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Selected Project Summaries
Air Quality Projects
New Source Review
- VEI has successfully completed and obtained several federal new source review permits
for major sources in the Midwest United States. These applications included federal
prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) impact analyses, top-down best available
control technology (BACT) reviews, and typically include state air toxics evaluations.
- VEI assisted in negotiations for a plant-wide applicability limit (PAL) permit for a
large industrial manufacturing facility in the Midwest United States.
- VEI has assisted numerous clients in determining applicability of the federal new source
review (NSR) process to source modifications. In many instances VEI has successfully
completed and received approval of lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) and BACT
analyses as part of an air quality permit application respective to automobile surface
coating operations.
- VEI negotiated a flexible permit for a large paper/web coating operation which provided
the facility with plant-wide emission limits and the ability to make make product changes
on multiple lines without the need to obtain regulatory approvals. The permit provided
considerable flexibility needed to minimize operational costs.
- VEI assisted a large portland cement manufacturer with acquisition of appropriate NSR
permits within a compressed time schedule for a modification to an existing facility that
provided additional product capabilities.
Title V Renewable Operating Permits
- VEI was responsible for management aspects of a corporate Title V implementation program
which encompassed over 40 independent facilities throughout the United States. This
project included development of a guidance manual to assist facilities throughout the
United States, including emission calculations, and technical support services for over 40
individual facilities throughout North America.
- VEI has completed emission inventories at numerous automotive related manufacturing
facilities pursuant to Title V of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. VEI has also provided
peer review of several Title V emission inventories undertaken by other consulting firms
regarding technical content and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
- VEI prepared Title V applications for several separate industrial facilities in
Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois and other states. VEI has reviewed numerous Title V
applications prepared by others regarding technical content and adherence to regulatory
guidelines.
- VEI provided a paper/web/polyester surface coating facility with air quality compliance
assistance, revisions to existing air quality permits, comprehensive emission inventories
and a complete Renewable Operating Permit applications under both Michigan and
Illinois’ Title V Renewable Operating Permit Programs.
Dispersion Modeling
- VEI prepared an air dispersion modeling analysis for criteria pollutant emissions as
part of a permit application submittal for construction of an automobile assembly plant.
Efforts included the utilization of both screening (SCREEN3) and complex (ISCST3) modeling
of the entire facility, as well as offsite sources, to predict increment consumption and
demonstrate compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for
criteria pollutants.
- VEI developed an air dispersion modeling analysis for toxic air contaminants (TACs) in
conjunction with preparation of a Plantwide Applicability Limit (PAL) permit for an
automobile assembly plant. Project efforts included calculation of the potential to emit
for numerous TACs from several differing processes and emission units, determination of
acceptable impact thresholds based on toxicological data, and incorporation of all the
data into complex air dispersion modeling software.
- VEI has conducted numerous modeling demonstrations related to state air toxics
requirements and risk assessment.
Refrigerant Management
- VEI has assisted several U.S. and Canadian automobile manufacturing facilities with
replacement, recordkeeping and management of ozone depleting substances (ODS), as well as
providing compliance assistance with Title VI of the Clean Air Act.
- VEI has managed a multi-year, multi-million dollar program to eliminate the use of Ozone
Depleting Substances (ODS) throughout U.S. and Canadian manufacturing facilities for a
large automobile manufacturer. In addition, VEI has provided guidance on suitable
replacement materials and life cycle analysis when multiple alternatives are available.
- VEI has developed several internal guidance documents to assist manufacturing facilities
in complying with Title VI regulations, including leak repair, safe disposal requirements
and recordkeeping requirements.
Site Assessment/
Real Estate Management Projects
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
- VEI's professional staff have completed over 1000 Phase I Environmental Assessments
regarding industrial sites, automobile dealerships, retail shopping plazas, apartment
complexes, undeveloped parcels, and other types of commercial facilities.
