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Environmental Consulting

HP Environmental provides unique technical expertise in the comprehensive practice of industrial hygiene for commercial development, building owners, property managers, government agencies and the military.

The practice of industrial hygiene is the backbone of HP Environmental.  Our staff qualifications are augmented by our environmental, chemical and microbiological laboratory personnel.  Together, these personnel can evaluate exposure conditions and develop risk assessments and engineering solutions for conditions where exposure is unacceptable.

HP Environmental evaluates potentially hazardous environments to determine risk associated with exposure via four principal routes: inhalation, cutaneous, oral and ocular.  Environments are surveyed for conditions of recognizable hazards.  Based on findings from surveys, evaluation for potential problem exposures may be conducted.  These evaluations include measurement of physical parameters as well as chemical and elemental concentrations in air and on surfaces.  Tests for biohazards are also conducted.  From the survey and evaluation data, corrective measures are developed, if necessary.

Our expertise in performing industrial hygiene exposure investigations includes compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agency rules and regulations, assessment of undetermined risks and evaluation of engineering controls for exposure and risk reduction.  We have garnered our industry-leading reputation at HPE by performing exposure investigations for a wide range of clients and conditions in a variety of industrial, commercial and military environments.

Please explore our consulting services to see how we can best meet your environmental needs.

COVID-19 Consulting and Testing

HP Environmental now offers lab-based testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.  If your business or workplace is looking to return to work while ensuring employee safety and health, please reach out to us to see how we can help make that happen.  HPE’s COVID-19 consulting services include: 

Return to Work (Re-occupancy) Consulting
Proactive Surface and Air Testing
Testing to Validate Effective Cleaning Methods
Building and Risk Assessments
Consulting on HVAC Design
Disinfectant and Cleaning Product Review
Disinfection Plans and Protocols
Social Distance Procedures
Worker Protection, Safety and Health (PPE)

While the COVID-19 virus is easily killed using soap and water or an EPA-approved disinfectant, testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA on environmental surfaces is the most direct and definitive test for ensuring effective disinfection procedures and maintaining worker safety. 

Please feel free to contact our office with any questions you may have about SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 or our related consulting and testing services.

Indoor Air Quality Investigations

HP Environmental conducts building investigations related to indoor air quality (IAQ), sick-building syndrome, and building-related illness.  Depending on the circumstances, investigations may focus on parameters of building performance, design, operation or measures of air quality, and may be requested for a variety of reasons, including:

Pre-purchase Due Diligence
Complaints from Building Occupants
Incidents of Building-Related Illness
Observed Building Conditions
Routine Performance Audit
Emergency Response Due to Accidental Release or Unknown Source

Investigators utilize the most appropriate and accurate instruments to measure building performance and air quality. Resulting data are evaluated based on building design, published ventilation standards, health-based guidelines and common sense.

HP Environmental investigates a wide range of hazards including physical, radiation, chemical, and biological. During investigations, hazard sources are identified and pathways for exposure are elucidated. Source identification is a particular area of HPE expertise and field investigations are supported by state-of-the-art laboratory capabilities. Our investigators are uncanny in their ability to determine mechanisms and pathways for exposures that lead to accurate risk assessments and effective risk communication.

The product of these IAQ investigations and building performance audits are written reports that follow established objectives and provide clear recommendations that solve discovered problems. Investigation findings and conclusions are effectively communicated and defended in private or open forums.

Asbestos and Lead Consulting Services

HP Environmental provides complete and comprehensive consulting and management services related to asbestos-containing building materials and lead-based paint.  Our services include not only the more routine compliance issues, but a risk-based management approach that results in innovative solutions. Reaching beyond simple compliance criteria can prevent excessive and unnecessary costs while promoting a safe and healthful environment.

