by Jaycob Davies Underground storage tanks (USTs) are used across the country to store petroleum and other hazardous substances. USTs have been in use since the early 1900s and come in many forms and sizes. Due to the nature of the substances being stored within these tanks, a UST does…
by Jessica Babb In April 2022, the State of California power grid (California Independent System Operator – a provider of about 80% of the state’s energy) achieved 100% renewable energy supply for approximately an hour. Solar power was the leading supplier of this renewable energy. However, other renewable energy sources…
by Lilly Burnett – 2021 RGI Geotechnical Intern Although first introduced to the United States in the 1940’s, Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) were not discovered to be harmful until the 2000’s. Because they are used in a wide variety of products and don’t break down over time, they build…
by Tait Russell Continuing our previous blog discussions regarding area-wide contamination, this blog will cover the Yakima Railroad Area (YRRA) where industrial activities have caused wide-spread groundwater contamination. The YRRA is approximately six square miles, including parts of Yakima and Union Gap which are contaminated with perchloroethylene (PCE). PCE is…
by Robert Teng Every project requires site specific recommendations based on its native soils and material used on site. Evidence comes from the exploration of these soils obtained through borings, test pits, probes, hand augers, and samples grabbed off stockpiles. Multiple samples from a variety of areas around the site…
by Tait Russell Industrial activities can cause contamination to huge swaths of land and water. Contaminants from industrial sites can travel through the soil, surface water, groundwater, and air, migrating far from their source. RGI is aware of several commercial sites in Washington that are responsible for area-wide contamination. However,…
by Lizzie Wratten Take a quick stroll around any Pacific Northwest neighborhood and see if you can locate the petty annoyances left behind by some contractor who didn’t fully compact the soils. In order to understand the consequences of these improperly compacted soils, we first need to understand what is…
by Tait Russell Because much of an applied geologist’s work affects the health, safety, and wellbeing of people and the environment, a professional geologist licensure is an important safeguard. Obtaining licensure shows the geologist has satisfied stringent education, knowledge, and experience requirements. Any consultant in Washington State must be competent,…
by Collin McCracken There is a saying in construction: “It has to get worse before it gets better.” While building your project, you may run into several roadblocks that require a lot of effort to work around. One common obstacle we encounter during construction in Western Washington is an…
How a Quick Phone Call Can Save You Headaches and Setbacks by Collin McCracken In most densely populated areas in the US, many utilities such as water services, electrical and communication cables, and sewer and storm water conveyance systems are buried underground. This keeps them out of the way of…
