Alisto offers engineering, scientific, and technical services to cover every facet of a project from investigation and problem definition to construction management and remediation system installation. The diverse technical background and experience of our staff enable Alisto to provide a broad range of services and capabilities.
Alisto undertakes each project assignment as a unique challenge in developing innovative solutions for a client's problem with hazardous waste or materials management or in restoring contaminated sites. The services and capabilities we offer include the following:
We offer the above services for the investigation and restoration of contaminated sites under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Where appropriate, we use risk-based corrective action approach in developing a cost-effective solution or approach to comply with regulatory requirements.
RCRA Facility Investigation of Chromium Contamination
A major public utility contracted Alisto to perform a RCRA facility investigation under a Corrective Action Consent Agreement with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control to address subsurface contamination from past disposal of chromium contaminated blowdown water from the cooling tower. Based on the geology of the site, Alisto used a state-of-the-art Rotasonic drilling method for soil sampling and well installation. More than 25 wells were drilled and installed to depths of up to 400 feet characterize the lateral and vertical extent of constituents of concern in the soil and groundwater.
Investigation and Risk Assessment of Former Metal Plating Facility
Alisto was contracted by a property owner to conduct a subsurface investigation as part of closure of a former metal plating facility. Under a Consent Agreement with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, a facility investigation was conducted in accordance with the Preliminary Endangerment Assessment Manual to define the extent of subsurface contamination and evaluate the risk and hazard associated with the residual concentrations of constituents of concern. The results of the risk analysis were used to determine the appropriate course of action or need for corrective action before the local agency would approve re-occupancy of the facility.
Trench Spoil Management Program
In 1996, East Bay Municipal Utility District awarded Alisto a 2-year contract to provide "on-call, as-needed" soil and groundwater sampling services to provide support to its trench spoil management program. Based on our past performance, the District extended our contract for another 3 years.
Remediation of Chromium in Groundwater
Alisto has been providing comprehensive environmental services to a major utility since 1994 for the characterization and remediation of chromium contaminated groundwater. With the help of computer modeling, Alisto modified an existing groundwater extraction and land application system to improve its performance in remediating the contaminated groundwater. Recent data shows that the modified remediation system has exceeded its predicted performance.
Alisto is cognizant of the potential environmental liabilities associated with real estate transactions and the high cost of remediating contaminated sites. As such, we take extra care in performing environmental site assessments by following standard industry practices and applicable regulations, and applying rigorous quality control.
Unless specified by the client, we follow the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards for Environmental Site Assessment of Commercial Real Estate Properties.
Phase I ESA for a Food Distribution Facility
United Grocers retained Alisto to conduct a Phase I ESA of its major distribution facility in Oregon in preparation of property divestiture. Based on the results of this assessment, we recommended additional investigation and decommissioning of underground tanks that has not been in use for a long time.
Transaction Screen Process for Telecommunications Tower Installation Program
Koll Telecommunications Services retained Alisto to perform a Phase I Transaction Screen Process before leasing more than 50 properties for installation of telecommunications tower throughout Northern California and Nevada.
Phase I ESA of a Proposed School Property
The Dalles School District retained Alisto to conduct a due diligence ESA of vacant property for construction of a new high school. The property encompassed over 100 acres of former agriculture land.
Environmental Assessment of USPS Properties
In 1998, the United States Postal Service (USPS) Denver Facilities Services Office (FSO) awarded Alisto a 2-year indefinite quantity (IQ) contract with a 3-year option to provide environmental consulting services to support real estate functions at 12 western states including Hawaii and Alaska, which was later extended to the rest of the contiguous states. The IQ contract was for a maximum value of $5.0 million. Since the beginning of the contract, Alisto has completed more than 80 work orders, including Phase I ESA of 15 remote villages in Alaska prior to construction of post offices and preparation of environmental assessment for the relocation of the WNET Hub from Oakland International Airport to Reno Airport.
