Case Studies
J.S. Held Acquires Shechter & Everett to Expand Forensic Accounting Capabilities for Family Law Disputes in Florida
Read MoreA residential client in Southern California engaged our experts to perform a surface-soil assessment following the Eaton Fire. Fire debris consistent with ash was present on the ground surface, primarily along the south property line, and trees and shrubs within planter areas were partly burned. Small white flecks observed on the ground surface in the front yard appeared to be paint flakes.
Our experts were retained to evaluate whether surface soils had been impacted by metals or other potential contaminants related to the wildfire.
Our experts conducted soil sampling and analysis to assess potential impacts. The team collected five composite samples from representative areas of the property, with each sample comprising equal volumes from five subsamples.
The samples were analyzed using the following methods:
Our experts analyzed three (3) samples for soluble lead concentrations to evaluate potential hazardous-waste classification. Results were compared to California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Region 9 screening levels, assuming residential land use. Soluble lead results were also compared to hazardous waste thresholds.
Our team prepared and delivered a report to the client. Based on the findings, lead was the only metal detected at concentrations above the respective health risk- or health-hazard based residential screening level. Elevated lead concentrations were identified in a composite sample collected from an undisturbed planter strip along the property border, exceeding both health-hazard-based screening levels and hazardous-waste thresholds.
> Industrial Hygiene Services
Our team of Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs), Certified Safety Professionals (CSPs), and environmental scientists provide expert counsel on matters involving asbestos, lead, mold, legionella, smoke, noise, occupational risks, and other hazards. Our experts are retained to perform exposure assessments, environmental sampling, air quality testing, noise and moisture mapping, and cause and origin investigations. We are also called upon to develop risk mitigation programs for environmental and occupational hazards.
> Environmental, Health, and Safety
J.S. Held provides environmental, health, and safety consulting and expert services spanning environmental damage and remediation, environmental due diligence, energy transition, toxicology and epidemiology, industrial hygiene, product stewardship and product liability, and human health and safety.
