Paul Wisniewski, P.G.

Phase II ESA, Soil Vapor Investigation, and Vapor Intrusion Mitigation System (VIMS) Design/Construction, Sacramento, California — Prepared a work plan and implemented a soil vapor investigation on a former automotive service station property that led to the design and construction of a passive/active VIMS for development of an 85-unit 3-story residential housing project for homeless residents outside Auburn, California. Provided oversight for VIMS design and postconstruction indoor and outdoor air, subslab, and VIMS stack vapor monitoring of chlorinated solvents beneath the site buildings. Tax-credit financing in combination with a grant provided $32 million for the nonprofit project, which was completed in 2022.

Brownfield Assessment and Remediation, Eureka, California — As project manager, negotiated the scope of work on behalf of client with the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the Northcoast Regional Water Quality Control Board for the assessment, remedial action, and quarterly groundwater sampling and reporting requirements for a 45-acre brownfield site at a former sawmill site, which housed a teepee burner and wood treatment facility. Prepared an interim remedial action plan that included an alternatives analysis to mitigate constituents of concern, including PCP, dioxins and furans, heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Also coauthored a successful EPA brownfields assessment grant on behalf of the city to obtain $400,000 in funding for the project. The grant funds were used to define the lateral and vertical extent of contamination at the site. Remedial excavation of impacted soil in the source area was successful in reducing impacts to groundwater.

Brownfields Phase I and II ESAs, City of Eureka, California — As part of an EPA brownfields assessment grant, managed the $350,000 grant on behalf of the city, coauthored two Phase I ESAs, prepared planning documents including a quality assurance project plan (QAPP) and unanticipated discovery plan in advance of Phase II investigations, and worked closely with city staff to plan redevelopment approaches for the waterfront and Broadway realignment and redevelopment project.

Brownfields Phase I and II ESAs, City of Oroville, California — As part of an EPA brownfields assessment grant, prepared a comprehensive Phase I ESA for a 20-acre industrial park with historical lumbermill operations that included a teepee burner and wood treatment operations. Prepared a QAPP, sampling and analysis plan (SAP), and field sampling plan in advance of a Phase II investigation. Scoped and managed the Phase II investigation. Dioxin and pentachlorophenol impacts to shallow soil were identified through multiple rounds of drilling, potholing, and sampling.  Prepared a feasibility study to identify the most feasible remedial alternative, followed by a remedial action plan (RAP) that specified encapsulation of the affected areas beneath an engineered cap and a land use covenant.

Soil Vapor and Indoor Air Quality Assessments, San Rafael, California — Developed work plans, conducted assessments, and prepared reports to identify and assess a soil vapor plume of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) beneath a dry-cleaning facility, adjacent commercial retail spaces, and shopping center parking areas. Work plans included a vapor probe sampling plan, utilization of a mobile laboratory, and sample collection and analysis specifications. Formulated and implemented an indoor air quality monitoring investigation utilizing 6-L Summa^® canisters, pre-calibrated flow controllers, and an anemometer to assess potential impacts to indoor air from the soil gas source area. Assisted with remediation design to mitigate PCE/TCE-impacted indoor air through the cessation of PCE/TCE use in dry-cleaning operations. This included modifying the existing HVAC system and completing improvements to interior walls within the commercial building to increase air exchange between indoor and ambient outdoor air in the vicinity of the soil vapor plume while decreasing air exchange between the various impacted suites at the shopping center.  Successful completion of assessment work led to the determination that soil vapor was not appreciably intruding into the shopping center and that active PCE/TCE use in the dry cleaner was primarily responsible for elevated levels of PCE/TCE in indoor air. The site is currently pending consideration for regulatory case closure by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Phase II ESA, Soil Vapor Investigation, and Vapor Intrusion Mitigation System (VIMS) Design/Construction, Sacramento, California — Prepared a work plan and implemented a soil vapor investigation on a former automotive service station property that led to the design and construction of a passive/active VIMS for development of an 85-unit 3-story residential housing project for homeless residents outside Auburn, California. Provided oversight for VIMS design and postconstruction indoor and outdoor air, subslab, and VIMS stack vapor monitoring of chlorinated solvents beneath the site buildings. Tax-credit financing in combination with a grant provided $32 million for the nonprofit project, which was completed in 2022.

