WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today submitted its draft study plan on hydraulic fracturing for review to the agency’s Science Advisory Board (SAB), a group of independent scientists. Natural gas plays a key role in our nation’s clean energy future and the process known as hydraulic fracturing is one way of accessing that vital resource. EPA scientists, under this administration and at the direction of Congress, are undertaking a study of this practice to better understand any potential impacts it may have, including on groundwater. EPA announced its intention to conduct the study in March 2010 and use the best available science, independent sources of information, a transparent, peer-reviewed process and with consultation from others. Since then, EPA has held a series of public meetings across the country with thousands attending and the agency has developed a sound draft plan for moving forward with the study.

The scope of the proposed research includes the full lifespan of water in hydraulic fracturing, from acquisition of the water, through the mixing of chemicals and actual fracturing, to the post-fracturing stage, including the management of flowback and produced or used water and its ultimate treatment and disposal.

The SAB plans to review the draft plan March 7-8, 2011. Consistent with the operating procedures of the SAB, stakeholders and the public will have an opportunity to provide comments to the SAB during their review. The agency will revise the study plan in response to the SAB’s comments and promptly begin the study. Initial research results and study findings are expected to be made public by the end of 2012, with the goal of an additional report following further research in 2014.

Hydraulic fracturing is a process in which large volumes of water, sand and chemicals are injected at high pressures to extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations. The process creates fractures in formations such as shale rock, allowing natural gas or oil to escape into the well and be recovered. Over the past few years, the use of hydraulic fracturing for gas extraction has increased and has expanded over a wider diversity of geographic regions and geologic formations.

For a copy of the draft study plan and additional information: http://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/02ad90b136fc21ef85256eba00436459/d3483ab445ae61418525775900603e79!OpenDocument&TableRow=2.1#2

More information on hydraulic fracturing:www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing

Source: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/48f0fa7dd51f9e9885257359003f5342/26195e235a35cb3885257831005fd9cd!OpenDocument

Contact Information: Jalil Isa (News Media Only), isa.jalil@epa.gov, 202-564-3226, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold three public hearings in May on the proposed mercury and air toxics standards. The new power plant mercury and air toxics standards would require many power plants to install widely available, proven pollution control technologies to cut harmful emissions of mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel and acid gases, while preventing as many as 17,000 premature deaths and 11,000 heart attacks a year.

WHAT: Public hearings on proposed mercury and air toxics standards

WHEN: May 24 and 26, 2011

Each hearing will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 8 p.m. (local time)

WHERE:   May 24: Chicago, Ill.

WHERE:    May 24: Philadelphia, Pa.

WHERE:    May 26: Atlanta, Ga.

The public may register to speak at a specific time at a hearing by contacting Pamela Garrett at 919-541-7966 or garrett.pamela@epa.gov or registering in person on the day of a hearing. EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed standards until July 5, 2011. EPA will finalize the rule by November 2011.

More information on the hearings and instructions for submitting written comments: http://www.epa.gov/airquality/powerplanttoxics/

Contact Information: Enesta Jones (News Media Only), jones.enesta@epa.gov, 202-564-7873, 202-564-4355

Source:  http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/1e5ab1124055f3b28525781f0042ed40/0f4f17d4227d450b852578850058b34d!OpenDocument

Pine Environmental Services, Inc. has many solutions for your on water work.  This boat is one of many different models available to our clients.   Models include: 10′ Jon Boats equipped with trolling motors, a variety of Boston Whalers and Carolina Skiffs, to the flagship of our fleet, this 21′ Sportfish model.

