Trained Onsite Crews

Every workday at each job site, the project manager conducts a safety meeting with the crew prior to the commencement of work. Safety remains a top priority for all parties involved in the project. All EWMI’s environmental specialists are OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER and OSHA 30-hour construction trained and certified. Additionally, EWMI has put in place a comprehensive medical monitoring program for all team members. Our project management team arrives onsite fully committed to executing the given project with utmost confidence.

Our services include:

Wide range of remediation and field services equipped to handle projects of varying scale and complexity. Categories of this include but are not limited to:

• Site Remediation
• Capping and Closures
• Facility Decontamination
• In-situ / Ex-situ Augmentation

Examples of remediation/field service projects:

Site Remediation:

As a full-service turn-key site remediation provider, EWMI recently completed a complex project that involved the excavation, transportation, and disposal of more than 23,000 tons of TSCA PCB impacted soil. To ensure safety for non-OSHA HAZWOPER trades, we worked closely with other on-site contractors. Including plumbers, electricians, and concrete contractors, to establish secure work areas. We also oversaw the installation of a Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) and managed all earthwork for the installation of utilities, curbing, and final grading. Additionally, we were responsible for the disposal of over 150,000 gallons of TSCA PCB contact water.

Capping Project:

Our team of experts performed excavation reconstruction and alteration of an existing environmental cap for a major real estate developer of a former international chemical company site. The project involved surgical excavation through the existing multi-media cap, demolition of abandoned concrete foundations and footers, and transportation and disposal of over 20,000 tons of chrome-contaminated soil and debris. In addition we worked alongside a pipe pile contractor with over 600 driven piles along the waterfront in Inner Harbor. Restoring all synthetic layers and boot pipe piles with LLDPE, and replacing fill-around pile caps. Additionally, we managed and disposed of chrome-contaminated contact water.

Facility Decontamination:

As part of our facility decontamination services, we specialize in facility closure and decommissioning projects. California office was tasked with the decommissioning and disposal of a Treatment Facility. The project involved 8 different locations spread over a 1.5-mile radius within a commercial/retail setting. The team executed various work activities, such as capping above-ground conveyance remediation lines, flushing conveyance remediation lines, removing above-ground storage tanks, concrete tank pads, electrical panels, well vaults, surface restoration, and managing waste disposal and recycling. We complete these tasks with the utmost attention to detail and safety

In-situ Augmentation:

The site for an international chemical company required in-situ chemical oxidation treatment. Firstly the projected started with removal of a top layer of soil up to twenty feet below the ground surface. Furthermore the excess overburden was pushed back to create a safe working platform and ensure proper sloping. Following a planned deep in-situ chemical oxidation operation performed an additional twenty feet below the ground surface. Soil heavily contaminated with chlorinated solvents, were treated using a rotary head mixing head and bucket mixing, introducing a solution of potassium permanganate and water. Following the completion of the treatment, the backfill of overburden and clean fill was compacted, and the surface area was restored to its original state.

The post Remediation and Field Services appeared first on EWMI.

Rapid Response Inc. and EWMI are Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) certified.

What was the situation?

Rapid Response was dispatched to the scene of an overturned tractor-trailer hauling cargo containing industrial yellow road paint. Due to the size of the spill and road hazards, this section of The Northeast Extension was closed for close to 16 hours. This meant that our highly skilled team needed to assess the damage and discuss the scope to be able to proceed in a timely manner to get the highway reopened.

What services did Rapid Response Inc. provide?

Once the crew identified all hazards involved, they began pumping out free liquids from the trailer and removed damaged totes. The crew then assisted the towing company by loading totes into roll-off containers. In total, there were 11 totes of yellow paint severely damaged in the accident.

RRI had to call in a 2^nd shift crew to finish the cleanup of the site. The crew worked to absorb any free liquid paint in the trailer with absorbent material.  The material was then loaded into a roll-off onsite, and the trailer was secured for transport by the towing company.