Soil/Groundwater Sampling Programs
- VEI conducted various investigative efforts at several impacted commercial properties to
achieve remedial objectives based on Type A, B, and/or C criteria under the State of
Michigan's former Act 307 cleanup program. A covenant not to sue from the State was
solicited for two of these locations.
- VEI has assisted numerous dry cleaning facilities in separate retail strip malls with
delineation and clean-up of soils/groundwater impacted by inadvertent releases of dry
cleaning solvents.
- VEI provided consulting, management, and oversight services for an automobile supplier
in Detroit, Michigan. This manufacturing complex occupies more than 85 acres with over two
million square feet of floor space in multiple buildings. Several buildings in the complex
were constructed prior to 1920. VEI's assignment was related to a major renovation project
that included the partial demolition/removal of certain buildings, relocation of existing
equipment, installation of new equipment, and reconstruction of affected building areas.
As part of the assignment, VEI conducted a subsurface sampling program to determine
whether any subsurface contaminants could potentially impact demolition and new equipment
installation activities (the equipment was mounted below grade). The effort included
collection of subsurface soil samples at over 50 locations throughout the complex,
laboratory analysis of the samples and associated data review and Characterization of
materials designated for removal prior to offsite disposal. Early identification of
contaminated media allowed for allocation of necessary funds, schedule adjustments, and
selection of appropriately trained personnel.
Baseline Environmental Assessments (BEA)/Section 7a
Compliance Analyses (7aCA)
- VEI has prepared over 50 Baseline Environmental Assessments (BEAs) following protocol
specified in Part 201 of NREPA (i.e., Michigan PA 451). These sites historically conducted
onsite industrial/manufacturing operations, or other activities, resulting in adverse
impact to site soils or groundwater. In each case where the client elected to submit the
BEA to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the Agency granted an
exemption from liability to the respective petitioner(s). VEI is presently working on
several other commercial sites for which BEAs will be submitted to the MDEQ.
Underground Storage Tank Management
- VEI assisted a large trucking company in the removal and replacement of existing UST
systems at five facilities in southeast Michigan. Completed tasks included the removal of
tanks and associated piping, collection of required samples from UST basin, post-removal
assessment/closure investigations and submission of documentation reports to applicable
state agencies.
Brownfield Services
- VEI is currently assisting a major automobile supplier with the acquisition of numerous
adjacent small properties in the City of Detroit. All of these parcels are currently, or
were formerly, utilized for industrial and commercial activities. Environmental issues at
the sites include former railroad spurs, imported fill/debris material, existing above
ground tanks and drum storage areas, existing/former underground fuel tanks, and
immediately adjacent offsite properties with known contamination. Several onsite
structures are either vacant or in an advanced state of disrepair. The client desires to
demolish some of existing structures and renovate/redevelop the site for corporate
offices, storage facilities, and a truck marshalling area. The City of Detroit has been
notified of the redevelopment plans. When the project is completed the client will have
the benefit of additional new facilities, the cost of which was partially offset by
financial incentives associated with redevelopment of an environmentally impaired area.
The City will be free of several blighted and obsolete industrial/commercial buildings, as
well as receive the benefits associated with increased contribution from an area that
previously yielded minimal tax revenue.
Regulatory Compliance Projects
Toxic Release Inventory Reporting
- VEI teamed with another environmental engineering firm to develop and implement a
database driven TRI/NPRI reporting system for a major automobile manufacturing entity.
With the necessary hardware and software in place, the system allows the team to access
information and generate TRI data and reports from remote locations with electronic data
exchange via the Internet. The team provides TRI/NPRI regulatory management/consulting
services to the corporate environmental department of a major automobile manufacturer. The
services encompass development of TRI/NPRI reports at 40 plus manufacturing facilities
across North America.
- VEI’s TRI team developed and implemented comprehensive, one week training program
for employees with TRI/NPRI responsibilities.
