Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil and groundwater transform into vapors and enter buildings, posing health and safety risks to occupants. This can happen at various property types, including active or closed factories, gas stations, and dry cleaners. Vapors can also affect neighboring properties, such as residential and commercial areas, leading to unsafe conditions.
BBJ Group assists clients worldwide in identifying, quantifying, and mitigating vapor intrusion risks.
Why Vapor Intrusion Mitigation is Essential
Vapor intrusion can compromise property safety, value, and marketability. Overlapping and sometimes conflicting regulations surrounding vapor intrusion heighten these concerns, raising awareness—and potential legal disputes—regarding the risks. There’s also the possibility of personal injury claims from tenants or third parties alleging exposure.
Mitigation is often easiest during new construction. BBJ Group works with clients to integrate vapor mitigation solutions into project designs. For existing buildings, retrofitting with systems like sub-slab depressurization can effectively address the issue.
Vapor Intrusion Assessment Services
To assess potential vapor intrusion, a vapor encroachment screening is typically conducted following the ASTM E2600-15 standard. This often occurs as part of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment during real estate transactions.
If further investigation is necessary, BBJ Group can evaluate the potential for vapor intrusion by analyzing on-site samples, including soil gas or groundwater, or by modeling existing data from previous investigations. When intrusive methods are not feasible, BBJ Group uses non-intrusive flux chamber surveys to assess subsurface conditions without disturbing leased spaces.
Vapor Intrusion Mitigation Technologies
Properties with a history of solvent or petroleum use are at higher risk of vapor intrusion, including sites with operations like:
- Foundries
- Electroplating
- Vapor degreasing
- Gas stations/refueling
- Dry cleaning
- Printing
- Refining
If remediation is impractical, vapor intrusion mitigation can reduce exposure within buildings using technologies like:
- Sub-slab depressurization
- Sub-membrane depressurization
- Membrane barriers
- Vented or raised floors
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