When time is of the essence:

Now is the time to plan ahead and find out how we can help you be prepared for any emergency. Our crew is fully trained and certified to cover all types of emergencies from Level D to Level A. Rapid Response Inc. provides immediate response, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services included but not limited to the list below. Call us today to set up your NO COST, NO HASSLE emergency response contract that provides you with a company to call in your time of need and guaranteed locked-in pricing.

24/7/365 Emergency Response Hotline: 877-460-1038

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In celebration, we spoke with two special pups Bruno and Kimber. They interviewed the Technical Services General Manager Matt Smith and Soil Analyst Michael DeHaven. Both associates help Environmental Waste Minimization Inc. achieve its mission of providing superior environmental management services.

Transportation and Disposal

EWMI’s Transportation and Disposal department is your full-service environmental management department. The team works on bring new ideas to the table for a greener waste disposal method, they bring unique value-added benefits to projects of all sizes.

To learn a little bit more about our Technical Services General Manager Matt Smith and what he does at work we asked Bruno his Golden Doddle to interview him.

Bruno: What are you doing when you leave me behind during the week?

Matt Smith:  Your Dad is the GM of the T&D group, and my group helps clients dispose of their waste in economic and sustainable methods.

Bruno: Wow that sounds like ruff work, what is your favorite WOOF of your job?

Matt Smith: The T&D group often has many challenges, and the most rewarding item of my job and solving those challenges.

Bruno: That sounds as good as chewing on my rawhide bone all day. Do you collaborate with other dogs or are your coworker’s human?

Matt Smith: The T&D group is in the front office of the EWMI corporate building. My coworkers are human, and we have structured meetings to collaborate on each other’s projects.  However, from time to time we have special guests who are dogs.

Bruno: Can I apply for a position in your department?

Matt Smith: The T&D group is fully staffed; however, applications are always welcome.  Dogs on the other hand are always welcome in the T&D office.

Soil Department

Like any valuable resource, soil must be properly managed in accordance with current regulations. EWMI achieves sustainable and cost-effective disposal and recycling solutions. The soil team works on soil classification, gridding, sampling, transportation and disposal of all soils, as well as site gridding for disposal purposes.

To learn a little bit more about our Soil Analyst Michael DeHaven and what he does at work we asked Kimber his Beagle to interview him.

Kimber: What are you doing when you leave me behind during the week?

Mike DeHaven: I spend all day thinking about how much I miss you while I work on soil disposal in the northeast to ensure you have nice land to play on in the future. 

Kimber: Wow that sounds like ruff work, what is your favorite WOOF of your job?

Mike DeHaven: The enjoyment in the collaboration of such a dynamic team in a challenging market and figuring out the best way to manage each project. 

Kimber: That sounds as good as chewing on my rawhide bone all day. Do you collaborate with other dogs or are your coworker’s human?

Mike DeHaven: It’s not as delicious as a brand new rawhide but it’s certainly more rewarding. We have a small team of human coworkers that each bring a dynamic perspective to the workplace. 

Kimber: Can I apply for a position in your department?

Mike DeHaven: I don’t believe we currently have any openings, but I would encourage a driven professional such as yourself to send your resume over. We are always looking to innovatively improve our diversified knowledge within the company.  

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Rapid Response Inc. – What was the situation?

On an early November morning in Bethlehem PA, a crash involved an overturned tanker in a residential neighborhood hauling fuel. The truck was actively leaking when first responders were called to the scene. The truck lost all its contents, which was 6,000 gallons of gasoline and 2,500 gallons of diesel fuel. The contents proceeded directly into a storm drain. The storm drain ran underground and above ground running 3 blocks down a residential roadway. It then entered another storm drain and ended up in a runoff catch basin along Rt378 in Bethlehem.

What services did Rapid Response Inc. provide?

This project is ongoing due to the fast migration of the spill. A dam was built to stop the product from proceeding into a nearby creek, and all the roadways / storm drains were cleaned and flushed out. A semi-permanent underflow dam was built to replace the sand dam in the catch basin, and a Water Treatment system was installed to treat all the water flowing into the catch basin.