This forward seating Sportfish model combines comfort, style and performance into one center console beauty. The 210XSF offers numerous standard features including stainless steel hardware and cup holders, ample rod and tackle storage, a large removable cooler, an aerated bait well with high speed pickup, and an extremely comfortable over-sized front console lounge seat with armrests and fish box/cooler underneath. And it’s all backed by reliable Yamaha power.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length………………………………………….20′10″ / 6.35 m

Beam………………………………………………..8′4″ / 2.5 m

Dry Weight w/o Engines (aprx)………1,980 lbs / 898 kg

Fuel Capacity………………………………….65 gal / 246 L

Bait Well………………………………………….17 gal / 64 L

Rec HP (Yamaha Outbrd)……………….150 hp / 112 kw

Max HP (Yamaha Outbrd)………………225 hp / 168 kw

Draft (aprx)………………………………………….15″ / 0.4 m

Deadrise………………………………………………………..19°

Insulated Fish Box/Cooler………………….150 qt / 142 L

Bow Cooler…………………………………………40 qt / 38 L

Person Capacity………………………………………………..7

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES

Hull, Deck and Cockpit

• S.S. Recessed Side Rails
• Center Console w/ Grab Rail
• S.S. Flush Mount Rod Holders (6)
• Console Cushion Set
• Under Gunwale Rod Storage (3)
• 6” Spring Cleats
• 8” Pull Up Stern Cleats
• Aerated Bait Well w/ High Speed Pickup
• On/Off Switch
• Rear Bolsters
• Fwd Fishbox / Cooler w/ Diaphragm Pump
• Leaning Post w/ Rod Holders
• Compass
• Fwd Cooler & Table
• Raw Water Wash Down
• Wave Gate w/ Stern Seat
• Bay Star Hydraulic Steering
• Shrink Wrap
• Port & Starboard Swim Platforms

Please click here for more information on boat rentals and call us for availability.

Power VS Pretenders

• 50 HP, 812cc, 3 cylinder, DOHC, EFI 4-cycle automotive-style engine has the most displacement and power in its class.
• 44 mph top speed for barreling down a trail or crossing a pasture.
• 75 Amp alternator generates 1012 Watts of electricity – plenty of juice for accessories.
• Excellent low-end torque for towing, hauling and climbing hills.
• Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for superior throttle response and power; provides instant starting in all types of weather and at high altitudes.
• Two-range CVT transmission requires no shifting and delivers for superior efficiency from low-speed pulling to fast top speed.
• Advanced clutching with a tighter belt provides increased acceleration.

 Confidence VS Terrain

• Select a completely turf friendly mode of operation, or press the switch and get on-demand 4-wheel drive for climbing the toughest trails. Rear differential can be locked so the rear drive wheels push together through tough spots.
• Independent double-wishbone long-travel suspension (8-inches in front and 9-inches to rear) ensure all four wheels stay on the ground working for you. 11-inch ground clearance helps prevent vehicle from getting high-centered.
• A solid core steel sway bar reduces body lean and employs an efficient double-ball drop-link for increased durability.
• Vehicle has one of the highest static stability factors in the industry thanks to a wide-stance, low-center of gravity and long wheelbase.
• Full-clutch enclosure provides greater access through water up to 22 inches high. Standard muffler is equipped with a spark arrestor
• Standard Occupant Protection System (OPS) with a passenger-side hand-hold and 3-point seat belts is SAE and OSHA ROPS-certified.

 Capability VS A Day’s Work

• Biggest cargo box in its class, with 16.4 cubic feel of capacity, 20 tie down points, pickup-style tailgate, steel reinforced load guard and bed, glass-filled polymer sides, standard gas-assist for easier dumping. Converts to flat-bed in minutes.
• Cargo box has optional factory spray-in bed-liner and power lift.
• Exclusive Quick-Clamp rail-based attaching system enables adding attachments like gun-boots, tool racks, sidewall extensions and more in seconds.
• Independent double-wishbone long-travel suspension is designed to offer a superior ride without squatting whether unloaded to or carrying max capacity.
• 1,000 lb. cargo box capacity, 1,500 lb. towing and 1,400 lb. payload capacity.
• Standard integrated 2-inch front and rear receiver hitches.

 Engineering VS The Real World

• Heavier-duty engine components, like an aluminum head, cast block with painted interior and crank and thrust bearings ensure long life.
• Hydroformed frame offers exceptional tolerance for twisting under heavy loads.
• Engineered ductile front cast-iron A-Arms balance strength and weight and are designed to withstand jackhammer trails.
• Full-steel skid plates guard under-body.
• Engineered polymer body panels (JDLOY) can be painted and provides improved scratch and marring resistance/recoverability.

