Services
We tailor our services to each individual client’s needs, on a project-by-project basis, with the end-goals established from the beginning of every endeavor. By doing so, we can ensure that the client and the consultants are partners for success, every step of the way. The result of all of this is a host of additional services that are tailored to our clients’ individual needs and goals. A select set of our services is detailed here.
Environmental Due Diligence & Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
For our clients’ first line of defense and best practice of managing risk, we complete Phase I ESAs prior to property acquisition and at the time of any transfer of ownership. GAIA’s entire team of environmental professionals exceed the definitions set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency for EPs. These assessments allow our clients to help establish the Innocent Landowner Defense and partially comply with the requirements for All Appropriate Inquiry to reduce and protect against environmental liability associated with contaminated land and/or groundwater.
Phase II ESAs
The second step in the AAI process, and usually follows from the Phase I ESA Report. On-property soil and/or groundwater sampling, laboratory analysis and reporting compared to established regulatory standards to determine if contamination persists on the property. GAIA's personnel have conducted more than 250 of these assessments since 2001 and very proficient in providing clients with cost-effective and pragmatic solutions for these assessments.
Contamination & Site Assessments
While essentially similar to Phase II ESAs, when regulatory reporting is required or desired by the client, GAIA prepares CARs and SARs in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines and reporting standards as a starting point for regulatory-based cleanup and/or compliance.
Electromagnetic Radiation Surveys
For clients that focus on residential land development and those with commercial buildings situated near or adjacent to sources of electromagnetic radiation, such as high-power transmission lines, GAIA’s personnel has the experience and skills necessary to complete electromagnetic radiation surveys to assist in risk management and development planning.
Radon Assessment and Management
Radon is a major concern for indoor living environments, identified by the US EPA and regulated by the State of Florida. All homes and commercial buildings that have regular occupancy are recommended to have radon studies completed to determine if a risk of radon exposure exists. All large and public buildings are required to be tested for the presence of radon. GAIA is capable of completing these services in-house for our clients and making appropriate recommendations for management and mitigation if needed.
Property Condition Assessment Services
In addition to determining and managing environmental liability, GAIA assists its clients in managing business risk and costs associated with currently owned and future commercial buildings by the completion of Property Condition Assessments which give the client a snapshot of costs associated with building compliance and maintenance.
Asbestos Surveys
GAIA’s team is certified under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) title II/Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) as asbestos abatement inspectors, supervisors, and management planners. GAIA has completed asbestos surveys throughout the country, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio. asbestos survey experience has included industrial, commercial and residential sites.
Indoor Air Quality & Mold Studies
As clients evaluate property for acquisition or as they undertake redevelopment of property, asbestos, lead-based paint, IAQ or mold issues may arise. GAIA’s IH & IAQ professionals handle practically any Industrial Hygiene or IAQ project from initial surveys through certification of completion.
Industrial Waste Permitted Facility Compliance
GAIA can provide personnel training in accordance with applicable EPA and OSHA regulations. Routine preventive audit inspections can save businesses thousands of dollars in environmental remediation and regulatory fines. GAIA’s experience performing inspections on hazardous materials and industrial waste facilities in accordance with RCRA lead to preventive BMPs that help maintain regulatory compliance with standards set forth by federal, state and local governments and minimize violations.
Petroleum Storage Systems Management & Compliance
Emergency backup power is critical for certain industries. In these cases, GAIA has the capability to provide our clients with the necessary services to ensure regulatory compliance and safe conditions.
Petroleum storage systems entail a web of regulatory compliance, industry safety standards, design requirements and ongoing maintenance and record-keeping activities. GAIA provides our clients with a turn-key one-stop shop to meet the demands of these systems, by implementing BMPs from the beginning, ensuring compliance, permitting and registration, to tank design, installation and removal services.
Hazardous Materials Management
Best management practices for risk associated with hazardous materials and hazardous waste is critical to ensuing workplace and public safety and regulatory compliance. GAIA’s personnel have worked with both large and small companies to ensure compliance with hazardous material and hazardous waste regulations including treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. We have the expertise to conduct Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) inspections to ensure federal and state compliance and will work in close contact with facility personnel to create BMPs to maintain compliance. Our experience includes the successful characterization and disposal of hazardous materials, pumping unknown materials from underground storage tanks and arrangement of transportation and proper disposal of the hazardous waste.
GAIA can assist our clients in the proper maintenance of cost-effective procedures for the handling and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.
Radon Assessment, Management and Mitigation
Radon is a major concern for indoor living environments, identified by the US EPA and regulated by the State of Florida. All homes and commercial buildings that have regular occupancy are recommended to have radon studies completed to determine if a risk of radon exposure exists. All large and public buildings are required to be tested for the presence of radon. GAIA is capable of completing these services in-house for our clients and making appropriate recommendations for management and mitigation if needed. We are licensed by the State of Florida and are fully insured.
Lead-based Paint and Lead Inspections and Risk Assessment
GAIA is EPA Certified for both Lead inspections and Risk Assessment. This means that GAIA con provide these services in-house for our clients, and have the capability to immediately respond to HUD properties and associated requirements for lead-based paint and lead inspections and risk assessments, ensuring compliance with applicable Federal and State laws.
Lead poisoning is one of the most serious environmental health hazards to children, particularly for children under the age of six. Elevated blood lead levels can impair a young child's mental and physical development. Adults exposed to high levels of lead, usually in the workplace, are also at risk.