Environmental Defense Sciences

where science makes the case

Below are representative samples of the projects ED Sciences has engaged in.

New fire sprinkler systems were installed in two multistory professional office buildings in Sacramento, CA in 1991.  Within two years, rapid pitting corrosion of the copper pipe in the fire sprinkler system had caused leaks on several floors.  ED Sciences was retained to determine the causes of the failure and to provide litigation support against the responsible parties.

Pitting Corrosion of Copper Pipe in Fire Sprinklers

Project List

· Rapid assessment of causes of pitting failure in copper pipe.

· Determination of responsible parties, and preparation of supporting documentation.

· Recommendations for design of replacement system.

Environmental Investigation of Caltech’s WWII Rocket Project at Eaton Canyon

Evaluation and Correction of Stormwater Drainage

· Rapidly reviewed file and performed site visit to determine extent of drainage problem

· Provided critical review of other consultants work products

· Provided recommendations for alleviating drainage problems and avoiding future litigation

ED Sciences was retained to render a professional opinion on the adequacy of surface water drainage facilities constructed by the Glendora Friends Church as part of church property improvements.  These drainage facilities; a shallow retaining berm and concrete block wall, had the apparent effect of channeling surface flow to the northwest corner of the property, where it ponded above a neighboring property.  The impounded water appeared to cause an undermining of the concrete block wall and a nearby unsupported concrete swale, plus saturation of a neighboring slope.

Evaluation of Cause of Sheet Flooding

The crux of this project centered on determining whether organic solvents from JPL migrated into the well fields of local water utilities, whether other contributing sources of organic solvents were present, and what levels of these solvents were present in the drinking water supply, especially in the 1960-1980 timeframe.  After gathering water utilization records from six impacted utilities, ED Sciences recommended that a groundwater flow model and pipeline “node” model be developed to determine if solvents from JPL had reached the wells prior to 1980, and whether their presence had been diluted by blending with surface water sources.

· Developed strategy for determining contaminant levels in drinking water.

· Assisted in extensive water quality data gathering analysis.

· Analyzed data prior to recommending groundwater flow modeling, together with particle tracking modeling.

Litigation Support in Determining Extent of Groundwater Contamination

ED Sciences performed a thorough evaluation of the rainfall records, and the rainfall hydrograph for the catchment supplying the culvert in question, as well as other culverts draining the area.  The conclusion was established that the rainfall and resulting runoff came within the posited design capacity of the system, provided that a diversion channel initially proposed by the local flood control agency had been constructed.  Unfortunately, this diversion channel had not been constructed, nor had the three available flood control channels been cleared of substantial debris. It was concluded that flooding was inevitable for the given rainfall and was not the contractor’s responsibility.

· Development of rainfall records and flood runoff hydrograph to establish levels of flows produced.

· Field survey to establish capacity of available flood control channels and degree of debris in channels.

· Finding of no negligence on part of the construction contractor.

Cathodic Protection of Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipeline

ED Sciences prepared a report summarizing the historical geotechnical and soil chemical data to determine whether corrosive soil conditions existed. A supplementary electromagnetic conductivity survey was completed, along with a detailed soil boring/soil chemical analysis investigation.  These studies provided the basis for performing a close interval survey over the entire pipeline length, which identified those lengths of pipe which required “hot spot” cathodic protection.  Design criteria were established for installing a sacrificial zinc anode system over 40 percent of the pipeline length.  The cathodic protection system was subsequently designed and installed; and currently provides corrosion protection for the PCCP.

· Evaluation of historical geotechnical and soil chemical data to determine soil corrosivity.

· Evaluation of electromagnetic conductivity and close interval potential data to determine pipeline corrosion.

· Establishment of design criteria for cathodic protection system for 47 km of 72” diameter PCCP.

A thorough review of extensive files maintained by the Caltech archivist indicated that the propellant was a double-base (nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin) smokeless powder which was extruded under high pressure into the desired propellant grain.  Because of its explosive potential, a high degree of cleanliness was undertaken with respect to handing the propellant material.  All manufacturing residuals were recycled into later production.

· Literature search of extensive WWII records for use of chemicals in rocket manufacture.

· Field survey of bunkers where materials were stored.

· Finding of no likely contaminants from operations.