Please click here for more specifications about this great tool.

Pine Environmental Services, Inc. is proud to announce that we are now a New Jersey Certified Laboratory (New Jersey Certified Lab ID# 11034) for “Field Parameters” including pH, specific conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity.

This is of significance to those companies or individuals that collect ground water samples in New Jersey based on Low Flow sampling procedures (field parameter stabilization). It is important to remember that the end user must also be a New Jersey Certified Laboratory per N.J.A.C. 7:18, but with Pine Environmental Services, Inc. gaining accreditation, we can significantly reduce the end users time and money invested into the “Pre-Field” calibration requirements.

Essentially, the end user is required to perform “Pre Field” calibration requirements and “Field” calibration requirements. By Pine becoming a certified laboratory, our New Jersey customers can save time and materials cost by having Pine perform the “Pre-Field” calibrations. These are at most time consuming and expensive calibrations for preparation of the field instrument.

Upon request, Pine will calibrate an instrument, identified by Pine ID # and Serial #, in compliance with N.J.A.C. 7:18 and in accordance with the manufacturer calibration procedures. There is a service charge of $50 per unit/calibration that requires the “Pre-Field” calibration requirements.

The appurtenant documentation will be included with the instrument and should be saved by the end-user. Pine then delivers the calibrated instrument with calibration solutions included as part of the calibration package. Pine also includes the associated Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for each instrument.

The end user is responsible for meeting the daily “Field Calibrations” as required by N.J.A.C. 7:18. Below is a brief description of what the “Pre-Field” calibration requirements and “Field” calibration requirements entail (these requirements are based on the SOPs under which the “laboratory” is certified for and can be slightly different from one lab to the next).

New Jersey “Pre-Field” Requirements

The regulations indicate that specific procedures be performed by a New Jersey Certified Laboratory prior to field use (“Pre-Field requirements). Specifically this includes the following requirements and time estimates associated with performing this task:

• Winkler DO Titration (0.5 Hours)
• Cell Constant Calculation (0.25 Hours)
• 5-Point Conductivity Curve (0.25 Hours)
• NIST Traceable Thermometer Check/Calibration (0.25 Hours)
• 2nd Source Turbidity Check (0.25 hours)
• Solution Records and Documentation (COAs) (0.5 hours)
• Full Manufacturer Manual Calibration (NOT “Autocal”) (0.75 Hours)

Total time associated with performing these tasks is approximately 3 hours and does not factor in the cost for solutions and materials, or troubleshooting/repairing equipment that is not passing the calibration methods.

Field Requirements (End-User Requirements)

Once the instrumentation has been provided to the customer by Pine Environmental Services, Inc. (a Certified Laboratory having performed and documented the” Pre-Field” calibration requirements), it is then the responsibility of the end user to perform and document “Field” calibration requirements” as listed below:

• 2-Point pH Calibration (Pine will provide pH 4 and pH 10 for this);
• 1-Point pH Bump/Check once every three hours after Initial 2-Point Calibration (Pine will provide ph 7 for this step);
• 1-Point Specific Conductivity Check (Pine will provide 1413 uS/cm for this);
• 1-Point Turbidity Check (Pine will provide 100 NTU for Horibas, 123/126 NTU for YSIs, and 1 NTU and 10 NTUs for LaMotte and Hach Turbidity Meters).
• Pine includes the Certificates of Analysis for each solution that accompanies the rental instrument.
• Maintain the Pine “pre-field” records with your “field” records for NJDEP – OQA Audits.

So what does this change for Pine’s New Jersey customers?

There is the potential for significant time and cost savings associated with using Pine Environmental Services, Inc. to perform the labor intensive “Pre-Field” calibration. Pine performs “Pre-Field” calibrations and provides our customers with associated required documentation.

This eliminates a significant portion of the labor and consumable costs for our customers. The pre-field calibrations have acceptance criteria that are good for approximately a one week maximum (based on the Winkler Dissolved Oxygen calibration). Therefore, “Pre-Field” Calibrations will last one week and we can perform continued certification for instruments at the end of this term, and get a fresh instrument back into our customers possession for continued use.