Once the delineation is completed, Rapid Response anticipates excavating an area approximately 700ft long by 20ft wide of soil and debris from the catch basin along Rt 378. This equates to approximately 600 cubic yards of soil. Along with this excavation, another excavation is needed along the roadway where the fuel first ran free. Two intersections of roadway will be excavated and replaced by Rapid Response.

When time is of the essence:

Because disaster preparedness is critical today, Rapid Response Inc. and EWMI are Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) certified.

• Immediate response, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Coverage for all types of emergencies
  from Level D to Level A
• Fully trained and certified staff and response teams

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In celebration, we spoke with a few of the amazing women who help Environmental Waste Minimization Inc. achieve its mission of providing superior environmental management services. Working in the waste industry we follow strict environmental compliance laws, so that we can protect the environment for feature generations.

We are grateful for all the women that work with us and their commitment to making the world a better place.  Remember to push past barriers and achieve the goals you want to see happen.

MARIA ESPINOZA

Account Manager – Engineering & Remediation Division

How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?

I have spent over 30 years in the Waste Industry and from the start, I’ve always felt that I was providing the clients with options and knowledge on the proper disposal of their industrial waste. Regulations and Technology has provided more sustainable ways of managing waste. We’ve also found ways to reduce and re-purpose some waste streams.  Composting, Fuels Blending, Usage of Wastewater for dust suppression are some of the examples that we now consider as alternatives to landfill and incineration.

What made you want to work in the waste industry?

I graduated with a degree in Biology and could not see myself working in the lab.  I was able to apply my science education in the Environmental Industry and have loved it ever since. I worked both in Operations (General Manager of a TSDF) and Sales and I have always felt that my work has a direct impact in improving the environment. I was also able to see different industries and how they generate their waste streams. The waste industry is never boring, you never know what you are going to get.

Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?

The Environmental Industry is one where you continue to learn every single day.  It is never boring. You are also given so many other options within the industry. I worked in Hazardous Waste, E-Waste Recycling and Cannabis Waste Management all of which are all related (waste management). As I’ve already mentioned, it’s an industry that gives back because you are truly contributing to make the earth a cleaner/better place for the future.

WENDY ASTER

Account Manager – Engineering & Remediation Division

How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?

As an Account Manager my drive is to provide our clients with investigative work/environmental remediation solutions with the end goal being a completed project managed safely and efficiently.  In the past few years, we have seen many new environmental companies/contractors providing similar services. We stand out based on our client relationships, successful projects, and vast knowledge we bring to the table.  

What made you want to work in the waste industry?

I am devoted to helping people. Our diverse expertise in our 20+ years of experience empowers me to correct environmental issues, so our work family & DNA family are safe and secure for generations to come.

Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?

Future generations will have the power to create/perfect new ways to help our clients (and the Earth) through new ideas and concepts for many generations to come.

JESSICA HOSER

Account Manager – Transportation and Disposal Division

How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?

As an account manager, I inform our clients about ways to minimize waste generated and divert waste from landfills which are direct impacts on the environment.

One of the biggest changes I’ve seen in the last few years is people asking about beneficial reuse and recycling.

What made you want to work in the waste industry?

I stumbled into the environmental and waste industry.  Eight years later I’m still very motivated by what I do, learn something new every day and continue to successfully grow our business!

Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?

Try to get an internship to experience day to day operations of the industry.  Ask a lot of questions and don’t be afraid to switch gears if your curiosity isn’t piqued!  There’s a wide variety of interesting positions within the environmental field.

LAUREN MORAN

Technical Service Coordinator – Transportation and Disposal Division

How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?

This is a new role for me, and I am eager to learn more about the waste industry. It is exciting being on the forefront of change in the environment, currently I am putting my energy into learning the inns and outs of EPA, RCRA, and DOT regulations.

What made you want to work in the waste industry?

Waste is constantly being generated and someone must determine the best way of disposal. I have family members who work in the manufacturing industry, this provided me insight on what types of waste are being generated and how facilities are disposing of it. I get to be a part of the puzzle in determining the solutions and correct method of disposal.

Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?

Always be willing to learn and be prepared to take detailed notes during your new experiences. Communication is your best friend, do not be afraid to speak up and ask questions.

ARLENE STEPHENS

Finance Manager – Accounting Division

How do you feel your role connects you to the environment and what changes have you seen over the years in the industry?

Being on the finance end of things, collaborating to provide our clients with the most economical solution for their waste enables me to connect to the environment.

Over the years I have seen many people come and go and they seem to always come back to the environmental industry.

What made you want to work in the waste industry?

After working in other industries, I did not get the challenge as I get working in this industry. The challenge is what brought me back.

Do you have any advice for young people interested in careers like yours?

Do what truly makes you happy, learn from others around you, stay focused and reach for the stars.

The post Women of EWMI appeared first on EWMI.

Confined space entry in a frac tank:

Confined spaces are common in our industry. The recognition of hazards that can emerge prior to entering the space is a critical step in preventing unsafe incidents. Injuries and fatalities can result from poor planning and not being properly prepared. It is a requirement that the atmosphere be tested prior to entry and monitored throughout the entirety of the entry. These atmospheric hazards can include oxygen-deficiency/enrichment, toxicity, and combustibility. EWMI makes it a practice to write a permit for all confined space entries.

EWMI recently added a frac tank rental and service line. Frac tanks are large heavy gauged steel tanks that hold either sludge, liquids, or a combination of the two. These tanks are beneficial for construction sites, agricultural sites, environmental remediation, oil, and gas applications as well as manufacturing facilities for temporary storage. We also perform tank cleanings where our crew decontaminates frac tanks.

Requirements for working in a confined space:

Knowing the hazards of confined spaces and what is required to work within them will prepare the team for a safe entry. EWMI treats all confined spaces as “Permit Required” to maximize health and safety precautions and practices when entering the space. These spaces can potentially be dangerous and require training in safety measures. Arming the crews with the knowledge needed for proper entry methods.

EWMI works in a variety of confined spaces including but not limited to frac tanks, vertical and horizontal tanks, underground tanks, and vaults. Our field technicians are prepared for any project-specific protocols prior to entering the field. Each job is carefully vetted prior to a job beginning along with a site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP). Once on site the permitting begins prior to beginning work.

Before entering a confined space, the confined space supervisor ensures that initial air monitoring is performed. A four-gas meter is used to measure oxygen content, lower explosive limit, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide to ensure that the space is safe for entry. There are times when EWMI uses photoionization detectors, colorimetric tubes and other tools depending on site-specific hazards and conditions. The conditions within the confined space are monitored continuously throughout work, and readings are taken every fifteen minutes and recorded on the permit.

Training day at EWMI:

The training began early in the EWMI conference room lead by our Health and Safety Director. Teams were divided and assigned specific areas of confined space safety which included definitions, hazards, levels of PPE including the types of respiratory protection. Later types of knots required for rescue were discussed and practiced. Each team was given a scenario and required to come up with plan for their mission. Prior to executing the plan, it had to be approved by the H&S Director.

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Once each team’s plan was approved the rescue drills began. A rescue drill is required at least annually by OSHA. Providing personnel, the experience of working through different scenarios to familiarize themselves with situations they could encounter during a confined space rescue. There are two types of categories involved with rescue: time sensitive (emergency) and non-time sensitive. Time sensitive rescues involve oxygen-deficient atmospheres where there is a small window of time, typically six minutes, to get someone out. An example of a non—time sensitive rescue would be when a crew member falls and injuries themselves, in this circumstance there are no atmospheric hazards.

In the warehouse a clean EWMI frac tank was staged for the teams to perform their emergency rescue scenarios. The teams previously discussed the best approach to save their teammate during the planning phase and were ready to suit up and make entry. Rescuing someone in a timely manner requires in-depth knowledge of the conditions, potential hazards, location, and configuration of the confined space, these all lend to determination of the rescue strategy.