Our professional staff are licensed for conducting asbestos and lead investigations and for preparing abatement specifications as well as operations and maintenance (O&M) plans. Each investigation is directed by an industrial hygienist that is board certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

Accurate and thorough building surveys for sources of asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint are the cornerstone of successful management of these materials. HPE has demonstrated its ability to perform building surveys that are recognized by regulatory agencies, building owners, contractors, and others as a reliable basis for a variety of uses, including:

Pre-purchase Due Diligence
Complaints from Building Occupants
Pre-construction Hazmat Surveys
Observed Building Conditions
Emergency Response Due to Accidental Release or Unknown Source

Regardless of the objectives, accurate building surveys are the single most important feature in successful management of asbestos and lead hazards. If hazard abatement is necessary, these reliable results translate into significant savings for building owners by producing accurate bids and seamless execution of work once an abatement project begins.

Project Management

During abatement of asbestos or lead-based paint hazards, HP Environmental provides skilled and professional project management insuring full and proper performance of project specifications and conformance with governing rules and regulations. HP Environmental expertly interfaces with regulatory agencies and the abatement contractor to prevent potentially costly or problematic delays. Every detail of the abatement process, from review of contractor submittals and air monitoring to project clearance and re-occupancy, is managed by HP Environmental.

Emergency Response

Unforeseen building damage brings with it uncertainty and substantial financial and health risks. Crisis management has long been recognized as an area of expertise for HPE. While moving from a point of instability, developing strategy, projecting cost and defining schedules are key to successful recovery. There is no substitute for experience under crisis conditions and HP Environmental provides unequaled leadership and a track record of success that will minimize loss while maximizing confidence.

Moisture and Mold Investigations

HP Environmental provides investigatory services related to the assessment and identification of conditions that can lead to microbial growth resulting from an unexpected water incursion or unfavorable building related conditions.

Moisture and mold investigation services conducted by HPE include:

Flood Response and Moisture Mapping
Preparation of Remediation Specifications and Clean-up Protocols
Monitoring of Remediation Projects
Preparation of O&M Plans to Prevent Fungal Colonization During Construction
Insurance Claims
Legionella Evaluation of Utility Water, Drinking Water and Other Sources
Fungi and Bacteria Isolation from Air and Surfaces
Source Identification of Microbial Reservoirs
Identification of Chronic Water or Flood Damaged Materials
Identification of Problem Fungi, Bacteria and Other Microorganisms
Identification of Mold By-products, Allergens, Toxins, Parasites and Viruses

Our investigators are recognized as experts in the fields of environmental microbiology and aerobiology and are well prepared to assess potential health effects and prepare specifications for recovery when problematic conditions are identified.

Investigations to identify conditions related to biohazards and microbial contamination are instrumental in assisting building owners and managers to resolve problematic indoor environmental issues and for charting a course to recover from excessive water incursion. These investigations are also the core basis for resolving outbreaks of nosocomial infections in medical facilities.

Our in-house environmental microbiology laboratory supports our investigators and clients with technical support as well as all sampling containers, media and devices necessary to perform any investigation. In addition, the laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to optimize organism identification viewed using differential interference contrast (DIC) light, fluorescent, phase contrast or polarized light microscopy. Taken together, our capabilities and expertise is unsurpassed and results in thorough investigations with reliable and reproducible results, sound conclusions and rational recommendations.

Exposure Assessment

HP Environmental performs comprehensive industrial hygiene exposure investigations for industry, health and safety managers, risk managers, insurers, building owners and managers, unions, government agencies and the military. The objectives of these investigations include compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agency rules and regulations, assessment of undetermined risks and evaluation of engineering controls for exposure and risk reduction.  

Our experienced staff provide essential support to clients faced with problems related to workplace exposure to lead, PCBs, pesticides, air pollutants, water contaminants and exposures of unknown origin.

Natural Disaster

Since its inception, HP Environmental has effectively managed health-related issues associated with countless crisis situations resulting from various causes, including hurricanes, floods, building fires, explosions, chemical releases and building evacuations.

Under crisis conditions, there is no substitution for experience.  HP Environmental provides unequaled leadership and experience with a track record of success that will minimize loss while maximizing confidence. Most importantly, HP Environmental has the proven ability to communicate with all stakeholders and the public and to guide a crisis toward recovery.

