Munsil & Munsil LLC › Experience

Partial List of Projects

EHS Compliance Audit, Medical Devices Manufacturer, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Topic and cultural expert.
Closure Status Review, Best Path Forward Assessment, Hydrodynamics Evaluation, Euclid, OH. Review of all historical environmental records and existing regulatory closure process. Performed quality/control analysis of technical data that supported a RBCA determination and identified data gaps. Prepared flowpath analysis of stacked aquifers and established basis for a realistic flow model. Created and presented a technical “best path forward” for a re-negotiation of the closure process with regulatory authorities.
Process Hazard Analysis of Gathering Stations for a Colombian Oil Producer, Bogota, Colombia.
Solid Waste Management Unit Closures, Hazardous Waste USTs, BRACC, Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. Responsible for technical and field oversight of the closure of seven hazardous waste underground storage tank locations and impacted soil at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. Responsible for field implementation of the closure plans, technical liaison with Kelly Air Force Base and the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, and preparation of closure reports.
EHS Compliance Audit, Medical Devices Manufacturer, Guadalajara, Estados Unidos Méxicanos. Topic and cultural expert. Teamed with in-house corporate auditing staff.
ISO 9000 / 14000 and Document Management System Project, SKAUGEN PETROTRANS, Houston, Texas. Project Manager for ISO 9000 QMS and 14000 EMS documentation and certification project. Teamed with in-house corporate auditing staff.
Process Hazard Analysis of pump systems for an oil industry pump manufacturer. Housston, Texas
Catalyst Sampling Design and Execution, Coastal Refinery, Corpus Christi, Texas, Coastal Refining Corporation. Designed a catalyst sampling device to continuously sample a catalytic reactor containing ceramic pellets doped with rare earth metals. Executed sampling during shut-down and submitted 22 samples for analysis. The analytical results resulted in the re-design of the doping procedure for increased efficiency.
Safety Review, Bateria Arenque, Refinery, Tampico, Tamaulipas, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, PEMEX, assisted in the process safety review of an aboveground storage tank project designed to reduce fugitive air emissions to zero.
Environmental Assessment, Francisco I. Madero Refinery, Tampico, Tamaulipas, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Banker’s Trust. Performed an Environmental Assessment per US Export-Import Bank guidelines of a $1.2 billion refinery upgrade for the F.I. Madero Refinery located in Tampico, Tamaulipas, México. As part of the EIA reviewed all PEMEX environmental records to date at the refinery, interviewed site personnel, inspected the refinery and surrounding areas, interviewed Mexican regulatory officials and established level of compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental, safety, health, and construction regulations. Presented results to US Ex-Im Bank.
Waste Treatment Oil/Water Separator Assessment, Francisco I. Madero Refinery, Tampico, Tamaulipas, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Petroleos Mexicanos. Team leader and field manager for an assessment of a failed oil/water separation treatment system at the Francisco I. Madero Refinery, Tampico, Mexico. Managed relations with PEMEX refinery staff and translated at interviews and for technical documents. The assessment demonstrated that the plant could be made operational with minor repairs and extensive cleanup, and the implementation of an operations and maintenance plan.
Independent Engineer’s Review (IER), Environmental/Construction Permits, Francisco I. Madero Refinery, Tampico, Tamaulipas, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Banker’s Trust. Performed an Independent Engineer’s Review of a $1.2 billion refinery upgrade for the F.I. Madero Refinery located in Tampico, Tamaulipas, México. As part of the IER reviewed PEMEX Invitation to Bid (ITB) document for compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, safety, health, and construction permits compliance. Compared the ITB to the winning contractor’s bid documents (150 volumes) and determined areas of non-compliance to the PEMEX ITB and regulatory requirements. Wrote section of IER report to present Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations.
Environmental Assessment, Miguel Hidalgo Refinery, Tula de Allende, Hidalgo, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Paribas. Performed an Environmental Impact Assessment per US Export-Import Bank guidelines of a refinery upgrade for the Miguel Hidalgo Refinery located in Tula de Allende, Hidalgo, México. As part of the EIA reviewed all PEMEX environmental records to date at the refinery, interviewed site personnel, inspected the refinery and surrounding areas, interviewed Mexican regulatory officials and established level of compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental, safety, health, and construction regulations. Presented results to US Ex-Im Bank.
Independent Engineer’s Review (IER), Environmental/Construction Permits, Miguel Hidalgo Refinery Tula de Allende, Hidalgo, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Paribas. Performed an Independent Engineer’s Review of a refinery upgrade for the Miguel Hidalgo Refinery located in Tula de Allende, Hidalgo, México. As part of the IER reviewed PEMEX Invitation to Bid (ITB) document for compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, safety, health, and construction permits compliance. Compared the ITB to the winning contractor’s bid documents and determined areas of non-compliance to the PEMEX ITB and regulatory requirements. Wrote section of IER report to present Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations.