Following proper protocols, knowing your space, knowing your hazards, training for success and being prepared will ensure that your team works safely and efficiently in any confined space emergency.

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This is where we step into provide thorough and cost-effective disinfection services to keep your workplace safe. Throughout the pandemic EWMI has been working with high-risk clients including manufacturers, chemical companies, automobile dealers, offices, and other areas with high circulation to clean and disinfect facilities to ensure the safety of everyone who is still working.

Customized Solutions Provided:

EWMI can perform either fogging or hand-wiping to disinfect your facility. Our team utilizes DZ-7, a pH neutral, phosphate-free, quaternary ammonium formulation designed to provide effective cleaning, deodorizing, and disinfection for any facility. After disinfection is completed, workers may return to their job immediately with no wait time.

EWMI / RRI meets or exceeds all procedures developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and other federal and international agencies for COVID-19 preparedness, mitigation, and disinfection. To educate yourself further on the laws and standards of COVID 19 visit the OSHA Website.

Disinfecting Services Covered:

Efficient Quality Service Delivered:

EWMI is much more than a janitorial company or in-house cleaning team. As a professional environmental management firm, EWMI brings the highest level of safety, professionalism, and service to every job. Our Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)-certified team has worked on HAZMAT sites and projects for over 25 years.

EWMI’s entire Field Team is OSHA 40-hour trained and certified. We have an impressive $25 million umbrella insurance program, a PEMA-certified team, an A-901 license, and are licensed medical waste transporters.

In a critical situation, when time and safety are imperative, EWMI will be there with a fast, efficient, and complete solution. Trust the experts. Contact EWMI 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 484-275-6900 or emailing info@ewmi.com. 

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Have you thought about reuse of waste?

Beneficial reuse is a hot topic in the environmental management industry. EWMI brings awareness to this movement by determining if certain wastes can be repurposed as a valuable commodity. When beneficially reused with reclamation, spent materials are exempt from solid-waste requirements. Certain facilities can reuse byproducts or waste materials, this will help slow the growth of landfills.

Are you looking for ways to avoid landfills and promote sustainable options in your company? EWMI can implement this by creating and managing beneficial reuse programs taking your waste streams and using them in other manufacturing process.

What types of waste can be reused?

• Certain waste streams that are disposed can be used to generate power.
  • Non-RCRA solids can be used as fuels in (WTE) waste to energy plants to produce steam for electricity
  • Food grade, glycol, alcohol-based waste streams can be used to produce biogas for the generation of electricity.

• Certain Solvent waste streams can be distilled and reused as product.

• Precious metals can be reclaimed.
  • Waste Zinc, Nickel, Titanium powders
  • Filter cakes with >10% Chromium, Zinc, Nickel
  • Waste Waters with > 10% Chromium, Zinc, Nickel

• Waste Acids & Caustics.
  • Iron bearing acids can be utilized in the wastewater treatment industry.
  • Iron is also recyclable for use in other manufacturing processes.
  • High concentration sulfuric acids can be regenerated for the use in the oil & gas industry
  • Sodium hydroxide can be utilized in the wastewater treatment industry.
  • Sodium hydroxide can be used as scrubber replacement solution.
  • All the above options take the streams off RCRA reporting, and manifesting.

What companies can implement beneficial reuse into their disposal plans?

We are eager to help any company reduce waste volumes and program costs by reusing materials in a beneficial manner to eliminate waste. EWMI works closely with manufactures to make sure excessive waste is disposed of in the most ecofriendly way.

Contact EWMI today to find out what new disposal outlets we can find for your company.

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EWMI recently welcomed new roll-off trucks to our growing fleet. While times are difficult in our world, one thing is certain EWMI is prepared and growing to meet our customers’ needs as a full-service provider.

Bulk waste removal has never been easier with our team of experts. We provide fully permitted 20. 30-, and 40-yard container bins as well as vacuum boxes for sludges and semiliquid. We only want the best for our customers. All our roll-off containers are the highest quality, with bows and tarps to prevent outside elements from contacting any waste. EWMI lets you rest easy knowing that we also provide emergency service 24 hours a day.

