As the new year begins, it is important to realize that there are several new changes to the environmental industry that will have a major, lasting impact. Airtek Environmental Corp., a leading provider of environmental consulting, laboratory analysis, and construction industry education services, keeps abreast of any industry changes in order to serve as a valuable resource to its clients.
Incentives for Brownfield Development
On Earth Day of 2007, Mayor Bloomberg announced PlaNYC to address New York City's growing sustainability, infrastructure, and environmental problems. In May 2009, Mayor Bloomberg signed into law the NYC Brownfield and Community Revitalization Act to address the development of New York City brownfields.
The NYC Local Brownfield Cleanup Program (LBCP) and the NYC Clean Property Certification Program were the results of the effort to redevelop properties that are currently abandoned or underutilized because of potential contamination.
The Airtek Environmental staff has expertise in Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments as well as remediation design. The firm helps developers and property owners address any environmental contamination in a brownfield.
The Sustainability Movement
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) introduced LEED version 3 on April 27, 2009 to include the use of new technology and place emphasis on energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions in its LEED ratings. A new designation, called the LEED Green Associate was also created.
Airtek Environmental leads the movement towards a sustainable New York City. In addition to providing LEED Commissioning services, Airtek Environmental will start offering the National Sustainable Building Advisor Program (NaSBAP) course in partnership with Queens College. The firm also plans to launch training courses in LEED, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and weatherization to address the growing industry education in sustainability.
Construction Safety Training
Construction safety has been a major issue in New York City for many years. In 2005, the 4 Hr Supported Scaffold User training was mandated by Local Law 52 in response to numerous accidents involving the supported scaffold.
In 2008, Local Law 41 became effective, mandating that all construction workers complete a 10-hour construction safety course approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This became effective as of December 2, 2008 and its enforcement began on July 1, 2009. The requirement for the OSHA 10-hr course applies to all active trade workers as well as managers, foremen, and project superintendents.
Airtek Environmental Corp.'s training facility provides the 4-hour Supported Scaffold User and the OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety training.
Lead-Based Paint Renovator Training
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also introduced changes to the lead-based paint industry. After April 22, 2010 property owners who renovate, repair, or prepare surfaces for painting in pre-1978 rental housing or space rented by child care must be certified and must follow the lead-safe work practices required by EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Remodeling rule. The EPA started processing applications on October 22, 2009 to certify owners and contractors.
In order to address the need for this training, Airtek Environmental Corp. will start providing the EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting course in addition to its existing array of lead-paint courses.
New Asbestos Regulations
As a result of Mayor Bloomberg's attempt to improve demolition and abatement safety, revisions have been made to Chapter 1 Title 15 of the Rules of the City of New York Governing the Asbestos Control Program.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) introduced some new rules, effective as of October 13, 2009, that apply to certain abatement projects. As of November 13, 2009 a full set of regulations governing all abatement jobs took affect. The new regulations established the Asbestos Technical Review Unit (A-TRU) to review applications and issue asbestos work permits. The Asbestos Reporting and Tracking System (ARTS) will be used to fill out and submit the Asbestos Project Notification (Form ACP7), request a variance, submit an amendment, or receive objections and approvals. The ARTS is accessible through the DEP web site.

Airtek Environmental has a trained and knowledgeable staff to guide clients through the new asbestos regulations to ensure compliance.

Mike Zouak is the president of Airtek Environmental Corp., Long Island City, N.Y. Tags: