Closing the Loop - Implementing and Completing the Laboratory Environmental Due Diligence Process

Russell N. Kulp, P.E., EPA

Co-Authors:

Thomas R. Ward, M.A., EPA
Robert W. Keistler, P.E. U.S. Corps of Engineers
Randall L. Rogers, P.G. and Thomas Mattis, Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc.
Christine V. Millard and Eddie L. Smith, CHMM, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Abstract:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has occupied leased research laboratories in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina for over 30 years, and is currently moving its operations into a new facility. Prior to vacating the leased properties, the EPA initiated an environmental due diligence process to identify, evaluate, investigate, decontaminate, and, if necessary, remediate areas of environmental concern associated with past research operations.

• Many of the areas of environmental concern associated with the EPA's research facilities are regulated and subject to recognized closure procedures; these areas include the removal of underground storage tanks, closure of hazardous waste storage areas, and termination of radiological materials licenses. However, many operations which are inherent to laboratory research, such as benchtops, fume hoods, sink traps, and pilot scale equipment, do not have established closure procedures or guidelines. In dealing with these areas, the EPA has applied its environmental due diligence processes to institute appropriate investigation and decontamination measures. For some areas of environmental concern, the EPA applied standard risk assessment methods to develop site-specific screening criteria protective of the health of future occupants.

The EPA recognizes that, in lieu of the absence of established standards, both the private and public sectors may look to us for guidance and precedence for the decontamination of laboratory facilities. With this in mind, the EPA continues to approach environmental due diligence conservatively, while balancing its commitment to the environment and human health with its fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.

Biography:

Russell N. Kulp has a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland and is a registered professional engineer. He has over 30 years of experience in the engineering design and construction industry. He has 5 years of experience in the private sector as an HVAC systems design engineer, 5 years of experience as a design engineer and project manager with the National Institutes of Health and 22 years with EPA as a project manager and chief engineer-in-charge of the Agency's laboratory design and construction program.

Russell N. Kulp is currently employed by the EPA's Office of Research and Development as the Program Manager for the RTP Environmental Due Diligence Program. He leads a team from the EPA and the Corps of Engineers that is responsible for implementing and completing the environmental due diligence associated with the 7 leased facilities that the EPA is vacating. The EPA is currently in the process of relocating all of its RTP research and development programs and administrative operations from leased facilities to the newly constructed government-owned Research and Administration Facility located in RTP, NC.