Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems in Hawaii
For Safer Project Sites and Reduced Liability
To ensure optimal operational success, trust the environmental engineering experts at GeoKinetics to design and install a reliable Vapor Intrusion Mitigation System (VIMS) at your project site. We create effective VIMS by diving deep with analytics first, before crafting a system tailored to your site’s specific needs. Our team not only builds top-of-the-line Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Systems, but also provides follow-up monitoring to ensure systems continue running at peak performance.
When to Consider a Vapor Monitoring System
Methane and vapor testing must be considered as early in the property acquisition process as possible, whether the site is vacant or developed. Hawaii’s unique geology naturally produces methane, which can migrate through soil and accumulate in buildings. As a result, it’s prudent to assume that any site could be affected by elevated levels of methane or other hazardous vapors. Man-made contamination is also a concern that cannot be ruled out without the requisite subsurface investigations by qualified experts such as the team at GeoKinetics. For example, commonly found facilities such as dry cleaners are frequent sources of harmful chemical emissions that may impact nearby sites.
The Impact of Vapor Intrusion on Site Development in Hawaii
In Hawaii, site developers and property owners are required to conduct thorough environmental assessments, which include testing for gas and vapor intrusion. These assessments are critical, as harmful vapors, such as methane or radon, can accumulate inside buildings, posing serious health and safety risks. Exposure to these vapors can lead to a range of health issues, from headaches and respiratory irritation to more severe consequences such as cancer or, in extreme cases, death. Methane also presents a combustion hazard, making proper mitigation essential for both human safety and structural integrity.
Common harmful vapors our VIMS protect against include:
- Methane
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
- Trichloroethylene (TCE)
- Naphthalene
- Radon
- Other chemical contaminants
Our VIMS Installation Process
For a Vapor Intrusion Mitigation System to be fully effective, installation must include a comprehensive, multi-step process that provides for diagnosing, designing, building, and continuously monitoring the system. A crucial part of this process is drilling and soil gas sampling, which help assess subsurface conditions. Accurate data collection is supported by proper instrument installation and thorough laboratory analysis. Once mitigation measures are in place, a certificate of compliance, stamped by a licensed professional geologist, ensures that the system meets regulatory standards. These systems ensure that any risks are identified and mitigated adequately before development or occupancy begins, reducing liability through tested and trusted environmental engineering methods.
Why Vapor Mitigation is Essential
Vapor intrusion mitigation systems provide continuous, real-time monitoring 24/7, which is necessary for maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. Implementing such systems allows developers to build on sites that may otherwise be deemed compromised, expanding opportunities for land use in Hawaii. More importantly, these systems play a vital role in protecting public health and ensuring the safety of the surrounding communities. By addressing environmental risks from the beginning of a project, organizations can also uphold their reputation and demonstrate a commitment to responsible development and environmental stewardship.
Trust GeoKinetics with Your Vapor Intrusion Mitigation System Needs
Protect your investment by carefully assessing your site for harmful vapors and closely monitoring readings with GeoKinetics. Contact us today, and we will create a custom plan just for you.