OHC continues its contract with the Manatee School Board, which includes asbestos, lead, indoor air quality, and other environmental consulting services.  This is our fifth 3-year term contract with the school board. OHC has performed an array of environmental services to meet the needs of the Manatee County School Board.  These services include the performance of Phase I, II and III environmental site assessments, underground storage tank removal and closures and environmental pre-demolition surveys.  In the recent past, OHC has saved the Manatee County School Board $5,000 to $10,000 upon discovering a construction and demolition debris illegal landfill on property that they were purchasing for Lincoln Middle School. 

Ballard Elementary, Emergency Response

Manatee County Public School’s Construction Services tasked OHC to respond to an emergency tank removal at Ballard Elementary called OHC.  A general contractor had accidentally hit an unknown underground storage tank (UST) while renovating the school.  OHC mobilized and within three days had removed a 2,000-gallon UST, including fuel and contaminated soil.  A combination of soil excavation and soil vapor extraction (SVE) was used to address source contamination in the soil.  A report was submitted to the County Environmental Management Department to fulfill the compliance requirements of the County.  The quick response time of OHC saved the Manatee County School Board in construction delays and turnaround time for renovation.

Matzke Fueling Complex

In February 2001, OHC responded to a fuel spill at the Matzke Fueling Complex in Manatee County.  OHC assisted with spill control and remediation of the site by recovering free product from the storm drains.  In the spring of 2002, the School Board of Manatee County contracted OHC to complete a site assessment report (SAR) of the site. The initial screening included the collection of groundwater samples using direct push technology with conventional screen-points surrounding the spill area. OHC also collected soil samples, drilled monitoring wells, and collected all the data required for the SAR. The site was approximately 4.7 acres.  The results of the Site Assessment indicated that there was limited contamination in the soil and no contamination was detected in the groundwater.  OHC used the air stripping method to remediate the soil.  OHC submitted a monitoring plan to DEP and monitors the site quarterly.

Firing Range Clean-Up

OHC conducted extensive studies on the Manatee Vocational Technical Institute firing range, which is open to the Sheriff’s and Police Departments for practice. The indoor range was heavily contaminated with lead. OHC developed specifications for the clean up of the range and the associated air handling units, developed a lead compliance program for the internal staff to properly maintain the range, developed a hazardous material disposal program for the disposal of lead and other heavy metals and trained the in house staff on these procedures. In addition, OHC developed a respiratory protection and personnel protective equipment program for the internal staff and trained them on the proper use and care of such devices in accordance with the OSHA standards.

Mercury Spill clean up

OHC responded to several mercury spills at the schools, and one most recently in September 2002. OHC was responsible for determining the extent of contamination, isolation of the contaminated area and safe zone, contracting with a remediation contractor to remove the mercury, coordinating with the local regulatory agencies, and performing all the required closure testing in accordance with the local DEP.

Indoor Air Quality Investigation

OHC has also been responsible for the investigation and resolution of numerous IAQ issues for the School Board.  We conducted a comprehensive study at Prine Elementary to determine if the high incidence of cancer rate within the staff is attributed to the indoor environment.  The study included extensive research and testing for any potential chemical carcinogens, biological agents, Phase III radon testing and Phase I, II and III site assessment.  We also conducted an epidemiological research on the cancer rate, for the specific geographical area, for the average age during a period of the past 5 years for comparison with the norm for that area.  OHC was then responsible for addressing over 350 parents and teachers to release the findings and explain the data collected.  The meeting was televised by all the major news media.  The parents, teachers, School Board staff and the regulators appreciated our support of all stakeholders. OHC performed periodic radon testing and followed up with Phase II and III as needed.  OHC has recently completed full inspections of 18 schools at MCSB. OHC's Environmental Department met and exceeded the expectations of the Manatee County School Board in their performance of environmental pre-demolition surveys.    This provides documentation for removal by the School Board subcontractor, allows the School Board to accurately budget dollars for demolition and removal costs and provides excellent documentation to meet the requirements of the County Environmental Protection Commission.

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