From coastal highways to winding mountainous roads, Hurricane Helene’s severe flooding has caused widespread damage to critical infrastructure across multiple states in the Southeastern United States. Washed-out roads and destabilized slopes have left many communities with limited safe access, compounding challenges during recovery.

�鶹TV��վ is committed to supporting these regions as the recovery process advances. With immediate needs being addressed, the focus is shifting to rebuilding vital infrastructure. We’ve helped communities through other natural disasters, and we’re ready to provide solutions and strategies that restore and reinforce roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.

Infrastructure Recovery You Can Trust

Our geotechnical team is assessing and repairing damaged infrastructure. Whether it’s roadways, bridges or other critical transportation routes, our engineers have the expertise to stabilize and rebuild these essential connections.

Our specialized services include:

• Rapid site assessment: evaluating damaged areas to assess the condition of roadways and bridges, enabling swift decision-making.
• Temporary repair designs: creating innovative solutions to quickly reopen critical routes while permanent plans are being developed.
• Permanent stabilization solutions: designing long-term fixes, such as slope stabilization and embankment repairs, to ensure durability.
• Collaboration with federal programs: assisting with navigating disaster relief programs, such as Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief and Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads Program, ensuring projects meet funding requirements.

Committed to Restoring Infrastructure

As we work together through the recovery process, it’s important to look beyond immediate repairs and consider the long-term resilience of the infrastructure that supports our communities. �鶹TV��վ is dedicated to delivering solutions that restore and strengthen, providing long-term protection for our communities.

From road repairs to bridge stabilization and ensuring compliance with federal programs, we’re here every step of the way. Together, we can build stronger, more resilient infrastructure that stands the test of time.

Rebuilding Tips for Infrastructure

• Prioritize safety: Inspect roads and bridges for structural integrity before use and restrict traffic on visibly compromised roads.
• Document all damage: Take photos and keep detailed records of all damage for insurance and relief applications.
• Plan temporary repairs: Focus on reopening key routes with temporary solutions to restore mobility while planning permanent repairs.
• Work closely with agencies: Collaborate with federal and state agencies to access relief funding and align projects with program requirements.
• Build for resilience: Consider incorporating measures to enhance infrastructure’s ability to withstand future storms.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we recognize the profound impact this historic storm has had on families, businesses and communities, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating storm.

At �鶹TV��վ, we’re honored and humbled to support the recovery process. For decades, we’ve worked side-by-side with communities as they rebuild after natural disasters. Our offices along the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern coast, supported by additional staff from across the country, stand mobilized and ready to meet the needs of communities and regions that have been impacted by Helene.

Your Partner in Recovery

Our team of industrial hygienists are on the ground, offering critical services to assess and mitigate storm damage. We’re here to guide you through key aspects of the remediation process, ensuring both the safety of your environment and the well-being of those who depend on it.

• Asbestos and lead surveys: surveying buildings and structures for the presence of potentially hazardous materials and providing guidance for abatement.
• Water damage investigations: identifying and addressing water intrusions to prevent long-term structural and health issues.
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments: testing air quality to ensure a safe return for building occupants.
• Mold surveys and remediation planning: evaluating mold growth and developing clear plans for safe removal.
• Allergen identification and bacteria testing: detecting potential health risks, such as bacterial contamination, which can result from water damage.

Our Commitment to the Community

At �鶹TV��վ, we’re more than a service provider — we’re partners in recovery. From our efforts after major Hurricanes, such as Katrina, Sandy, Harvey and Ian, to our long-term work in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, and now our rapid response to Hurricane Helene, we understand true recovery goes beyond rebuilding structures. It’s about restoring the safety and well-being of the people who live and work in these environments.

Moving Forward Together

We believe in the strength and resilience of the communities we serve. Recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. As you rebuild, �鶹TV��վ will be by your side, ensuring your environment is safe, your people are protected, and your path forward is clear.

Stay safe, and remember, together, we will rebuild.