Not only can we provide the “Pre Field” certified equipment but we can also provide “Field” calibration materials (reagents and solutions) for the “Field” calibration requirements often at no additional costs (we provide solutions to our customers to perform at least one daily field calibration).

We can provide long term rentals for instruments and help perform and maintain your “Pre-Field” calibration requirements. Pine can also perform the calibration procedures for meters our customers already own for a nominal fee.

We encourage our customers working on New Jersey projects to discuss these options to optimize your field time and become more efficient with meeting this important State requirement. Any questions regarding the Pine New Jersey Laboratory Certification, please contact:

John Iannotti – jiannotti@pine-envirnomental.com – Pine Environmental Services, Inc. – Laboratory Manager and Outside Salesman – (609) 712-6039

The WiFi modems and monitoring equipment are all powered by rechargeable batteries using solar or wind based green technology.   The system can be custom tailored to meet your specific monitoring needs.

Because of the modems diversity, we are able to connect a wide variety of instruments to the system.  This includes specific equipment that uses RS232, RS485, SDI12, and other communication platforms.   The data set includes performance information of the instrument such as; temperature, battery voltage, and other operational information.  This is in addition to the pertinent environmental conditions that are being monitored.  All of which can be displayed in graphical, tabulated, or single reading form. 

To date Pine Environmental Services, Inc. has instruments on rent at numerous locations in the United States working with various consultants.  The instrumentation compatibility list grows as we design platform modifications to allow for the communication and display of data from more and more instruments.

Below you will find a screen-shot of the hosting platform information for equipment currently connected to a modem at our corporate headquarters in Windsor, NJ.  The data from a Thermo DR-4000 aerosol monitor is being continually updated in 15 minute intervals back to the host server in Windsor.

The platform allows the user to view graphical representations and tabulated data for up to three parameters graphically and all parameters measured in a tabulated format.  The tables can be exported to excel in a .csv format for individuals to format and graph outside of the platform if necessary.  Alarming conditions can be set for any of the measured parameters and email notification set up to one or all privileged parties.

Additionally, the platform can be configured to allow for user-name and password access to individual projects.  Therefore a consulting firm can grant access to multiple end users including; clients, regulators, field technicians, and technical experts around the world.  We host the service and back up the data to a secure server and the technical experts can see field conditions as required at anytime.

We see a wide variety of applications where this technology can save consultant time and client money.  Whether you want to observe real time groundwater quality changes down gradient of an injection well or changes in the ambient air in a sensitive working environment, Pine has the instruments and knowledge to outfit you with the tools to save time, money, and allows your personnel the freedom to work on other tasks.  You can increase efficiency and reduce labor costs while gathering real time data that may show critical information to gauge performance and safety or allow for earlier decision making to get the job done more efficiently. 

For more information contact your local Pine representative and we will discuss this powerful tool with you in more detail.

LUDLUM Model 44-38 Beta and Low Energy Gamma Detector

The model 44-38 is a Geiger-Mueller (G-M) beta/ gamma survey detector that is intended to be used with the Ludlum Model 3 (or any portable rate meter or scaler instrument that provides 850-1200 volts with an input sensitivity of 30, +/- 10 mV. Typical gamma exposure rate sensitivity is 1200 cpm per mR/hr. The response range of the 44-38 is nominally linear, (within 10%) up to 50 mR/hr without dead time correction, and up to 500 mR/ hr with dead time correction. Dead time is typically 95 microseconds.

PPM Technology htV Formaldemeter

The latest 3-parameter instrument from PPM Technology directly measures airborne formaldehyde concentrations as well as ambient temperature and humidity levels. Unlike other formaldehyde monitoring devices such as colour stain tubes and badges, the Formaldemeter™ htV-m is capable of measuring many samples consecutively without the need for inconvenient ancillary equipment. Being ultra compact and battery operated, the instrument is truly field portable.  It can also be made AC powered for continuous monitoring and can be connected directly to a manager PC for automation via the RS232 interface.