Bioterrorism Response

HP Environmental prides itself in the ability to effectively perform under crisis conditions to develop practical and cost-effective solutions in response to issues involving a chemical or biological hazard.

A crisis involving a chemical or biological hazard resulting in an unknown or unstable condition represents the greatest challenge to investigators. The key to successful crisis management is correct definition and prioritization of response objectives. The ability to effectively perform under crisis conditions is a hallmark of HP Environmental and a tribute to the diverse expertise and experience of its staff.

Project Management

During abatement or demolition projects, HP Environmental provides skilled and professional project management services, ensuring full and proper performance of project specifications and conformance with governing rules and regulations.

HP Environmental expertly interfaces with regulatory agencies and the respective contractors to prevent potentially costly or problematic delays. Every detail of the abatement process, from review of contractor submittals and air monitoring to project clearance and re-occupancy, is managed by HP Environmental.

Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety

Our expertise and experience in performing industrial hygiene investigations includes compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agency rules and regulations, assessment of undetermined risks and evaluation of engineering controls for exposure and risk reduction.

To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.

—Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

If your project requires consultative support, HPE provides technical expertise in the core environmental fields in line with the most up-to-date federal and state standards and regulations. Our staff consists of fully trained and licensed technicians and technologists, Board Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH), Public Health Professionals, and Doctoral level senior scientists and investigators who are experienced and dedicated.

Contact Industrial Hygiene Services

Our key Industrial Hygiene staff are here to serve you and share their expertise. We hope to bring your project to completion as efficiently and safely as possible. In order to do this, we searched high and low for leaders in the field of Industrial Hygiene, bringing together keen and scientific minds ready to tackle any environmental situation.

Piotr Chmielinski, MS, CIH

President, CEO

Brent Sharrer, MS, CIH

Director of Industrial Hygiene

Jason Edwards

Project Manager

Industrial Hygiene Services

Director of Industrial Hygiene

Brent Sharrer, MS, CIH

HP Environmental provides unique technical expertise in the comprehensive practice of industrial hygiene for commercial development, building owners, property managers, government agencies and the military.

The practice of industrial hygiene is the backbone of HP Environmental.  Our staff qualifications are augmented by our environmental, chemical and microbiological laboratory personnel.  Together, these personnel can evaluate exposure conditions and develop risk assessments and engineering solutions for conditions where exposure is unacceptable.

HP Environmental evaluates potentially hazardous environments to determine risk associated with exposure via four principal routes: inhalation, cutaneous, oral and ocular.  Environments are surveyed for conditions of recognizable hazards.  Based on findings from surveys, evaluation for potential problem exposures may be conducted.  These evaluations include measurement of physical parameters as well as chemical and elemental concentrations in air and on surfaces.  Tests for biohazards are also conducted.  From the survey and evaluation data, corrective measures are developed, if necessary.

Our expertise and experience in performing industrial hygiene exposure investigations include compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agency rules and regulations, assessment of undetermined risks and evaluation of engineering controls for exposure and risk reduction.  We have garnered our industry-leading reputation at HPE by performing exposure investigations for a wide range of clients and conditions in a variety of industrial, commercial and military environments.

Please explore our broad range of consulting services to see how we can best meet your environmental needs.

HP Environmental now offers lab-based testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.  If your business or workplace is looking to return to work while ensuring employee safety and health, please reach out to us to see how we can help make that happen.  HPE’s COVID-19 consulting services include: 

Return to Work (Re-occupancy) Consulting
Proactive Surface and Air Testing
Testing to Validate Effective Cleaning Methods
Building and Risk Assessments
Consulting on HVAC Design
Disinfectant and Cleaning Product Review
Disinfection Plans and Protocols
Social Distance Procedures
Worker Protection, Safety and Health (PPE)

Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can live for a period of time on surfaces outside the human body and can remain active on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to two to three days or for up to 24 hours on cardboard.  These findings suggest that individuals may acquire SARS-CoV-2 after touching a contaminated surface or object with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  

While the COVID-19 virus is easily killed using soap and water or an EPA-approved disinfectant, testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA on environmental surfaces is the most direct and definitive test for ensuring effective disinfection procedures and maintaining worker safety. 