Disaster Recovery Tips

Here are a few essential tips to help you stay safe and manage recovery efforts in the wake of a hurricane:

• Document damage immediately: Take photos and videos of any damage to your property, both inside and out, before beginning any cleanup or repairs. It’s critical for insurance claims.
• Approach water damage carefully: Floodwaters can contain bacteria, chemicals and debris. Avoid wading through standing water unless necessary, and always wear protective gear.
• Check for structural integrity: Before re-entering any building, inspect for signs of structural damage. Look for cracks, sagging ceilings or other signs of compromised integrity.
• Don’t handle potentially hazardous materials: Find out if building materials contain asbestos or lead before handling, and take appropriate precautions as needed.
• Address mold quickly: Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after flooding. Prompt action is necessary to prevent long-term health issues.
• Ensure safe air quality: Poor air quality can pose serious health risks, even if no visible damage exists. Consider having indoor air quality tested, especially if water damage occurs.

Sources:

The new fire station in Decatur, Ga., is one of five being constructed as part of a county-wide infrastructure improvement program.

In 2017, voters in DeKalb County, Ga., overwhelmingly approved a one-cent sales tax increase to fund infrastructure improvements. As the last county in the Atlanta metro area to implement a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), residents were well aware of the positive impact these improvements could have on their communities. Expectations were high. “The public trusted us with this investment, and we had to deliver,” says Zach Williams, DeKalb County’s chief operating officer. “With our staff deep into the day-to-day operations of running the county, we knew we were going to need support to augment our staff and help us define and execute the projects we had identified.”

After conducting a qualification based selection process, county officials selected �鶹TV��վ Technical Consultants, a national provider of program management and construction management services. “They were simply the best fit. We were aware of their reputation based on their work on other SPLOSTs throughout the state. And they’ve done an outstanding job,” Williams says.

Since 2018, �鶹TV��վ has been supporting DeKalb County with a multidisciplinary team of designers, managers, schedulers, cost estimators, construction inspectors and administrative support personnel. The sixyear program is expected to result in $400 million in funding for projects such as safety and signal improvements, sidewalks and multi-use trails, updated public safety equipment and facilities, and capital improvements to parks, public clinics, senior centers and libraries. The largest investment is being directed toward resurfacing roadways throughout the county. “With four active paving contracts currently underway, the county is on pace to repave 100 miles of roadway this year. Prior to SPLOST, they only had the resources to see to 10 to 12 miles each year. It’s really been a success story, and all for just that extra penny,” says Chris Kingsbury, program manager for �鶹TV��վ.

On June 12, more than 200 residents and firefighters attended the grand opening of a new 􀀁re station in the southwest corner of the county– the first in almost a decade. The previous facility was constructed in 1953 and due for an overhaul, but it was not merely a brick-and-mortar improvement. “Chris and his team used these projects to not only modernize the structure but to modernize the way our firefighters carry out their duties. These are the people who are running into burning buildings and they deserve a clean, safe and welcoming environment. We’re also including community rooms in the new firehouses (a total of five will be built) to promote oneness with the community,” Williams says.

DeKalb County’s robust business community is also benefiting from the program. The 20% small business commitment included in the SPLOST agreement has been exceeded each year and mentorprotégé arrangements have been developed to provide valuable work experience to disadvantaged businesses.

For leaders in the county, it was important to use the program as a means of raising the profile of DeKalb, while also providing a higher quality of life for its residents. “It has given DeKalb County an opportunity to assert its place in the metro Atlanta area. We haven’t been able to invest in our infrastructure like other jurisdictions that have had SPLOSTs for decades. This has been a game-changer not only in how our county looks but also in giving our residents a reason to have faith in their government. And �鶹TV��վ has been a great partner in making that happen,” Williams says.

Communication and transparency have been keys to the program’s success. Using the county’s GIS system, project progress is updated and made available to the public. Residents can simply go to the county’s website, click on a penny icon and then enter their address to see a list of improvements that have been made in their neighborhood. An email hotline was set up where issues can be reported and complaints lodged, but the inbox has remained largely empty. “I think we’ve only had to respond to around five issues, which is just a testament to how the work is being delivered,” says Williams.