Alisto provides environmental engineering and management services in areas of water and wastewater systems, landfills, surface impoundments and other waste disposal facilities. Our capabilities and services in environmental engineering and management include:
Under an Ecolinks grant from the US Agency for International Development, Alisto partnered with two Bulgarian companies to conduct a pollution prevention and waste minimization study at one of the largest hot zinc galvanizing plant in Bulgaria. The 8-month long study involved evaluating the existing process and determining alternative technologies to reduce discharge of pollutants, minimize waste generation and demand for raw materials and conserve energy and water resources. After review of available technologies and visit of the Bulgarian partners to similar facilities in the US, Alisto recommended no or low cost technologies and modifications to minimize or eliminate or minimize wastes and recover raw materials. Our recommended modifications, which the facility owners agreed to implement would result in at least 95 percent reduction of water use and wastewater discharge, decrease in energy demand, and recovery of almost 90 tons of zinc.
Landfill Compliance Monitoring
Alisto was recently awarded multi-year contracts by three public agencies to perform compliance monitoring at four landfills in Northern California to comply with the requirements of the orders issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards. The monitoring programs include groundwater, leachate and landfill gas sampling and statistical analysis of monitoring data.
Study of Treatability of MTBE in Wastewater at a Bulk Terminal
A major oil company retained Alisto to evaluate the efficiency of an existing wastewater treatment system to remove methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE) in the waste stream at a petroleum bulk terminal. The results of the treatability study indicated that by changing the types and dosages of chemicals used, the existing system could reduce MTBE to levels below the discharge limitations.
Environmental Monitoring at Waste Management Facilities
Alisto has been providing ongoing environmental monitoring services to numerous clients to comply with waste discharge requirements (WDR) for waste management facilities since 1993. With our integrated approach, we have provided consistent quality of data and report, including statistical analysis.
Preparation of Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans
Alisto has prepared and updated numerous SPCC plans for several aboveground petroleum fuel storage tanks at a marine terminals, oil production facilities and industrial plants in California, Washington and Oregon for clients such as Port of Oakland, Oxy USA, PABCO Roofing Co. and Shinei USA.
Since underground and aboveground tanks used for storage of hazardous chemicals and wastes have been identified as the primary cause of thousands of subsurface contamination, Alisto has been in the forefront in developing innovative techniques and approaches to accelerate characterization and remediation of these sites. We have also taken an aggressive position towards risk-based closure and remediation with full support of regulatory agencies. Alisto was one of the first to recognize the effect of MTBE in environmental restoration and began research on its treatability in the early 1990s. Our comprehensive service includes the following:
With our combined engineering and environmental services, we can offer an integrated approach to designing fuel storage and dispensing systems, retail service stations, and chemical storage facilities that meet current standards of construction and regulatory requirements.
Closure of Former Service Station
Alisto successfully closed and cleaned up the petroleum release at this former retail service station in record time. More than 1200 cubic yards of impacted soil was excavated to expedite site cleanup. After receiving approval of the regulatory agency, the property was redeveloped for construction of an apartment complex.
Design and Installation of Remediation System at Petroleum Remediation Systems at Petroleum Release Sites
Alisto has designed, installed, operated and maintained more than 75 soil and groundwater remediation systems at petroleum release sites in the past 5 years for major oil companies, public agencies and various industrial clients. These systems performed as designed to meet the cleanup goals set forth by the regulatory agencies.
Tank Decommissioning at a Former Bulk Terminal
Alisto supervised the removal of two 20,000-gallon underground storage tank at a former marine bulk terminal in Monterey County. The site was slated for redevelopment for commercial use and construction of a hotel.