UE Systems Ultraprobe 3000 Digital Ultrasound Detector

This digital inspection system is fully equipped to detect energy waste, and locate mechanical and electrical problems, with many features that will help you inspect in the most challenging environments.

Ultraprobe 3000 Applications:

Compressed Air Leak Detection, Steam Trap Inspection, Valve Leak Detection, Pressure & Vacuum Leak Detection, Heat Exchanger Leaks, Tanks/Pipes Leak Testing, Wind Noise/Water Leaks, Hatch Leak Integrity, Bearing Testing, Gear/Gear Box Inspection, Mechanical Inspection & Trouble Shooting, Electrical Inspection.

For more information on these new products or if you have suggestions for new instrumentation that your firm or organization might want to use on a frequent basis, please contact your local representative.  We are continually adding new instruments to our rental fleet based on the needs and demands of our customers and the industry.  More information on these instruments will be made available on our website shortly.

February 10, 2011

Boston Post Monthly Meeting

The Boston Post Small Business Committee, in conjunction with the Piscataqua and Narragansett Posts Presents: 

Contract Opportunities & Small Business Showcase

Pine Environnmental Services, Inc. will be sending representatives from our Woburn, MA office to the SAME Boston Post Monthly Meeting to showcase the services that we provide as a small business.  We currently work with numerous consultants and agencies, providing environmental monitoring and sampling equipment on a variety of projects in the New England area.  Please join our representatives, John Lancaster and Danielle Gray as they attend this exciting meeting and share our services with other attendees and exhibitors.

Contact Information: Richard Yost, 202-564-7827, 202-564-4355, yost.richard@epa.gov

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it will accept public input on whether to include vapor intrusion threats as a component for including hazardous waste sites on the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. Superfund sites are the most polluted, complex, uncontrolled or abandoned sites in the United States and are eligible for federal cleanup funding to protect the people’s health.

Vapor intrusion describes the migration of volatile chemicals from contaminated groundwater or soil into the atmosphere, and is a particular concern if vapors enter an overlying building.

EPA is accepting public feedback on specific topics related to the potential revisions to the Hazard Ranking System (HRS), which is used to evaluate sites for the Superfund list, for 75 days. The agency will consider information gathered during the comment period, as well as input from three public listening sessions before making a decision on whether to issue a proposed rulemaking to add a vapor intrusion component to the HRS.

EPA will host its first public listening session at its Arlington, Va. office on February 24, 2011. Two additional listening sessions will be held in San Francisco, Calif. and Albuquerque, N.M. EPA will post dates, times and addresses for the listening sessions on its Superfund webpage.

More information on EPA listening sessions and the potential change to the HRS: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsaddition.htm

More information on vapor intrusion: http://www.epa.gov/oswer/vaporintrusion/

More information on the HRS: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/npl_hrs/hrsint.htm

Source: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/9eba9aa5d1f9d2b8852578260059976a!OpenDocument

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) mandates that a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC Plan) must be prepared by all facilities subject to the U.S. EPA’s Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation. This regulation was published in the Federal Register on December 11, 1973 and was promulgated under Section 311(j)(1)(C) of the Clean Water Act. It was amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

A SPCC Plan is to help prevent any discharge of oil or other chemicals into navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. The main focus of the SPCC regulation is prevention as opposed to after-the-fact reactive measures commonly described in Spill Contingency Plans.

Additional information including who is responsible for preparing a SPCC Plan, required components of a SPCC Plan, and updates on the EPA SPCC Ruling along with many other guidance documents can be found at:

http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/spcc/

Common Considerations

Individuals should be familiar with the properties and hazards of the materials with which they work with. In the event of a chemical spill, the individual(s) who caused the spill is responsible for prompt and proper clean-up. Improper clean-up of a chemical spill may result in injury, illness, fire, a release to the environment, or property damage. Planning for chemical spills is essential. Before beginning work with chemicals, one should be sure that the appropriate types and amounts of spill clean-up materials and personal protective equipment (PPE) are immediately available.