SPLOST programs are unique to the state of Georgia, the first was created in 1985, and �鶹TV��վ has become the go-to consultant for a majority of the programs in the Atlanta metro area, along with others throughout the state. �鶹TV��վ also does similar CIP development and administration work for public agencies around the country. “I don’t think of �鶹TV��վ as a consultant— they’re part of us,” Williams says “They have an office that’s closer to me than some of our department heads and we meet on a regular basis. You can definitely say they’re embedded in our staff, and that’s where we need them to be.”

Published by Engineering News-Record (ENR) – Environmental Management On July 1, 2023

Hurricanes may not strike as suddenly as earthquakes or tornadoes, but they are still unpredictable and can cause an unparalleled amount of damage to infrastructure, property and human life. Specifically, when hazardous materials are present at a facility, damage from water and wind to commercial real estate is a serious concern for businesses located in vulnerable areas.  These areas include most of the coastline along the Gulf Coast, the southeastern U.S. and lately, more frequently on the eastern seaboard.

In lieu of hurricane season in the U.S. June 1 to November 30, we are reminded to make sure our businesses, schools, and communities are prepared to weather the storm with these disaster-preparedness tips from our team of experts.

Assess Risks and Current Procedures

The first step towards hurricane preparedness is a full evaluation of the site itself. Your location’s proximity to the coastline or other bodies of water is important, but there are many other factors to consider, as well. Hurricane damage is not limited to high winds and flying debris. In 2020, Hurricane Laura alone caused over  and losses to residential and commercial real estate.

Our consultants look at flood zone risks, site drainage features and barriers, soil composition, local geography and structural materials to identify potential vulnerabilities to both wind and storm damage as well as storm surge and flooding. Facilities housing potential contaminants and all procedures related to their handling, are priorities during the assessment to ensure the health and safety of the public during an emergency.

This proactive assessment includes a thorough evaluation of all risk-management and emergency measures already in place. Some of these procedures can be adjusted and integrated into a broader emergency and disaster recovery plan. Businesses also need to consider all of the applicable laws and regulations relevant to their industry, location and specific nature of their operations.

Create an Emergency Plan

The ability to react quickly to an emerging crisis can make the difference between a minor setback and a complete disaster. Every commercial site at risk of severe hurricane damage should have an updated and established emergency response plan. This plan provides employees and decision makers with a framework and essential checklist when facing an imminent storm. Procedures for providing emergency power, developing mitigation controls, ceasing volatile operations and bolstering chemical storage areas are just a few examples of what may appear in an emergency plan.

Emergency plans are not a “one size fits all” solution, and should not only be customized to your unique business, location and employees, but also regularly evaluated and updated as needed. Once created, it’s also important that all current and new employees are properly trained and made aware of new policies and procedures as they happen in case of an emergency event.

Develop a Disaster Recovery Strategy

Even if the storm only lasts for a day or two, the impact of a hurricane can linger for much longer. Unprepared sites​ can become seriously contaminated​ or structurally unsafe, which can cripple business operations on the premises for months or even years. That’s why businesses should have a disaster recovery strategy in place that they can implement to address issues arising from storm damage that accounts for every aspect of how it operates.

Damaged commercial sites should be inspected as soon as possible after hurricane activity subsides. Signs of chemical contamination, water intrusion or structural damage can represent a serious threat to the safety of workers and other personnel onsite, as well as the surrounding environment and communities. It’s also important to quickly address sources of ongoing damage, particularly when there has been flooding. A thorough disaster recovery plan includes steps to address concerns in order of priority and severity, providing a roadmap for the remediation process.

Remediating Damaged Sites

Some of the risks associated with hurricanes are unavoidable, even with a comprehensive emergency and recovery plan. Following the post-storm assessment, commercial property owners have to find an affordable and effective way to get back to normal operating conditions. The sheer complexity and scope of hurricane remediation can be overwhelming, but with the help of experienced environmental and engineering consultants, business owners can rest assured knowing that their property is well taken care of.

