Conceptual Site Models - L. Baer

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Published: June 11, 2018

Although our work often pulls us in different directions on a regular basis, our professional mandate will always be to protect human health and the environment. Our June staff meeting presentation focused on the design and implementation of Conceptual Site Models (CSMs).

For those who do not know, a CSM is pictorial story of the biological, chemical, and physical processes which govern contaminant transport from a Site towards sensitive receptors. These models are as dynamic as a Site itself, continuing to evolve as more information becomes available. They consider not only the current and historical uses of the Site and surrounding area, but the future uses as well. A CSM can be used to determine sensitive migration pathways, identify data gaps, or predict what could occur should contaminant management not be implemented or fail. CSMs are not a new tool, but their popularity has increased in recent years as it’s simple presentation can reach a range of stakeholders, including the public.

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a CSM would be priceless.

One of Nichols Environmental's Best-Kept Secrets - M. Hansen

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Published: May 08, 2018

It’s no secret that we have been utilizing some of the most advanced GPS surveying technology the commercial industry has to offer. But what most people don’t know is that we’re able to do it at a fraction of the cost of most traditional methods. How?? Photogrammetry – the next step in aerial surveying!

Photogrammetry is the science of taking measurements from photographs, especially for recovering the exact positions of surface points. Utilizing our robust drone/UAV fleet and our highly trained and certified pilots, we are capable of surveying large and dynamic sites and creating 3D CG representations of a terrain’s surface, producing contour lines and topographic maps, analyzing stockpile/volume calculations, and evaluating drainage/irrigation impacts. But that’s not all; photogrammetry is used in fields such as architecture, engineering, manufacturing, quality control, and geology. The environmental, civil and geotechnical projects that we undertake require the most accurate and efficient surveying and monitoring equipment, and the technical capabilities of photogrammetry are endless. It may not be wise to reveal all our technical secrets, but if using this service increases our productivity and better serves our client’s needs, then it’s well worth getting the information out there.

Don’t let your project be grounded – utilize our efficient onsite, in-field services and take off with Nichols Environmental’s advanced aerial surveying technology. Contact us today to learn more. The sky’s the limit!

A Perfect Score

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Published: May 01, 2018

A regulatory administrator has provided the following positive feedback with respect to documents we prepared for a confidential client:

"Ready to fall off your chair? I have no comments. These reports were well-written, clear and address all the questions I would have had".

We are always striving to make our clients’ experience and our products better than they have been before…it’s part of our corporate philosophy! Comments like these validate the efforts put forward by our team!

Hydraulics - T. Anderson

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Published: April 05, 2018

Have you considered hydraulics?

Today during our April Health and Safety Meeting, we dissected the topic of hydraulic hoists and elevators that we may come across as a part of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). During Phase I ESAs our goal is to find current or historical potential environmental risks to a property, which is like making a map for more intrusive assessment methods. The clearer the information for that map, the better.

This is where the hydraulic hoists and elevators come in, both old (removed) ones and new. Hydraulic hoists can be above- or in-ground and the location of the hydraulic fluid tank (which contains oil) can vary, which affects the risk level. Similar to a buried fuel tank, buried hydraulic reservoirs and hydraulic pistons have the potential to leak. Similarly, hydraulic elevators come in multiple forms where the depth of potential impact varies with the depth that the elevator piston can reach. As you might guess, it can take some sleuthing to find all the facts! During our site inspections we look for evidence of old hoists in the form of cutout and re-poured concrete, and we ask a lot of weird questions - but we promise there is a reason we’re asking them.

Silica - R. Taylor

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Published: March 06, 2018

At the March Health and Safety meeting, we discussed the topic of silica in the workplace.  Silica is one of the most common elements on earth, but is considered a Group 1 carcinogen in humans.  Continued long-term exposure can be dangerous to one’s health, and can lead to the development of silicosis.  Some examples of professions that are susceptible to exposure include construction, mining, sandblasting, masonry, and demolition.  The use of less-hazardous substances, proper personal protective equipment, workplace maintenance, and mitigative measures can limit exposure to silica.

You Wouldn't Believe What Just Happened - M. Hansen

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Published: February 07, 2018

Nichols Environmental is pleased to announce that it has now incorporated the STONEX S10 into its equipment arsenal. This is the most advanced integrated GNSS receiver that has ever appeared on the geomatic scene. This S10 equipment is a new generation of smart and open GPS that makes available a complete set of commands for the customization of any software application, and the ability to install these customized applications directly on the receiver.

The environmental, civil and geotechnical projects that we undertake require the most accurate and efficient surveying and monitoring equipment, and this is exactly what Stonex offers. As a result, the addition of this service has only increased our productivity and resources to meet our clients’ needs.  No matter what your projects require, Nichols Environmental provides the world's most advanced surveying technology with efficient onsite, in-field services. Contact us today to learn more.