What types of bulk waste can EWMI dispose of?

EWMI is permitted to transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste in 12 states. When your project comes across clean or contaminated soil on site, we can work with your company to dispose of the soil properly. Our soil experts assist with managing soil in accordance with current regulations. Sludges and solids are among other waste and depending on the profile of the waste we can determine if it would be a good fit for beneficial re-use.

Who can benefit from bulk waste roll-off services?

We are eager to help any company.  If you are getting rid of bulk-waste either weekly, monthly, or quarterly we are here to be of service with low competitive costs. We work with engineers and construction companies on site for construction debris and or soil. EWMI experts are ready to assess your waste, providing flexibility and exceptional scheduling.

EWMI has increasingly grown our client base in the food industry. Working closely with manufactures to insure excessive waste is disposed of in the most eco friendly way. We are working to expand our beneficial re-use program while utilizing our new roll-off containers.

Contact us to find out the best bulk-waste disposal options for your company.

Inquire today with one of our friendly sales associates, they will walk you through every step to make sure we are a good fit for your company. Trust the experts. Contact EWMI 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 484-275-6900 or emailing info@ewmi.com. 

The post Rolling Out Bulk-Waste Services! appeared first on EWMI.

Innovative Growth

EWMI has grown from just four of the founding partners in 1995 to over 100 employees and two locations in 2020. We’ve relied on customer needs and employee innovation to expand in a competitive marketplace.

When EWMI began, the company was primarily focused on transportation and disposal. “We’ve always given customers and employees the ability to present us with new ideas,” Mr. Pohwat says. “And when the idea fits, we have the ability to take it to the next level.”

While EWMI is smaller than some companies in the environmental management field, we have found an incredible niche in our work across the United States. “We offer all the same services as the big guys,” says Mr. Pohwat. “We can do anything from small, milk-run lab pack pickups to multi-million-dollar jobs.”

One of our niche areas are complex, groundbreaking remediation projects. “We really put our name on the map with an enormous project in the Baltimore Harbor,” says Mr. DeHaven, who worked in Field Services on the job. “In the 18 months we spent there, we remediated soil that was heavily contaminated with hexavalent chrome and allowed for development on the site. It was incredible to see the outcome of our hard work.”

Customer-Centric Service

EWMI’s principal ownership came from different environmental companies and started EWMI with the goal of providing a different level of service to an entirely new customer base. “We knew we could provide something different,” Mr. Pohwat says. “We are more efficient than other companies, more professional. Our intense customer service is something that always surprises our client. We’re small, but we can offer more than some of the bigger companies.”

Collaboration is key when providing this level of service. “We’re always focused on how to make things right for our customers,” says Mr. DeHaven. “As brokers, our team is constantly working together to utilize new tactics and facilities that will save our clients time and money.” EWMI’s mastery in the field and concerted corporate culture has consistently saved our customers time, money, and headaches over the last 25 years.

A Culture of Caring

According to Mr. Sidloski, EWMI’s corporate culture comes directly from ownership. “Having our four owners actively involved in day-to-day decision making is a unique part of working at EWMI,” he says. “Ownership’s constant focus on safety has been a hallmark of the company. Training and money are never an issue, and they put the employee’s wellbeing first.” Our award-winning strategies and .672 EMR rating speak to EWMI’s heightened focus on safety.

EWMI’s employee-centric focus doesn’t stop at safety. It also allows for constant professional growth for employees. “I’ve been promoted several times at EWMI – I started off boots-on-the-ground in Field Services, and now I’m an Associate Project Manager,” says Mr. DeHaven. “I love working here because there is constant opportunity for growth. Every day, every job is unique and different.”

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EWMI is looking forward to our future – our innovation, customer-centric service, and corporate culture will continue to distinguish our work and allow us to grow even more.

The post Celebrating 25 Years of Service appeared first on EWMI.