Vapor Intrusion Issues
Vapor intrusion into structures
has become a new and up coming environmental issue that federal and state agencies have most recently had to address.
Vapors emanating from soils or shallow groundwater contaminated with volatile organic compounds, such as gasoline,
can make its way through spaces in between soil particles and enter a building through cracks and conduits,
such as water, sewer, and electrical pipes. Vapor intrusion therefore affects the indoor air quality within a structure
and may increase a person's exposure over time to volatile organic compounds.
In
2008, the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM), an internationally recognized entity for creating standards for materials,
products, systems, and services, released E 2600-08, the Standard Practice for Assessment of Vapor Intrusion into Structures
on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions. The standard compliments ASTM E 1527-05, the Standard Practice
for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process, and assists environmental consultants
in identifying conditions in which vapor intrusion may be a concern.
In October 2006,
the New York State Department of Health released its Final Guidance for Evaluating Soil Vapor Intrusion in the State of New
York. This guidance document addresses several conditions and situations in which soil vapors had intruded structures
within New York State, and provides step by step instructions on how to identify a possible source, vapor sampling
procedures, as well as mitigation and remediation of a site.
Dermody Consulting has
the education and experience to consult clients and work with federal and state agencies regarding vapor intrusion.
Dermody Consulting has performed several vapor intrusion sampling events, and installed several vapor mitigation
systems at many sites within Suffolk and Nassau Counties, New York. Dermody Consulting has also worked side by side
with county and state agencies in regards to these projects.