Environmental Assessment, Ing. Antonio M. Amor Refinery, Salamanca, Guanajuato, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Paribas. Performed an Environmental Impact Assessment per US Export-Import Bank guidelines of a refinery upgrade for the Ing. Antonio M. Amor Refinery located Salamanca, Guanajuato, México. As part of the EIA reviewed all PEMEX environmental records to date at the refinery, interviewed site personnel, inspected the refinery and surrounding areas, interviewed Mexican regulatory officials and established level of compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental, safety, health, and construction regulations. Presented results to US Ex-Im Bank.
Independent Engineer’s Review (IER), Environmental/Construction Permits, Ing. Antonio M. Amor Refinery, Salamanca, Guanajuato, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Paribas. Performed an Independent Engineer’s Review of a refinery upgrade for the Ing. Antonio M. Amor Refinery located in Salamanca, Guanajuato, México. As part of the IER reviewed PEMEX Invitation to Bid (ITB) document for compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, safety, health, and construction permits compliance. Compared the ITB to the winning contractor’s bid documents and determined areas of non-compliance to the PEMEX ITB and regulatory requirements. Wrote section of IER report to present Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations.
Investigation for Closure, UST Impact Chemical Plant, Central Texas Gulf Coast. Exploratory trenching of a benzene-impacted area from pre-existing UST leaks at the base of a 200-foot-tall emergency flare for eventual closure under Texas Risk Reduction Rules. The investigation phase used a combination of EM Ground Conductivity and trenching to establish the grounds for closure. Final closure will be achieved by excavation and disposal and limited groundwater removal. The work was complicated by the presence of active electrical lines, foundations, and process piping in the excavation area that forced hand excavation. Soil vapors were so concentrated that workers in Level C had to be removed from the excavation area while the excavation vented. Care had to be taken to not undermine the emergency release tower, which would have resulted in a shutdown of the entire plant.
Closure Status Review and Best Path Forward Assessment, Baltimore, MD. Review of all historical environmental records and existing regulatory closure process for a manufacturing facility located in Maryland. Performed quality/control analysis of technical data that supported a RBCA determination and identified data gaps. Created and presented a technical “best path forward” for a re-negotiation of the closure process with regulatory authorities.
Risk Assessments at Six Electrical Power Generation Plants, Dominican Republic, EGE Haina, S.A. Managed phase 2 assessments and RBCA risk assessments at 6 electrical power generation plants ranging from 50-year-old steam plants to state-of-the-art barge-mounted plants. Coordinated and led all phases of work and presented the results in Spanish to the Board of Directors.
Due Diligence Investigations and Ecological Risk Assessment At Gathering Stations, Central Texas, U.S.A., Brightstar/LASMO. Performed field investigations of condensate impact to soils, groundwater, and a fish farm, from pumping station operations at gathering lines for a gas/condensate gathering system located in central Texas. Sampled and analyzed soil and groundwater for BTEX impact. Prepared a preliminary groundwater flow model. Supported a benzene uptake study of fish from a commercial fish farm impacted by pumping station operations. Prepared technical reports of field operations.
Closure Status Review and Best Path Forward Assessment, ChevronPhillips, TX. Review of all historical environmental records and existing regulatory closure process. Performed quality/control analysis of technical data that supported a RBCA determination and identified data gaps.
Environmental Assessment of Black Liquor Impact, Southeast Texas, Confidential Client. Project manager for the investigation and assessment of black liquor impact at an abandoned black liquor pond at a pulp and paper mill in southeast Texas. Performed historical review for the 50-year-life span of the mill. The historical survey provided data to support a limited response closure for the site and avoided the costs of drilling to provide the necessary background data. Wrote closure plan and cost estimate for closure.
Closure Status Review and Best Path Forward Assessment, Pratt & Whitney Manufacturing Plant, CT. Review of all historical environmental records and existing regulatory closure process. Performed quality/control analysis of technical data that supported a RBCA determination and identified data gaps.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment And Permits Review, Hudson Products de Mexico S.A. de C.V. Client manager and task manager for fast-track ASTM-equivalent Phase I ESA and permits review at a manufacturing plant in Mexico. Completed the work in 15 days in response to a client request for results in time to enhance their negotiations.
