Expert Environmental Consulting Services
Otwell Mawby is a locally owned, owner-operated engineering consulting firm based in downtown Traverse City serving the environmental engineering needs of our clients since 1988. Over the past 30 years, we have served thousands of clients, including the State of Michigan, local, county, and federal governments, individuals, private entities, and professionals. We offer expert environmental services and extensive knowledge of the people, the places, the geology, and the environment of northern Michigan.
Our Services
Providing Specialized Environmental Solutions That Protect You and Our Planet
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the first step in environmental due diligence. This process involves researching a property's historical uses to identify potential Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), such as underground storage tanks that may have leaked or other historical uses that could have resulted in environmental damage to the property.
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
If RECs are identified in Phase I, a site-specific Phase II investigation is conducted. This typically involves collecting and analyzing soil, soil gas, and/or groundwater samples to determine if hazardous substances or petroleum were released.
Baseline Environmental Assessment
If Phase II ESA identifies contaminants above EGLE Criteria, a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) must be completed within 45 days of ownership/ operation and disclosed to EGLE. The BEA distinguishes new releases from existing contamination and exempts new owners from cleanup liability from pre-existing environmental impacts.
Due Care Planning
While a BEA exempts new owners/operators from cleanup liability, they still face "Due Care Obligations" under Part 201 of Act 451 (NREPA, 1994). A plan will be developed to outline immediate and long-term actions needed to meet these obligations.
Vapor Intrusion Assessment and Mitigation System Designs
We provide comprehensive vapor intrusion assessment services to address potential health and safety risks posed by volatile contaminants migrating into buildings. We also provide mitigation system designs to prevent vapor intrusion into the interiors of structures.
Oil and Natural Gas Industry Consulting Services
We have provided comprehensive environmental consulting services for the oil and natural gas industry in northern Michigan since 1988, including spill response, groundwater monitoring, site characterization, remediation system design, regulatory compliance reporting, environmental due diligence, and TENORM management.
Asbestos, Lead and Demolition Consulting Services
Otwell Mawby offers comprehensive asbestos, lead and demolition consulting services including certified building inspections, project design and management, air sampling, training, and additional pre-demolition inspections for various contaminants to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize exposure risks.
Brownfield Redevelopment Services
Otwell Mawby specializes in making underutilized sites economically viable through expert environmental management and incentive procurement.
Underground Storage Tanks
Otwell Mawby, P.C. offers comprehensive underground storage tank (UST) services including tank registration confirmation, removal supervision, environmental sampling, leak reporting, and remedial action planning to help clients maintain regulatory compliance.
Hydrogeologic and Potable Water Supply Investigations
We specialize in helping clients secure reliable clean water supplies through comprehensive well permitting assistance. Our services include geological and drainage feature assessment, analysis of existing groundwater studies and drilling records, custom hydrogeologic investigations, aquifer testing for water quality and quantity evaluation, design of wells and well fields, water distribution system analysis, aquifer recharge analysis and quality testing to ensure contaminant-free water. Our expertise supports the development of essential water infrastructure for townships, cities, and other growing communities.
Remediation
With extensive experience managing soil and groundwater remediation projects, we maintain effective communication with regulatory agencies to ensure cost-efficient compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Otwell Mawby, we understand that navigating environmental concerns can be complex. Here, we address some common questions about our services and processes to help you make informed decisions.
What sets Otwell Mawby apart?
With over 30 years of experience, our locally owned firm combines extensive knowledge of northern Michigan's environment with a commitment to client satisfaction. We pride ourselves on delivering innovative and effective solutions tailored to each client's unique challenges.
What services do you offer?
We provide a wide range of consulting services, including asbestos/ lead testing, environmental site assessments, sampling, training courses, brownfield incentive planning, oil/ natural gas regulatory compliance activities, among others. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Do you provide services to residential homes or only commercial sites?
Otwell Mawby has a wide variety of clients and performs various consulting services related to both residential homesites, commercial properties, and vacant land.
How long do assessments take to complete?
The turnaround time for our services varies depending on the client needs, complexity of a project, and regulatory times lines. Otwell Mawby typically completes Phase I ESAs in two weeks, Phase II ESA or building material samples can often be expedited for results within a couple days, and other assessments depend on the specifics of the scope of work and client timelines. Contact one of our professionals to discuss the project specifics and we can provide a detailed scope, budget and schedule for completion of your project.
How much do Phase I ESAs cost?
The cost for completion is site specific and depends on the historical uses of the site, the results of prior environmental assessments, the current and historical developments not only of the site being assessed but of area properties, among other factors. We understand costs and timing are client priorities and our success relies on cost effective and timely responses to meet our client’s needs.
What is the cost of a Phase II ESA?
A Phase II ESA investigation is developed based on the findings of a Phase I ESA report. A Phase II investigation is site specific and as a result, the cost of these investigations varies between sites. Once enough initial information is known about a site, a Phase II ESA work scope can be developed and a cost estimate provided.
How do I get a cost estimate?
We provide written proposals that detail the scope of services to be performed, the schedule for completion, and associated costs. Our proposals are emailed for review and approval. Proposals are provided free of charge.
How are reports delivered?
We typically provide electronic copies in pdf format with delivery via email. Hard copies can be provided upon request.
Request a Site Assessment Today
We are committed to providing you with the highest quality environmental engineering services. Whether you have questions about our offerings or need a consultation, we are here to help. Your environmental concerns are our priority, and we look forward to assisting you.