Frequently, Locus has applied its unique technical expertise to address environmental issues for which no existing industry solution has been developed. For these projects, Locus has established an approach that is guaranteed to meet the goals of the study by using multiple lines of evidence and following the EPA data quality objectives (DQO) process. Locus also works with an extensive network of top-level researchers from institutions such as Stanford University and the University of California, to supplement the credibility and defensibility of the work.

A few selected examples of such projects are provided below.

Environmental Forensic Analysis

Environmental forensic analysis applies state-of-the-art analytical techniques to address fate and transport questions that are unsolvable by conventional approaches. Locus is currently providing comprehensive services for a ground-breaking study applying environmental forensic analysis to better understand the fate and transport of perchlorate in groundwater. Locus was selected by Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) to provide a background and source evaluation of perchlorate within a large Silicon Valley groundwater basin. The project includes several phases carefully planned to ensure a high, defensible level of data quality to differentiate natural and anthropogenic sources. The study includes the use of compound-specific isotope analysis and groundwater age dating to quantify the background perchlorate concentration in the groundwater and distinguish between multiple potential sources of perchlorate. Locus' project implementation includes statistical data analysis and chemical forensic evaluation, along with Locus' robust database management system to ensure data validity and defensibility.

Emerging Contaminants

Almost by definition, the science and regulations pertaining to emerging contaminants are constantly evolving. To address questions about the fate and transport or risk evaluation of these contaminants, Locus frequently reviews academic journals and works directly with university researchers to ensure the latest information is considered. Locus has recently completed evaluations of several emerging contaminants including n-nitrosodimethlyamine (NDMA) and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). Our project experience for emerging contaminants includes evaluation of preliminary risk standards, modeling environmental transport, laboratory-scale testing, and field investigations. Using a variety of techniques, Locus can confidently address many of the uncertainties that surround emerging contaminant projects.

Vapor Intrusion

When the issue of vapor intrusion was first gaining attention as a growing concern for many sites, Locus was already well underway with several vapor intrusion investigations. Many of the techniques and approaches that are now commonly recommended by regulatory guidances were first developed and applied by Locus for one of these initial investigations. More information on our vapor intrusion services and approach can be found here.