�鶹TV��վ offers comprehensive disaster recovery support, including:

• Initial water damage assessments, including moisture intrusion surveys
• Asbestos, lead paint and other contaminated material assessments ​that may be required prior to demolition and removal of any storm-damaged materials
• Structural damage evaluations and assessments, including welding, concrete, foundation and roofing inspections
• Water damage moisture mapping services, as well as observation and third-party oversight of microbial abatement activities
• Program management and construction management
• Grant management services in support of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program: preliminary damage assessment, grant funding eligibility and recovery implementation phase, project delivery
• Air quality consulting, including fence line air monitoring in extreme cases of chemical releases and fires
• Testing and monitoring of indoor air quality for noxious fumes to ensure there are no fugitive emissions or releases
• Contaminated waste management, chemical containment, characterization and disposal management
• Chemical release and spill response and initial abatement activities
• Assessing, monitoring and mitigating impacts to soil, surface water and groundwater
• Utility restoration to the facility

�鶹TV��վ is currently providing environmental investigations in the southeast Louisiana region in response to Hurricane Ida. Following the devastating 2020 CAT4 Hurricanes, Delta and Laura, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, �鶹TV��վ also provided immediate Industrial Hygienist support in the wake of significant flooding and continues to provide program management, construction management, and grant management services to the City of Lake Charles in support of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Despite the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, there are measures companies can take to mitigate the risk of damage to life, property and the environment before a storm hits. Identifying and prioritizing the numerous risk factors impacting a particular site can be difficult on its own, and businesses have to do much more than that to survive a hurricane disaster. That’s why �鶹TV��վ offers advanced solutions to support clients in all of their hurricane preparation and remediation efforts. ​Contact us today​ to discuss our comprehensive consulting services or to learn more about the risks hurricanes pose to your commercial property.

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic and beloved natural areas in the world.

Spanning over 2.2 million acres, the park boasts an astonishing variety of geothermal features, wildlife, and landscapes, including Old Faithful, the Yellowstone River Canyon, and Lamar Valley.

Established on March 1, 1872, by President Ulysses S. Grant, Yellowstone was a landmark achievement in the history of conservation and public lands.

A Fresh Perspective

The idea of setting aside a large area of land for public enjoyment originated in the mid-19^th century, when several visionary leaders, including artist George Catlin and writer Henry David Thoreau, argued for the preservation of natural beauty and wilderness.

However, it wasn’t until the 1870s that the concept won support, thanks to the efforts of several key figures like geologist Ferdinand Hayden, railroad executive Nathaniel Langford, and journalist Thomas Moran.

Hayden’s surveys of the Yellowstone region in 1871 and 1872, which documented the unique geology, flora, and fauna of the area, convinced Congress to pass the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act in 1872, which designated Yellowstone as a public park and placed it under federal management.

This was a radical departure from the prevailing attitude of the time, which saw natural resources as commodities to be exploited for profit.

Setting the Precedent

Among the many hurdles to brownfields assessment, remediation, and redevelopment, funding is often the most significant. But thanks to a new federal law, the funding outlook for brownfields projects in the United States has never been better.

Enacted last November, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $1.5 billion over five years in federal funding for the Brownfields Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This funding represents an approximately six-fold increase over typical annual spending levels for the program. Of the $1.5 billion, $600 million is allocated to assessment grants, which recipients may use to determine the extent of contamination and plan revitalization at brownfield sites. Another $160 million is for cleanup grants, and $150 million for multipurpose grants, which may be used for planning, assessing, and cleaning up sites.

In some cases, cost-share requirements are waived, making the money even more accessible to cash-strapped local governments. However, application deadlines are approaching, so communities looking to obtain their share of this grant funding need to have a plan.

Barriers to growth

A brownfield is a property that is difficult to develop because it is contaminated or believed to be contaminated. Unlike a superfund site, a brownfield may have any number of potential contaminants, including hazardous substances, petroleum, asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, meth-lab residue, or mine-scarred lands.

The EPA estimates that more than 450,000 brownfields exist in the United States. Unless addressed, such sites can hamper local development efforts and preclude economic growth.