Integrated Groundwater Monitoring and Sampling
In the early 1990’s, Alisto developed and pioneered an integrated groundwater monitoring and sampling program for two major oil companies to increase efficiency, reduce cost and maintain consistency in reporting. Since then, this program has become an industry standard and has saved millions of dollars for these companies. To undertake a program of this magnitude, we developed innovative techniques such as unit cost pricing, standardized reporting, electronic database management and self-contained sampling vehicles for direct hauling of purge water. A feature of Alisto's program is the use of a tank trailer for transportation of purged water to a designated disposal facility, thereby eliminating the use of storage drums and reducing the cost of disposal.
Alisto understands the importance developing a reliable water supply and restoring contaminated aquifers. Hydrogeologic and water resource engineering services we offer include:
Our staff is experienced in pumping test and field-testing services to evaluate water supply sources and to develop an optimum water resource management program.
Design and Installation of Industrial Water Supply Wells and Transmission Lines
Alisto recently completed the design and installation of water supply wells at two natural gas compressor stations to provide additional industrial process and makeup cooling water during peak demand. Based on hydrogeologic evaluation, the wells were designed to deliver up to 450 and 150 gallons per minute.
At one of the compressor stations, the transmission line from the water supply wells to the cooling tower was badly deteriorated with numerous leaks and in need of repair or replacement. Alisto was contracted to design and supervise the replacement of 150 feet of existing pipeline under an interstate freeway and slip lining of 350 feet of pipe with high-density polyethylene liner.
Aquifer Testing and Computer Modeling
As part of the design of a groundwater remediation system, we conducted aquifer-pumping tests to determine the hydraulic properties of the water bearing zone and the optimum pumping rate for the extraction system. Using these results, a groundwater flow computer modeling was performed to predict the aquifer response at various pumping scenarios and determine the number and placement of the extraction wells for optimum recovery of contaminant plume.
To assist clients in complying with state and federal air quality regulations, we provide the following air quality engineering and consulting services:
Title V Permitting for Power Generation Plant
In 1997, Alisto assisted Pacific Gas and Electric Company in preparing Title V permit applications for the Geyser Power Plant. Since the facility is located in both Lake and Sonoma Counties, we had to prepare permits that meet the requirements of the two local air pollution control districts.
Air Quality Monitoring and Emission Source Testing
To comply with permit requirements under state and federal regulations and California AB 2588 toxic hot spots, Alisto has been retained by public and private sector clients to provide air monitoring and emissions testing services. Under contract with San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, we performed emissions monitoring at various facilities for permit compliance.
Emission Source Testing of VRUs at Geothermal Plant
As a requirement of the operating permit issued by the local air pollution control district, FPL Energy retained Alisto to conduct emission testing of both transportable and fixed vapor recovery units used for storage and retrieval of isopentane at the Ormesa Geothermal Plant. The air discharge permit stipulated that the control or removal efficiency of the VRU during venting and transferring of isopentane from the electric generating units to the storage system be no less than 95 percent.
Alisto has assisted numerous companies with compliance with occupational safety and health regulations for the protection of workers and the public from environmental and occupational hazards. Our staff of professionals can provide the following services:
Hazard Communication and Training
Alisto conducted hazard communication training of more than 300 employees of a major public utility at 18 facilities throughout California to comply with right-to-know regulations. The training program also included first aid and bloodborne pathogen modules.
Worker Health and Safety Monitoring
During seismic retrofit of numerous highways in the San Francisco area, a construction company retained Alisto to monitor worker health and safety for potential exposure to asbestos and lead. Similarly, we conducted air monitoring for arsenic during utility relocation as part of the Bay Area Rapid Transit extension project to the San Francisco International Airport.
Lead Compliance Plan and Awareness Training
To comply with current OSHA regulations, Alisto has prepared lead compliance plans and provided awareness training to workers for highway construction projects. Where required, we conducted air monitoring during construction to ensure protection of worker health and safety.