Please feel free to contact our office with any questions you may have about SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 or our related consulting and testing services.

HP Environmental conducts building investigations related to indoor air quality (IAQ), sick-building syndrome, and building-related illness.  Depending on the circumstances, investigations may focus on parameters of building performance, design, operation or measures of air quality, and may be requested for a variety of reasons, including:

Pre-purchase Due Diligence
Complaints from Building Occupants
Incidents of Building-Related Illness
Observed Building Conditions
Routine Performance Audit
Emergency Response Due to Accidental Release or Unknown Source

Investigators utilize the most appropriate and accurate instruments to measure building performance and air quality. Resulting data are evaluated based on building design, published ventilation standards, health-based guidelines and common sense.

HP Environmental investigates a wide range of hazards including physical, radiation, chemical, and biological. During investigations, hazard sources are identified and pathways for exposure are elucidated. Source identification is a particular area of HPE expertise and field investigations are supported by state-of-the-art laboratory capabilities. Our investigators are uncanny in their ability to determine mechanisms and pathways for exposures that lead to accurate risk assessments and effective risk communication.

The product of these IAQ investigations and building performance audits are written reports that follow established objectives and provide clear recommendations that solve discovered problems. Investigation findings and conclusions are effectively communicated and defended in private or open forums.

HP Environmental provides complete and comprehensive consulting and management services related to asbestos-containing building materials and lead-based paint.  Our services include not only the more routine compliance issues, but a risk-based management approach that results in innovative solutions. Reaching beyond simple compliance criteria can prevent excessive and unnecessary costs while promoting a safe and healthful environment.

Our professional staff are licensed for conducting asbestos and lead investigations and for preparing abatement specifications as well as operations and maintenance (O&M) plans. Each investigation is directed by an industrial hygienist that is board certified by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

Accurate and thorough building surveys for sources of asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint are the cornerstone of successful management of these materials. HPE has demonstrated its ability to perform building surveys that are recognized by regulatory agencies, building owners, contractors, and others as a reliable basis for a variety of uses, including:

Pre-purchase Due Diligence
Complaints from Building Occupants
Pre-construction Hazmat Surveys
Observed Building Conditions
Emergency Response Due to Accidental Release or Unknown Source

Regardless of the objectives, accurate building surveys are the single most important feature in successful management of asbestos and lead hazards. If hazard abatement is necessary, these reliable results translate into significant savings for building owners by producing accurate bids and seamless execution of work once an abatement project begins.

Project Management

During abatement of asbestos or lead-based paint hazards, HP Environmental provides skilled and professional project management insuring full and proper performance of project specifications and conformance with governing rules and regulations. HP Environmental expertly interfaces with regulatory agencies and the abatement contractor to prevent potentially costly or problematic delays. Every detail of the abatement process, from review of contractor submittals and air monitoring to project clearance and re-occupancy, is managed by HP Environmental.

Disaster Response

Unforeseen building damage brings with it uncertainty and substantial financial and health risks. Crisis management has long been recognized as an area of expertise for HPE. While moving from a point of instability, developing strategy, projecting cost and defining schedules are the keys to successful recovery. There is no substitute for experience under crisis conditions and HP Environmental, Inc. provides unequaled leadership and a track record of success that will minimize loss while maximizing confidence.

HP Environmental provides investigatory services related to the assessment and identification of conditions that can lead to microbial growth resulting from an unexpected water incursion or unfavorable building related conditions.