Investigations and Closures, Chemical Plant, East Texas Gulf Coast. Closure of two former Burn Pits under Texas Risk Reduction Rules. The investigation phase used a combination of EM Ground Conductivity, trenching, borings and monitor wells to establish the grounds for closure. Final closure will be achieved by excavation and disposal and limited groundwater monitoring. The previous consultant was unable to define the Burn Pits after an extensive Phase II Investigation with over 60 boreholes. Delineated the two existing Burn Pits in 1 day using geophysics (EM Ground Conductivity), for less than $2,000. Closure of spilled chrome 6 catalyst area at a flare under Texas Risk Reduction Rules. The investigation phase used a combination of EM Ground Conductivity, borings and monitor wells to establish the grounds for closure. Final closure will be achieved by limited groundwater monitoring. Fast track support for an expansion project included multiple borings and analyses for environmental parameters as well as geotechnical parameters.
Risk-Based Assessment for Plant Closure, Chemical Coatings Plant, Santiago, Chile, Confidential Client. Risk-based assessment and samplings in support of a plant closure for a chemical plant located in southwest Santiago (Maipu), Chile for a major US chemical company. The work included negotiations with CONAMA and close work with local Chilean contractors.
Preliminary Environmental Audits 900 Sites, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi, AMOCO. Compliance study and environmental divestment analysis of over 900 Oil & Gas production sites. Management and implementation of a field team and procedures that allowed for the rapid acquisition of field data. The project included preparation and execution of an Environmental Site Assessment Checklist, review of permits, notices of violations, noncompliance notices, and spill reports for each site. Reviewed potential site contamination with regard for asbestos, PCBs, chromates, benzene, H2S, pH problems, and hazardous wastes. Reviewed compliance status to determine potential exposure to penalties or liabilities imposed by current operations.
Tank Bottoms Assessment, Coastal Refinery, Corpus Christi, Texas, Coastal Refining Corporation. Designed and executed a 250-sample program to evaluate the efficiency of bio-remediation of tank bottoms. Used an on-site laboratory to guide the field effort and cut down on total costs.
Risk-Based Chrome Catalyst Closure, Chemical Plant, East Texas Gulf Coast. Closure of spilled chrome 6 catalyst area at a flare under Texas Risk Reduction Rules. The investigation phase used a combination of EM Ground Conductivity, borings, and monitor wells to establish the grounds for closure. Final closure will be achieved by limited groundwater monitoring.
Fast Track Environmental Clearance Investigation, Chemical Plant, East Texas Gulf Coast. Fast track support for an expansion project included multiple borings and analyses for environmental parameters as well as geo-technical parameters. The investigation phase used a combination of EM Ground Conductivity, and borings to establish the grounds for safe excavation in support of expansion construction.
UST Assessment and Closure, Houston, Texas, Confidential Client. This project was located at a 21-story office building in a highly populated and congested location constructed on a site previously occupied by a gasoline service station. While conducting a Phase II soil boring project in conjunction with the sale of the property, petroleum product contamination of the soil and groundwater was identified. The resulting Phase III project included: installation of monitor wells, pump testing program, contouring and identification of plume migration, an engineering study to determine impact on the structure from foundation settlement remediation alternatives.
Magnetometer Survey, Galveston County, Texas, Galveston County Engineer’s Office. Lead geoscientist for a magnetometer survey of several county parks for Galveston County. Provided interpretation of results and defined exploration trench locations. The results led to criminal indictments against members of an auto theft and stripping ring who were using county facilities to cover their operations.
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment, Houston, Texas, Confidential Client. This project was located at a 21-story office building in a highly populated and congested location constructed on a site previously occupied by a gasoline service station. While conducting a Phase II soil boring project in conjunction with the sale of the property, petroleum product contamination of the soil and groundwater was identified. The findings of the Phase II Assessment resulted in the designation of the site as a Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank Site. The resulting Phase III project included: installation of monitor wells, pump testing program, contouring and identification of plume migration, an engineering study to determine impact on the structure from foundation settlement due to various remediation methods; implementation of a quarterly monitoring plan; and design and implementation of the remediation plan. Extensive negotiations and a presentation to TWC resulted in moving TWC from their position that the site would have to be excavated to a position where they accepted a 5-year monitoring plan instead.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia. Management and quality control for 21 simultaneous Phase I Environmental Site Assessments spread throughout six states. As the project was on a tight time-frame, 15 assessors were mobilized simultaneously from four offices.
Magnetometer Survey, Southeast Oklahoma. Performed a two-month walking magnetometer survey of oilfield prospects in southeast Oklahoma using a proton-precession magnetometer. Corrected results to geophysical observatory records and prepared subsurface structure maps.
Intermediate Level EIS, Capital Costs Estimation and Permits Assessment, Delicias, Chihuahua, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Anchor Foods. Prepared an Informe Preventivo and Intermediate Level Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in preparation for obtaining an Operating License for the facility. The EIS included the environmental, social, and cultural impact of the construction of a new jalapeño processing facility. Assisted in determining the scope, permits and manpower requirements, and projected costs of constructing the facility. Identified construction, operation, and environmental permit conditions and prepared a 2-year permits management plan.
Environmental Impact Statements for Coal Strip Mine Prospects, Northwest Arkansas. Investigated coal strip mine prospects and prepared environmental impact statements for impacts to surface and subsurface hydrology for coal strip mine prospects in northwest Arkansas. The EIS reports were required for permits and permit modifications.
Subsurface Lithostratigraphic Mapping, Torreon, Mexico. Collated information from more than 200 Mexican water well drillers logs and prepared litho-stratigraphic maps of an inter-montane basin near Torreon, Mexico. The maps were used to assess the potential for arsenic transport from arsenic-rich lavas in the mountains to the lake-bed aquifers in the valley. The work included a review of parish and medical records dating from the 1700s to establish a toxicological history for the local population. The results of the study were used by the state government to request federal funding for identification of water supply alternatives.
Geophysical Ground Water Investigation, Nuevo Leon, México, Industrias del Alcali, Villa de Garcia, Nuevo Leon, México. Responsible for the design and implementation of a geophysical investigation of chlorides impact to ground water in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Conductivity profiling and time domain techniques were used. There was no topographic control for the project area so a satellite base station and backpack GPS unit were used to provide location information for the study. The investigation occurred in three phases and covered three square kilometers. The results were presented in Spanish to the Board of Directors of a major Mexican corporation. Three-dimensional ground-water modeling was proposed to provide the basis for a 25-year remediation plan.
Phase II ESA, Manufacturing Plants, Brazil. Translated draft investigation reports from Portuguese to English and wrote final drafts. Reviewed and summarized Brazilian regulations. Assisted in Project Management of compliance assessments.
Geophysical Ground Water Investigation, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Responsible for the design and implementation of a geophysical investigation of chlorides impact to ground water in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Conductivity profiling and time domain techniques were used. The investigation occurred in three phases and covered three square kilometers. The results were presented in Spanish to the Board of Directors of a major Mexican corporation. Three-dimensional ground-water modeling was proposed to provide the basis for a 25-year remediation plan.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments Five Manufacturing Facilities, Tlalnepantla, Mexico; Jacarei, Sao Caetano do Sul and Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; Maracaibo, Venezuela, Confidential Client. Client manager and task manager for fast-track ASTM-equivalent Phase I ESAs at five valve manufacturing facilities located in Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico. Performed assessments in Mexico and Venezuela. Served as client liaison and was responsible for overall project budget.
Compliance Response, Four Manufacturing Facilities, Brazil and Mexico, Confidential Client. Client manager and task manager for compliance response at four valve manufacturing facilities located in Brasil and Mexico. Performed compliance assessment in Mexico. Served as client liaison and was responsible for overall project budget.
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment, Two Manufacturing Facilities, Jacarei and Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, Confidential Client. Client manager for phase II environmental site assessment of soils and groundwater at valve manufacturing facilities located in Brazil. Reviewed and summarized regulations. Translated Phase II ESA reports to English. Served as client liaison.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Five Manufacturing Facilities, Tlalnepantla, Mexico; Jacarei, Sao Caetano do Sul and Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; Maracaibo, Venezuela, Confidential Client. Client manager and task manager for fast-track ASTM-equivalent Phase I ESAs at five valve manufacturing facilities located in Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico. Performed assessments in Mexico and Venezuela. Served as client liaison and was responsible for overall project budget.
Risk Study/Environmental Impact Assessment of Iron Foundry and Rolled Steel Plant, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Estados Unidos Mexicanos, HYLSA (Hojalatas y Laminas, S.A. de C.V.). Led a team of process engineers that performed a Risk Study and EIA of an iron foundry and rolled steel plant in Monterrey, Nuevo León. The work included a hazards operability study, high-risk scenario (BLEVI) modeling and collection of ecological and socio-cultural data from the area immediately surrounding the plant. Prepared the report in Spanish for submission to the Secretaría de Desarollo Urbano y Ecología. This was the first Risk Study report accepted without comment by the Mexican government.
Environmental/Health/Safety Compliance Audits for Due Diligence, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Estados Unidos Mexicanos, HammerBlow Industries. Performed environmental, health and safety audits of two factory facilities located in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. The work was performed in order to prepare the seller for upcoming negotiations with regards to due diligence issues raised by the potential purchaser. Prepared non-compliance statements and compliance management plans.