Brownfield Assessment and Remediation, Eureka, California — As project manager, negotiated the scope of work on behalf of client with the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the Northcoast Regional Water Quality Control Board for the assessment, remedial action, and quarterly groundwater sampling and reporting requirements for a 45-acre brownfield site at a former sawmill site, which housed a teepee burner and wood treatment facility. Prepared an interim remedial action plan that included an alternatives analysis to mitigate constituents of concern, including PCP, dioxins and furans, heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Also coauthored a successful EPA brownfields assessment grant on behalf of the city to obtain $400,000 in funding for the project. The grant funds were used to define the lateral and vertical extent of contamination at the site. Remedial excavation of impacted soil in the source area was successful in reducing impacts to groundwater.

Brownfields Phase I and II ESAs, City of Eureka, California — As part of an EPA brownfields assessment grant, managed the $350,000 grant on behalf of the city, coauthored two Phase I ESAs, prepared planning documents including a quality assurance project plan (QAPP) and unanticipated discovery plan in advance of Phase II investigations, and worked closely with city staff to plan redevelopment approaches for the waterfront and Broadway realignment and redevelopment project.

Brownfields Phase I and II ESAs, City of Oroville, California — As part of an EPA brownfields assessment grant, prepared a comprehensive Phase I ESA for a 20-acre industrial park with historical lumbermill operations that included a teepee burner and wood treatment operations. Prepared a QAPP, sampling and analysis plan (SAP), and field sampling plan in advance of a Phase II investigation. Scoped and managed the Phase II investigation. Dioxin and pentachlorophenol impacts to shallow soil were identified through multiple rounds of drilling, potholing, and sampling.  Prepared a feasibility study to identify the most feasible remedial alternative, followed by a remedial action plan (RAP) that specified encapsulation of the affected areas beneath an engineered cap and a land use covenant.

Soil Vapor and Indoor Air Quality Assessments, San Rafael, California — Developed work plans, conducted assessments, and prepared reports to identify and assess a soil vapor plume of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) beneath a dry-cleaning facility, adjacent commercial retail spaces, and shopping center parking areas. Work plans included a vapor probe sampling plan, utilization of a mobile laboratory, and sample collection and analysis specifications. Formulated and implemented an indoor air quality monitoring investigation utilizing 6-L Summa^® canisters, pre-calibrated flow controllers, and an anemometer to assess potential impacts to indoor air from the soil gas source area. Assisted with remediation design to mitigate PCE/TCE-impacted indoor air through the cessation of PCE/TCE use in dry-cleaning operations. This included modifying the existing HVAC system and completing improvements to interior walls within the commercial building to increase air exchange between indoor and ambient outdoor air in the vicinity of the soil vapor plume while decreasing air exchange between the various impacted suites at the shopping center.  Successful completion of assessment work led to the determination that soil vapor was not appreciably intruding into the shopping center and that active PCE/TCE use in the dry cleaner was primarily responsible for elevated levels of PCE/TCE in indoor air. The site is currently pending consideration for regulatory case closure by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Remedial Soil Excavation and Encapsulation, Santa Rosa, California — Prepared a Phase I ESA report for a former residential and agricultural site in Napa, California, on behalf of two nonprofit housing organizations. Soil investigations detected lead and the organochlorine pesticide chlordane in shallow site soils at concentrations above residential screening levels. Managed the Phase I ESA, results of the limited Phase II investigation, and subsequent investigation that assessed the horizontal and vertical extent of impacts to shallow soil, culminating in the preparation of a RAP approved by the county Environmental Health Division. Approximately 40 cubic yards of chlordane-impacted soil was removed from the site as part of the remedial work. Proposed landscape design aspects were used to mitigate exposure pathways of residual lead detected in shallow soil on the site through the design process. A “no further action” letter was obtained from Napa County, which allowed the organizations to secure funding from Silicon Valley Bank, Merritt Community Capital Corporation, the City of Napa, the County of Napa, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development to redevelop the site with 200+ residential affordable housing units.

Litigation Support, Northern California — Provided technical support to legal teams to defend commercial, industrial, and agricultural private sector clientele from lawsuits arising from alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, Clean Harbors Act, Fish and Game Code, Health and Safety Code, and the Industrial General Permit for stormwater discharges. Prepared expert reports, provided depositions, assisted with settlement negotiations, and testified in court. Technical work product included pollutant source assessments, natural background determinations, best management practice (BMP) evaluations and recommendations, evaluations of industrial discharge connectivity to waters of the U.S. and waters of the State. This collaborative approach to provide strategic and expert analysis of available data proved valuable to legal defense teams in securing wins or settlements for nine out of 10 cases.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Testimony, Ukiah, California — As part of prelitigation, prepared detailed response letters on behalf of the client to defend water rights and prevent the loss of land value due to a proposed near-stream gravel mine in the Russian River Valley. Letters included detailed evaluations of third-party geomorphological, hydrogeological, and other reports concerning stream channel impacts from the proposed project. Presented technical information and arguments concerning a controversial environmental impact report in a series of public hearings before the Mendocino County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Ultimately, the approved mine operations were blocked by a court ruling, based in large part upon the testimony and technical arguments.

