Author Archives: Mike Sowinski

U.S. Mayors Report Touts Brownfield Successes; Stays Silent on ICs

by Mike Sowinski | 11 / 19 / 2010 |

The United States Conference of Mayors recently published “Recycling America’s Land: A National Report on Brownfields Redevelopment.” The report highlighted the successes and benefits of brownfield redevelopment, but stayed silent on the use of Institutional Controls (ICs).  Of course many factors contribute to Brownfield successes but the important role of ICs, and their ongoing stewardship, ought [...]

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States and Locals Gather on the Web to Talk ICs

by Mike Sowinski | 08 / 30 / 2010 |

A little over a week ago, Terradex hosted a web meeting on institutional controls (IC) efforts at state and local agencies, with a particular focus on the use of one call and local and state cooperation. About 15 participants from EPA, state agencies, local government, and academia gave 3-minute overviews of their IC stewardship efforts [...]

Posted in LandWatch, Overview
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Helping West Virginia Screen One Call Excavation Tickets at Cleanup Sites

by Bob Wenzlau and Mike Sowinski | 07 / 21 / 2010 |

In both a progressive and unique move, the West Virginia DEP joined the state’s call-before-you dig, or “One Call” center to help screen for improper excavations at about 100 of the state’s environmental covenant sites.   The process requires a daily review of excavation tickets at or near these site which, in turn, allows DEP to [...]

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EPA Cleanup Proposal Relies on Institutional Control Monitoring

by Mike Sowinski | 07 / 18 / 2010 |

A recent EPA cleanup proposal directly recognizes what many have come to accept as a given – cleanups need institutional controls (ICs), monitoring of ICs is a critical component of cleanup remedies, and private sector landwatch services make monitoring effective. Recognizing the key role of IC monitoring, EPA’s June 2010 “proposed plan” for a Southern [...]

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States Evaluate Institutional Control Monitoring and Oversight

by Mike Sowinski | 11 / 07 / 2009 |

States seek improved and efficient LUC monitoring.

Posted in Cleanup Site Map Service, LandWatch
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Enforcement First to Ensure Effective Institutional Controls at Superfund Sites

by Mike Sowinski | 06 / 30 / 2009 |

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has adopted an “enforcement first” policy for institutional controls, which will likely increase both recording and monitoring of ICs. The USEPA Office of Site Remediation and Enforcement has directed the agency’s program and enforcement staff, as well as Department of Justice, to pursue any action needed to ensure the [...]

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