Industrial Landfill Audit, Management Assessment and Financial Assessment, Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Automotive Industry Consortium. Performed an industrial landfill audit of an industrial landfill located in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, for a consortium of U.S. automobile manufacturers. The work included a compliance audit of the landfill per Mexican regulations and a parallel audit for comparison to U.S. regulations as a best-management practice. Assessed management and operations of the landfill for effectiveness and compliance with health and safety regulations. Assessed the potential for negative public response to an expansion of the landfill. Obtained financial information and worked with U.S. accountants to assess the economic viability of the landfill.
Environmental/Health/Safety Compliance Audits, Operations Management Negotiations, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Estados Unidos Méxicanos, Confidential Client, Super Bowl Ring Manufacturer. Performed environmental, health and safety audits of a factory facility located in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. The work was performed in order identify the source(s) of non-compliance issues which were identified by in-house audits. The project identified poor communications between the US corporate office and the local Mexican consultant as the root cause of the non-compliance issues. Negotiated with the local consultant on behalf of the US corporate office and assisted in the development of an operating agreement between the two parties that was designed to foster better communications and reduce future non-compliance issues.
Seven (7) Risk Studies and Environmental Impact Assessments of Glass Plants, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Grupo VITRO S.A. de C.V. Led a team of process engineers that performed Risk Studies and EIAs of 7 glass plants, all located in and around Monterrey, Nuevo León. The work included a hazards operability study, high-risk scenario (BLEVI) modeling and collection of ecological and socio-cultural data from the area immediately surrounding each plant. Prepared the report in Spanish for submission to the Secretaría de Desarollo Urbano y Ecología.
Phase I ESA, Phase II ESA, Intermediate Level EIS and Remediation Cost Estimate, Apizaco, Puebla, Estados Unidos Mexicanos, General Electric Transportation Systems. Technical lead and field manager for environmental support of GETS’ due diligence investigations of the Mexican National Railroad (FNM) locomotive service and repair center located in Apizaco, Puebla. Managed team efforts to investigate the site to establish baseline environmental conditions. The base line study was used to negotiate on GETS’ behalf with the FNM to establish rights and responsibilities clauses for a 99 year lease. The study defined the presence of significant amounts of industrial waste on the property. Prepared an Informe Preventivo and Intermediate Level Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in preparation for obtaining an Operating License for the facility. The EIS included the environmental, social, and cultural impact of a remediation effort that would result in the creation of an industrial waste landfill on site. Assisted in determining the scope, permits and manpower requirements, and projected costs of performing the remediation, constructing the landfill cell and operating and maintaining the landfill over the lease term.
Preparation of Mexico Environmental/Health/Safety Compliance Audit Protocols, Houston, Texas, U.S.A., Cooper Industries. Prepared environmental, health, and safety audit protocols for Mexican federal regulations. The audit protocols were prepared in a self-directed, text-based flowchart format. Trained Cooper staff in the use of the protocols and in compliance audit methods.
Bi-national Compliance Auditing Training, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Grupo VITRO S.A. de C.V. Grupo VITRO, in negotiations with the Secretaría de Desarollo Urbano y Ecología (SEDUE), and in order to avoid fines, agreed to train all their plant managers and environmental staff in compliance auditing methods. The training was performed by attendance at a Symposium on Bi-national (Mexico/U.S.) Compliance Auditing Methods, co-hosted by SEDUE and the Universidad Autónoma de México. Arranged and led the symposium. Presented comparisons of U.S. and Mexico environmental, health, and safety regulations and means for developing bi-national compliance auditing programs.
Closure of Chemical Plant in Mexico City, Mexico. Technical lead for environmental closure of a 50-year-old chemical plant located in northeast Mexico City, Mexico. Designed and conducted 97-point passive soil vapor survey. Installed and sampled 8 monitoring wells. Acquired and reviewed geologic and hydrogeologic publications. Designed and supervised soil remediations at 3 locations, and placement in soil bio-piles on site. Prepared closure report for submittal to INE.
Phase I/II Due Diligence Assessments and Agro-chemicals Remediation, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, El Salto, Jalisco, Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Estados Unidos Méxicanos. Northrup-King. Performed Phase I and II environmental assessments of treated-grain handling facilities located in 3 Mexican states. Sampled soils and groundwater and assessed the analytical results in light of new Mexican guidance. Prepared remediation plans for BTEX-impacted soils at one location and pesticide impact at another. Used standard Mexican labor and agricultural equipment to rapidly and economically remediate both locations; one by passive bio-remediation and volatilization, and the other by instituting and maintaining high pH (>11.0 pH) conditions.