Expert Witness, Oroville, California — Provided technical support to legal teams to defend against two lawsuits, one by the Butte County District Attorney and the other by California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA). Litigation support efforts included the preparation of declarations based on reviews of annual stormwater reports and stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) documents for three facilities, field and aerial photograph assisted mapping, stormwater and soil sampling, and site reconnaissance. Surface water flow paths were mapped to determine termination points, diversion locations, areas of impoundment, and areas of stormwater comingling with other surface water runoff. Field observations, measurements, mapping, and sampling were utilized in conjunction with in-depth reviews of available stormwater documents to prepare declarations and provide testimony in support of successful litigation and settlement agreement efforts. Litigation support efforts included collaborative strategic and expert analysis of available data, expert witness testimony, and document preparation for depositions and court proceedings. Assisted the legal team in winning the case brought by the District Attorney and settled the case with CSPA.

Industrial Stormwater Litigation Support, Northern California — Provided technical support to legal teams to defend numerous industrial clients from lawsuits arising from alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, Clean Harbors Act, Fish and Game Code, Health and Safety Code, and the Industrial Stormwater General Permit. Litigation support efforts included expert declarations, depositions, testimony in court proceedings, and negotiations for settlement agreements. Technical work product included pollutant source assessments, natural background determinations, BMP evaluations and recommendations, evaluations of industrial discharge connectivity to waters of the U.S. and waters of the State.

Litigation Support, Northern California — Provided technical support to legal teams to defend commercial, industrial, and agricultural private sector clientele from lawsuits arising from alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, Clean Harbors Act, Fish and Game Code, Health and Safety Code, and the Industrial General Permit for stormwater discharges. Prepared expert reports, provided depositions, assisted with settlement negotiations, and testified in court. Technical work product included pollutant source assessments, natural background determinations, best management practice (BMP) evaluations and recommendations, evaluations of industrial discharge connectivity to waters of the U.S. and waters of the State. This collaborative approach to provide strategic and expert analysis of available data proved valuable to legal defense teams in securing wins or settlements for nine out of 10 cases.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Testimony, Ukiah, California — As part of prelitigation, prepared detailed response letters on behalf of the client to defend water rights and prevent the loss of land value due to a proposed near-stream gravel mine in the Russian River Valley. Letters included detailed evaluations of third-party geomorphological, hydrogeological, and other reports concerning stream channel impacts from the proposed project. Presented technical information and arguments concerning a controversial environmental impact report in a series of public hearings before the Mendocino County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Ultimately, the approved mine operations were blocked by a court ruling, based in large part upon the testimony and technical arguments.

Expert Witness, Oroville, California — Provided technical support to legal teams to defend against two lawsuits, one by the Butte County District Attorney and the other by California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA). Litigation support efforts included the preparation of declarations based on reviews of annual stormwater reports and stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) documents for three facilities, field and aerial photograph assisted mapping, stormwater and soil sampling, and site reconnaissance. Surface water flow paths were mapped to determine termination points, diversion locations, areas of impoundment, and areas of stormwater comingling with other surface water runoff. Field observations, measurements, mapping, and sampling were utilized in conjunction with in-depth reviews of available stormwater documents to prepare declarations and provide testimony in support of successful litigation and settlement agreement efforts. Litigation support efforts included collaborative strategic and expert analysis of available data, expert witness testimony, and document preparation for depositions and court proceedings. Assisted the legal team in winning the case brought by the District Attorney and settled the case with CSPA.

Industrial Stormwater Litigation Support, Northern California — Provided technical support to legal teams to defend numerous industrial clients from lawsuits arising from alleged violations of the Clean Water Act, Clean Harbors Act, Fish and Game Code, Health and Safety Code, and the Industrial Stormwater General Permit. Litigation support efforts included expert declarations, depositions, testimony in court proceedings, and negotiations for settlement agreements. Technical work product included pollutant source assessments, natural background determinations, BMP evaluations and recommendations, evaluations of industrial discharge connectivity to waters of the U.S. and waters of the State.