Moisture and mold investigation services conducted by HPE include:

Flood Response and Moisture Mapping
Preparation of Remediation Specifications and Clean-up Protocols
Monitoring of Remediation Projects
Preparation of O&M Plans to Prevent Fungal Colonization During Construction
Insurance Claims
Legionella Evaluation of Utility Water, Drinking Water and Other Sources
Fungi and Bacteria Isolation from Air and Surfaces
Source Identification of Microbial Reservoirs
Identification of Chronic Water or Flood Damaged Materials
Identification of Problem Fungi, Bacteria and Other Microorganisms
Identification of Mold By-products, Allergens, Toxins, Parasites and Viruses

Our investigators are recognized as experts in the fields of environmental microbiology and aerobiology and are well prepared to assess potential health effects and prepare specifications for recovery when problem conditions are identified.

HP Environmental performs investigations to identify conditions related to biohazards and microbial contamination. These investigations are instrumental in assisting building owners and managers in resolving problem indoor environmental issues and for charting a course to recover from excessive water incursion. These investigations are also the core basis for resolving outbreaks of nosocomial infections in medical facilities. Supporting our investigators and our clients is an in-house environmental microbiology laboratory. This laboratory resource provides technical support as well as all sampling containers, media and devices necessary to perform any investigation. In addition, the laboratory is equipped with high quality equipment and microscope optics to optimize organism identification viewed using differential interference contrast (DIC) light, fluorescent, phase contrast or polarized light microscopy. Taken together, our capabilities and expertise is unsurpassed and results in thorough investigations with reliable and reproducible results, sound conclusions and rational recommendations.

HP Environmental, Inc. performs comprehensive industrial hygiene exposure investigations for industry, health and safety managers, risk managers, insurers, building owners and managers, unions, governmental agencies, and the military. The objectives of these investigations include compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agency rules and regulations, assessment of undetermined risks and evaluation of engineering controls for exposure and risk reduction.  

Our experienced staff provide essential support to clients faced with problems related to workplace exposure to lead, PCBs, pesticides, air pollutants, water contaminants, and exposure of unknown origin.

Since its inception, HP Environmental has effectively managed health-related issues associated with countless crisis situations involving a varied degree of causes, for example, hurricanes, floods, building fires, explosions, chemical releases, and building evacuations.

Under crisis conditions, there is no substitution for experience.  HP Environmental provides unequaled leadership and experience with a track record of success that will minimize loss while maximizing confidence. Most importantly, HP Environmental has the proven ability to communicate with all stakeholders and the public and to guide a crisis toward recovery.

HP Environmental prides itself in the ability to effectively perform under crisis conditions to develop practical and cost-effective solutions in response to issues involving a chemical or biological hazard.

A crisis involving a chemical or biological hazard resulting in an unknown or unstable condition represents the greatest challenge to investigators. The key to successful crisis management is correct definition and prioritization of response objectives.  The ability to effectively perform under crisis conditions is a hallmark of HP Environmental and a tribute to the diverse expertise and experience of its staff.

During abatement or demolition projects, HP Environmental provides skilled and professional project management services, ensuring full and proper performance of project specifications and conformance with governing rules and regulations.

HP Environmental expertly interfaces with regulatory agencies and the respective contractors to prevent potentially costly or problematic delays. Every detail of the abatement process, from review of contractor submittals and air monitoring to project clearance and re-occupancy, is managed by HP Environmental.

Our expertise and experience in performing industrial hygiene investigations includes compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agency rules and regulations, assessment of undetermined risks and evaluation of engineering controls for exposure and risk reduction.

To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.

—Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

If your project require consultative support, HPE provides technical expertise in the core environmental fields in line with the most up-to-date federal and state standards and regulations. Our staff consists of fully trained and licensed technicians and technologists, Board Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH), Public Health Professionals, and Doctoral level senior scientists and investigators who are tenacious and resilient and who will respond quickly when the need arises.

Our key Industrial Hygiene staff are here to serve you and share their expertise.  We hope to bring your project to completion as efficiently and safely as possible.  In order to do this, we searched high and low for leaders in the field of Industrial Hygiene, bringing together keen, scientific minds ready to tackle any environmental situation.

Piotr Chmielinski, MS, CIH

President, CEO

Brent Sharrer, MS, CIH

Director of Industrial Hygiene

Jason Edwards

Project Manager

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