To facilitate their development, some sites must undergo an extensive assessment process and, if necessary, cleanup. Although grant funding for these activities is available from the EPA and states, navigating the application processes can be confusing and time-consuming. For this reason, communities often opt to work with a trusted partner that can help them overcome the many hurdles in their way.

Help with grant funding

Working with rural and urban communities, state regulators, and the EPA’s Brownfields Program, �鶹TV��վ helps to revitalize communities by providing critical research needed for successful grant applications. We offer a wealth of expertise with  an experienced brownfields team that includes grant writers, licensed geologists and engineers, certified hazardous materials managers, certified industrial hygienists, certified safety professionals, and EPA-certified asbestos and lead-based paint building inspectors and risk assessors.

The company has a proven track record in helping communities procure much-needed funds for brownfields assessment, mitigation, and redevelopment. Some of the recent grants that �鶹TV��վ has helped to obtain include:          

• Gila County Brownfields Coalition, EPA Community-Wide Assessment Grant, awarded in 2021
• Vermillion County, Indiana, EPA Brownfields Community-Wide Assessment Grant, awarded in 2022
• City of Lebanon, Indiana, EPA Brownfields Community-Wide Assessment Grants, awarded in 2014, 2019, and 2022
• Town of Superior, Arizona, Community Development Block Grant for Assessment and Abatement, awarded in 2021
• City of Terre Haute, Indiana, EPA Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant, awarded in 2020
• Town of Chester, Connecticut, Connecticut Municipal Brownfields Grant for Assessment, awarded in 2022
• City of Indianapolis, Indiana, EPA Brownfields Multi-Purpose Grant, awarded in 2019
• Lawrenceburg, Aurora, Greendale and Dearborn County Coalition, Indiana, EPA Brownfields Coalition Assessment Grant, awarded in 2019

Obtaining an EPA grant for brownfields-related work can benefit communities in many ways, as shown by the example of the grant to Gila County. Serving as the grant administrator, the county represents a coalition of small communities in Arizona that share a prominent history of copper mining that continues today. Known as the “Copper Corridor,” the communities have worked with �鶹TV��վ to address blight issues and win the EPA grant. Armed with this funding, the communities can begin to assess and prioritize their needs, the first step in solving challenges pertaining to brownfields.

After an Award      

Winning a grant is only the first step. �鶹TV��վ collaborates with grant recipients to facilitate public outreach to affected communities. The outreach events are designed to provide information about the brownfield assessment and redevelopment process, benefits to the community, and additional funding opportunities and low-interest loan funding for eligible property-owners.

�鶹TV��վ also stands ready to help communities submit necessary post-award application materials, engage and inform stakeholders and community residents, develop or expand current brownfield inventories, as well as conduct the assessment and remediation of identified brownfield sites. We have extensive experience performing hundreds of brownfields projects with EPA oversight throughout the United States during the last 20 years.

For example, �鶹TV��վ has been working with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community—a Native tribe located in the Phoenix metropolitan area—to implement a $750,000 EPA Brownfields grant that was awarded in 2021.  To this end, �鶹TV��վ is creating an all-encompassing Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and Sampling and Analysis Plan, both of which are required by the EPA to be completed and approved before initiating sampling or cleanup activities utilizing grant funds.

On the same project, �鶹TV��վ has also been tapped to complete Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, following ASTM standards, and complete ground-penetrating radar investigations and surveys. �鶹TV��վ also will create an environmental records database, for future use, and conduct a brownfields survey of the community to assist with the creation of a community-wide inventory of blighted properties within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

�鶹TV��վ provides professional testing, inspection, engineering, environmental, and consulting services from more than 150 locations nationwide, enabling us to provide our clients with a superior level of consistent support and resources no matter where their projects may be located. The company employs more than 3,500 professional staff, including professional engineers, geologists and environmental specialists who can be accessed as needed to provide additional project support.

From obtaining grant funding to conducting the necessary assessments and cleanup, �鶹TV��վ can help communities of all sizes address their needs regarding brownfields and unlock the economic and social potential of sites that currently are difficult or impossible to develop.