Construction Stormwater Compliance, Santa Rosa, California — Provided Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) services for two single-family construction projects. One consisted of 237 townhomes on 40 acres and the other consisted of 157 homes on 19 acres. Prepared numerous SWPPP amendments, provided stormwater training, and conducted inspections. Worked with the builder to coordinate a 13267 Order and comply with a 401 Water Quality Certification.

Clear Lake Nutrient TMDL Study, Clear Lake, California — Provided stormwater monitoring station site selection and installation, assisted with the development of stormwater SAPs for collecting representative flow weighted composite samples for the Clear Lake phosphorus total maximum daily load (TMDL) study. Provided overall monitoring support to achieve the program goals, which included updating the SAP according to the Caltrans Stormwater Monitoring Guidance Manual protocols; collecting stormwater samples; observing stormwater runoff characteristics during storm events; assisting with production of poststorm technical memoranda; and assisting with managing the laboratory to verify adherence to the manual.

HMBP and CUPA/CERS Compliance, Santa Rosa, California — Prepared chemical inventories, site plans, emergency evacuation plans, emergency response plans, employee training plans, employee right-to-know programs, hazard communication programs, illness injury prevention plans, an environmental compliance audit, health and safety programs and training modules, and health and safety equipment inventories necessary to complete required Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) and California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) reporting. Also prepared numerous hazardous materials business plans (HMBPs) and CERS compliance documents for a variety of industrial facilities including manufacturers, gas stations, trucking companies, heavy equipment maintenance facilities, and e‑waste recyclers.

QSP Services, Santa Rosa, California — Provided Qualified Stormwater Practitioner (QSP) services and supplemental QSD services for a 36,000-square-foot commercial warehouse development project in Santa Rosa, California. Prepared and reviewed construction SWPPP documents for Risk Level 2 to obtain coverage under California’s General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity. Services included SWPPP amendment preparation, stormwater observations and sampling, preparation of rain event action plans, recommendations for BMP improvements based on field measurements and observations, numeric action limit reporting, and compliance with Stormwater Multiple Application Report Tracking System requirements. Provided care and contractor guidance that helped maintain construction stormwater compliance without violations.

Construction Stormwater Compliance, Santa Rosa, California — Provided Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) services for two single-family construction projects. One consisted of 237 townhomes on 40 acres and the other consisted of 157 homes on 19 acres. Prepared numerous SWPPP amendments, provided stormwater training, and conducted inspections. Worked with the builder to coordinate a 13267 Order and comply with a 401 Water Quality Certification.

Clear Lake Nutrient TMDL Study, Clear Lake, California — Provided stormwater monitoring station site selection and installation, assisted with the development of stormwater SAPs for collecting representative flow weighted composite samples for the Clear Lake phosphorus total maximum daily load (TMDL) study. Provided overall monitoring support to achieve the program goals, which included updating the SAP according to the Caltrans Stormwater Monitoring Guidance Manual protocols; collecting stormwater samples; observing stormwater runoff characteristics during storm events; assisting with production of poststorm technical memoranda; and assisting with managing the laboratory to verify adherence to the manual.

HMBP and CUPA/CERS Compliance, Santa Rosa, California — Prepared chemical inventories, site plans, emergency evacuation plans, emergency response plans, employee training plans, employee right-to-know programs, hazard communication programs, illness injury prevention plans, an environmental compliance audit, health and safety programs and training modules, and health and safety equipment inventories necessary to complete required Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) and California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) reporting. Also prepared numerous hazardous materials business plans (HMBPs) and CERS compliance documents for a variety of industrial facilities including manufacturers, gas stations, trucking companies, heavy equipment maintenance facilities, and e‑waste recyclers.

QSP Services, Santa Rosa, California — Provided Qualified Stormwater Practitioner (QSP) services and supplemental QSD services for a 36,000-square-foot commercial warehouse development project in Santa Rosa, California. Prepared and reviewed construction SWPPP documents for Risk Level 2 to obtain coverage under California’s General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity. Services included SWPPP amendment preparation, stormwater observations and sampling, preparation of rain event action plans, recommendations for BMP improvements based on field measurements and observations, numeric action limit reporting, and compliance with Stormwater Multiple Application Report Tracking System requirements. Provided care and contractor guidance that helped maintain construction stormwater compliance without violations.