Environmental Compliance Consulting/Risk Analysis
Clients are often challenged by the environmental rules and regulations applicable to their industry. Part of our geosciences expertise focuses on keeping abreast of the Texas Risk Reduction Program and Petroleum Storage Tank rules, the myriad of related laws and regulations, and their revisions and interpretations. Minimizing our clients’ liability in questionable environmental compliance situations sets us apart from other consultants.

Geologic Assessments/Karst Feature Surveys
Our geologic assessments (GAs) and/or mapping services are necessary prior to property development over designated areas including the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. A survey of karst features is also usually required to rule out habitat likely to support endangered karst invertebrate species. Based on the assessment of potential habitats and hazards, Raba-Kistner’s results are reported as part of our clients’ land use application, Water Pollution Abatement Plan (WPAP). Within the project boundaries, GAs identify:

• Sensitive recharge features (faults, fractures, caves and sinkholes, solution cavities, non-karst closed depressions)

• Karstification of limestone terrain, and manmade features (utility trenches, water wells)

Aggregate Reserves Studies
Our investigations and studies of aggregate reserves for property transactions target active/potential quarry sitings, and evaluate quarry reserves. A preliminary review of published and site-specific geological data is routinely made. Geophysical exploration, exploratory drilling, trenching, and collection of aggregate samples follow. Results from our in-house materials testing and geoscience analysis then become keys to recovering the quantity and quality of aggregate required by our clients.

Petroleum Storage Tank Investigations
Investigative experience in Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) issues and knowledge of controlling regulations is critical to assisting our clients with PST compliance. Partnering with our clients, we develop realistic strategies for spill prevention control and countermeasure plans. From convenience gas stations to airports and municipal services, our geoscientists address a variety of needs:

• Tank site characterizations

• PST closures

• Operating compliance investigations

Contamination Assessments
Raba-Kistner’s geoscientists develop site characterizations and contamination assessments for a diversity of objectives:

• Hazardous waste and industrial facilities

• Petroleum storage tanks

• Municipal solid waste sites

In light of applicable regulations, we review site specific and analytical data, and interpret the compliance status of operations. A strategy that is practical, cost-effective, and environmentally compliant can then be developed for our clients.

Geophysical Surveys and Geologic Mapping
Geophysical survey and geologic mapping inform clients about naturally occurring and manmade variations in sub-surface conditions beyond the reach of direct core sampling. Raba-Kistner continually applies innovative technologies to scientific and engineering challenges. We add value to projects by characterizing subsurface conditions without incurring more costly, time-consuming, destructive procedures. Our in-house remote sensing technologies are effective in:

• Identifying and mapping subsurface features and anomalies

• Characterizing aquifers

• Identifying and mapping fault and karst features

• Evaluating dam integrity

• Delineating contaminant pathways

• Analyzing aggregate reserves

Groundwater/Hydrogeologic Investigations
As a result of increasing demand on our water supplies, development and protection of groundwater resources has become a serious concern for many clients. Raba-Kistner’s engineers and scientists apply extensive field and analytical data gathering techniques to evaluate and characterize groundwater conditions. We meet our client’s objectives by determining location, quality, aquifer producing capacity, transport of contaminants, and contamination rememdiation.