Any person working with chemicals should consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the specific chemical that he/she could potentially come into contact with and consider response options in case of a spill or release beforehand.  Below is a list of considerations for properly preparing for and responding to a spill.

• Review Material Safety Data Sheets or other references for recommended spill clean-up methods and materials, and the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., respirators, gloves, Tyvek suits, etc.);

• Acquire sufficient quantities and types of spill control materials to contain any spills than can be reasonably anticipated;

• Acquire recommended PPE and training in its proper use. All companies should provide training for their employees in the proper use of PPE, including respirators, gloves, and eye and face protection.

• Place spill control materials in a readily accessible location, close to the areas where chemicals are used or stored.

Store and protect absorbents in easily accessible spill kits. Spill kits allow workers to quickly respond to an incident to manage potentially dangerous and costly spills. Review the area where your absorbents are needed and determine the largest potential spill for the area. Also determine if the spill kit should be mobile or permanently stationed.

Common Types of Absorbents

Selecting the right absorbent product is critical. This process includes sizing your spill absorbent, types of liquids the absorbent material will pick up and strength and durability.  These considerations play an important part in determining the greatest efficiency and best results spill absorbent products will yield to the spill control user.

Universal Absorbents – Universal absorbents are an absorbent solution typically used for all industrial and commercial spill control. They come in different configurations like absorbent mats, pads, pillows, rolls and booms. Universal absorbents are multipurpose that includes handling solvents, water, oil and other types of liquids. This helps in cleaning floors and the prevention of falling or slipping.

Oil Absorbents – Oil absorbents are “hydrophobic”, meaning they repel water and are specifically for oil cleanup only. They are able to absorb the oil without absorbing the water, making them perfect for oil cleanup and containment on or near large bodies of water. They’re available in different configurations like absorbent socks, sweeps, pads, booms, rolls and drip pans.

Absorbent Pillows and Pads – A pillow is a fabric bag filled with absorbent material, used for rapid absorption of high volumes of liquid in a limited area. A pad is a sheet of absorbent material used to control low-volume spills and help to prevent physical hazards and protect surfaces from damaging liquid materials.

Absorbent Socks – Absorbent socks can be used for a variety of solvents as well as for cleaning up spills on outdoor equipment and machine bases. Oil socks are used to absorb oil and to wrap machines to prevent spilling on the floor. Corn cob, cellulose, vermiculite and polypropylene are some examples of common fillers for these socks.

Loose Absorbents – Commonly used absorbents come in the form of a granular material that’s poured on the spill’s surface. These floor sweeps can absorb a variety of spills including oil, coolants and other solvents. They have uses in many areas including factories, hospitals, schools, office buildings, gas stations, warehouses and restaurants.

Booms and Skimmers – Booms and skimmers are ideal for sweeping oil from streams, ponds and other bodies of water to keep them from harming the environment. They keep waterways clean of petroleum-based liquids and other contaminants. Oil sweeps and oil skimmers come in the form of sump socks and pillows and oil containment booms which can often be placed in sumps and/or monitoring wells.

Hazmat Absorbents – Hazmat absorbents are ideal for chemical spills of bio-hazardous liquids in both industrial and commercial environments. They’re part of spill kits and are available as mats, pads, rolls, socks, dikes and booms. They are used on land because they do not float in water. Hazmat absorbents also absorb water-based fluids like gas, hydraulic fluids, coolants, acetone, hexane and turpentine.

Spill Control Kits – These kits store and protect absorbents in easily accessible spill kits. Spill kits allow workers to quickly respond to an incident to manage potentially dangerous and costly spills. These kits are typically stored near locations that have the largest potential for a spill (i.e. gasoline stations, near above ground storage tanks, near drum storage areas, etc.)

Pine Environmental Services, Inc. offers a wide variety of preventative spill control products and storage devices ranging from flammable and combustible storage lockers, spill containment decks and pallets, intermediate bulk carrier (IBC) units, containment sumps, and overpack drums.  Additionally, Pine sells a full range absorbent products.  If you need help selecting the correct industrial absorbent, please feel free to contact any Pine Environmental Services, Inc. office.