- VEI provides TRI/NPRI regulatory management/consulting services to the corporate
environmental department of a major automobile parts supplier.
- VEI provides TRI/NPRI regulatory management/consulting services to the corporate
environmental department of a major automobile parts supplier. VEI assisted an automotive
supplier with the removal of approximately 100 drums and other containers containing
hazardous and non hazardous waste liquids and solids. Field analysis of the waste
materials was conducted onsite, and 17 compatible waste streams were ultimately sampled
and submitted to a qualified laboratory for detailed analysis. Waste materials were
transferred into DOT approved containers and transported offsite to appropriate disposal
facilities.
Wastewater Sampling
- VEI provides annual wastewater sampling services to a large manufacturing facility in
Detroit, Michigan. The services include the collection of 24 hour composite samples from
facility waste streams discharged to the POTW.
Waste Management
- VEI has assisted chemical manufacturing facilities manage all waste activities as
required by 40 CFR 261. These projects are ongoing. Project tasks were completed while
staffed onsite or at VEI’s office. VEI staff are properly trained to manage and
dispose of all industrial waste streams.
- Daily and weekly inspections of waste storage areas
- Waste characterization and waste inventory management
- Coordinate transportation and disposal of waste streams
- Negotiate disposal costs with vendors
- Create waste handling procedures
- Training for employees handling waste
- Manifest management
- Routine inspections of waste storage area and practices
- Assist with site inspections from regulatory agencies
- Submit all regulatory compliance correspondence
- Design waste minimization programs
- VEI supervised activities and certified closure at a hazardous waste treatment, storage
and disposal facility in accordance with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
regulations.
On Site Services
- VEI provides onsite air quality management services to one of the largest automobile
manufacturers in the United States. Responsibilities include providing technical oversight
of air quality permit applications, emission inventories and various state air emission
reports. VEI is also responsible for management aspects of a Title V implementation
program which encompasses over 30 independent facilities throughout the United States,
development of a guidance manual to assist facilities throughout the United States,
development of a guidance manual to assist facilities with emission calculations, and
technical support services for over 40 individual facilities throughout North America,
South America and Europe.
- VEI has provided general onsite environmental management services to large automotive
suppliers and chemical manufacturing facilities. VEI was responsible for all environmental
reporting including Biennial Hazardous Waste reports, Air Emission reports, industrial
storm water management and regulatory agency correspondence. VEI was also responsible for
management of hazardous waste activities such as hazardous waste inventory logs, proper
labeling of waste, inspection of waste storage areas, coordinating disposal of hazardous,
non hazardous, universal and radioactive waste, recycling of products, preparation of
hazardous waste manifests and negotiating disposal costs.
Health and Safety Projects
- VEI conducted safety meetings at the beginning of each work day. All contractors were
required to attend these meetings. The meetings included a general discussion of the day's
work activities for specific areas of the complex, and potential hazards associated with
the planned activities.
Asbestos Services
- VEI provided asbestos inspection and sampling services during the closure of a large
chemical manufacturing facility in southeast Michigan. VEI was responsible for
identification and sampling of suspect materials prior to the start-up of demolition
activities.
- VEI has provided asbestos sampling services at numerous commercial facilities prior to
transfer of ownership.
- VEI was retained for asbestos abatement services and clearance air sampling activities
at a commercial building in excess of 50 years of age. The building was formerly used for
general offices and paper storage by the City of Detroit Fire Department.
- VEI conducted air monitoring throughout all phases of an asbestos abatement project at a
large, vacant industrial building in Detroit, Michigan. Air samples were collected both
inside and outside the work areas and evaluated to determine if airborne fiber
concentrations were in compliance with safety limits as specified by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). Sample results were used to accomplish the following:
- Confirm that engineering controls were adequate to prevent the release of airborne
asbestos fibers beyond the work area critical barriers.
- Confirm the adequacy of respiratory equipment used by abatement personnel.
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