Future

Prioritizing regulatory knowledge, HCI plays a pivotal role in environmental construction services as a general contractor for various construction site needs. With expertise in government regulations, we assess contaminated sites, recommend restoration or renovation of infrastructural systems to minimize environmental impact, and ensure compliance with established standards.

Our services extend to soil remediation, excavation protection systems, on-site remediation, consolidation, containment, capping, groundwater collection systems, UST removal and remediation, RCRA closure, wastewater treatment neutralization, fuel/oil tank inspection and cleaning, utility manhole and vault cleaning, and tank and vessel cleaning during decommissioning and industrial renovations.

Count on HCI for comprehensive environmental construction solutions tailored to specific project requirements – Contact us today.