With their extensive and up-to-date knowledge of various environmental regulations and an established working relationship with regulatory agencies, our staff has been in the forefront in assisting clients with compliance and permitting issues. We can assist clients with:
Preparation of Storm Water Pollution Prevention and Sampling Plans
Alisto has prepared storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPs) and monitoring and sampling plans for numerous highway construction projects and manufacturing facilities to comply with the requirements of the General Permit under the NPDES. The SWPPP for highway projects were prepared in accordance with the recommended guidelines and best management practices of the California Department of Transportation.
Preparation of Hazardous Materials Management or Business Plans
Alisto has prepared Hazardous Materials Management Plans or Business Plans for more than 200 facilities in California to comply with the requirements of AB 2185/2187. We have assisted major oil companies, public utilities and health care facilities in preparing environmental compliance program and guidance documents to assist operating facilities in complying with various regulations with waste management.
Update of Waste Management Manual
For Pacific Gas Transmission Company, Alisto updated the waste management manual for use company-wide throughout California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho, which required familiarity of various state regulations. We also updated the standard operating manual for management of routinely generated waste from various operations of the East Bay Municipal Utility District in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, California.
Permit Preparation and Acquisition
Alisto has assisted major oil companies and public utilities in preparing applications and acquiring various permits for construction and operation of facilities, and for waste and air discharges. Permits we have obtained have included: wastewater discharge under an NPDES permit program or from a local publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs), air discharge permits, building permits for construction of remediation systems, and EPA generator permits for disposal of hazardous waste.
Since regulations and guidelines on the management and control of asbestos containing materials and lead-based paint came into effect, Alisto has developed and provided services that are consistent with the regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including:
Asbestos Survey of Building
Alisto has provided asbestos consulting services at more than 600 facilities, including: building surveys, employee training; preparation of management and abatement plans and specifications; supervision and inspection of abatement, and development of standard procedures. We have conducted asbestos surveys of buildings and facilities covering an area of more than 50 million square feet of various uses, such as, computer facilities, telephone switching rooms, administrative offices, manufacturing plants, residential units, hotels and classrooms.
For the United States Postal Service, Alisto conducted asbestos surveys of more than 100 properties and buildings that were being considered for use as postal facility in 12 western states. At some properties, we also conducted asbestos sampling for laboratory analysis to confirm suspect building materials and estimate the cost for abatement or removal.
Lead-Based Paint Surveying
Under our IQ contract with the United States Postal Service, Alisto conducted lead-based paint surveying and sampling of more than 60 properties and buildings of various types as part of the Phase I environmental site assessment of properties being considered for purchase or lease for use as postal facilities. We surveyed properties throughout the western US including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and California.
For the Port of Oakland, Alisto conducted lead-based paint surveys of cargo handling equipment at the marine terminal before its planned refurbishment. Based on the results of the survey, we prepared a lead compliance plan and worker health and safety plan.
With our innovative approach towards design and operation of remediation systems and environmental projects, numerous clients have trusted us to enter into long-term partnerships to provide turnkey services from conceptual planning to construction management. Our multi-disciplinary staff of engineers can provide the following services:
Our design capabilities cover remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, water and wastewater treatment, tank removal and replacement, facility and process modification, civil works, and infrastructures.
Remedial Engineering Design and Installation
Alisto has been retained by numerous clients for the design, permitting and installation of various remediation systems for contaminated soil and groundwater at various sites in California, Washington and Oregon. We also assisted with bid solicitation, construction oversight, and equipment procurement. To date, we have completed over 60 turnkey remediation projects using various state-of-art and emerging technologies.
Facility Engineering Support Services
Because of a shortage in resources; Pacific Gas and Electric Company retained Alisto to provide facility engineering support at three of its natural gas compressor station. Under this contract, we provided contract employees to assist facility personnel with engineering design and construction projects.
Design and Supervision of Tank Closure/Replacement
Alisto has provided engineering design and construction services to major oil companies and public agencies for tank closure and replacement projects. These services included permitting, preparation of plans and specifications, bidding, and supervision of construction. For several projects, we served as the general contractor and took on the full responsibility for the projects.