NEWS

Balboa Park No Further Action

September 19, 2024

We’re thrilled to announce a significant milestone achieved assisting our client with the successful development of over 130 affordable housing units and over 10,000 square feet of commercial space in San Francisco’s Balboa Park neighborhood, formerly the San Francisco Muni Yard.
 
Our dedicated team guided our client through the San Francisco Maher program, helping bring these vital housing units to life. This week, we’re proud to share that our client has received a ‘No Further Action’ letter from the San Francisco Department of Public Health, a testament to Path Forward Partners, Inc.’s expertise and dedication.
 
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the Path Forward team and our incredible client. We’re honored to contribute to the growth and betterment of Balboa Park, supporting accessible and affordable housing initiatives that positively impact our community.
 
At Path Forward Partners, we’re committed to driving positive change, fostering sustainable development, and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Contact us for assistance on your next affordable housing project. For more information visit www.pathfw.net

#Affordable Housing #Community Development #Path Forward Partners #Balboa Park #Maher #San Francisco #redevelopment #no further action #success #san francisco real estate

2550 Irving Ground Breaking

September 4, 2024

Path Forward began supporting TNDC on the 2550 Irving Street project in 2019, providing comprehensive due diligence support, including Phase Is and Phase IIs through the acquisition of the property with assistance from the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. Subsequently, we guided the project through the CLRRA process, securing approval of a Response Plan to implement a vapor intrusion mitigation system in 2021.

Since then, Path Forward has actively contributed to pre-development tasks, including:·

  • Testimony at the San Francisco Board of Appeals
  • Participation in community meetings
  • Collaboration with the development team to prepare for construction
  • Obtaining necessary approvals from the DTSC and SFDPH

Today, we proudly celebrate the groundbreaking of this remarkable project, that has been a long time in the works, bringing much-needed affordable housing to San Francisco’s Westside. We’re committed to supporting TNDC and the entire team including Guzman Construction Group, PYATOK architecture + urban design, and Farella Braun + Martel LLP, throughout the development journey, all the way to occupancy in just under two years!

🙌 Let’s build a brighter future together! 🌟

Learn more about how Path Forward can assist your affordable housing projects at www.pathfw.net

Title 27 Project Success

August 23, 2024

Path Forward successfully assisted our client in obtaining reduced post closure Title 27 obligations at a 6-acre property in Benicia. The Site is being regulated as a landfill under the oversight of Solano County Department of Resource Management (SCDRM) acting as the Local Enforcement Agency for CalRecycle. Due to the presence of buried debris and inadequate historical definition of the landfill’s lateral and vertical extents, post closure requirements under California Code of Regulations limited on-Site uses other than non-irrigated open space.

Last fall, we met with SCDRM to discuss how we can reduce the footprint of the landfill requirements so that our client could utilize and lease much of the property to a prospective commercial tenant. After conducting a comprehensive geophysical survey, excavating exploration trenches and potholes, performing landfill gas monitoring, performing soil and groundwater sampling, Path Forward refined the area subject to pertinent Title 27 requirements to 0.7-acres allowing the majority of the property to be put to beneficial use.

After concurrence from SCDRM, we designed and oversaw the construction of a clean cover cap over the reduced landfill area that is fenced off from the remainder of the property. Additionally, Path Forward characterized the existing soil from the historical cap to allow it to be reused elsewhere on-Site. The new cap was constructed of a durable 40-mil impervious liner situated atop the buried debris, with aggregate placed above, sloped, and was compacted to geotechnical specifications to provide adequate drainage to the satisfaction of the LEA.

We thank the dedication, collaboration, and expedience of SCDRM and our client for this achievement. For more information visit us at www.pathfw.net
 
#Path Forward #Title 27 #CCR #CalRecycle #LEA #Landfill #Project Success

Path Forward with Radon

August 15, 2024

Path Forward is thrilled to announce that we are certified to measure and assess radon. Our team now includes a Radon Measurement Professional (RMP) licensed with the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) and verified by the California Department of Public Health. This new accreditation will allow Path Forward to provide the highest standards of expertise in radon assessment, and underscores our unwavering commitment to provide our clients with comprehensive environmental support during their new construction and real estate transactions for existing buildings. 
 
Our licensed RMP meticulously follows prescribed standards and guidelines established by ANSI, AARST, Indoor Environments Association, HUD, Fannie Mae, and private lenders. We adhere to the latest protocols for conducting measurements of radon in homes and multifamily, school, commercial, and mixed-use buildings, including affordable housing developments. 
 
We recognize the critical importance of radon assessments in new construction and real estate transactions, and Path Forward is adept at performing these evaluations in accordance with specific requirements outlined by regulatory authorities. By engaging our services, clients can trust that their radon assessment needs are managed with the utmost professionalism and efficiency, empowering them to make well-informed decisions. 
 
At Path Forward, we prioritize not only project success but also public safety and client satisfaction. Our dedication to excellence shines through in every aspect of our services. Visit https://www.pathfw.net/contaminated-sites/vapor-intrusion-assessments/ today to learn more about how Path Forward can support your projects.

#Path Forward #Radon Assessment #Construction Safety #Real Estate Transactions #Affordable Housing

Septic Systems and Phase Is

March 9, 2023

Septic systems are an important consideration when performing a Phase I Environmental Assessment (Phase I ESA) of a property. In accordance with ASTM E1527–21, a recognized environmental condition (REC) is defined as the presence or likely presence of any hazardous substances or petroleum products on a property, due to past or present activities. While a septic system may not inherently qualify as a REC, its presence may cause problems for providers of Phase Is.

The Phase I standard requires investigation of historical property use to identify any potential sources of contamination. If it is suspected that hazardous waste or petroleum products may have been discharged to the septic system, then the presence of the septic system becomes a significant factor in the assessment.

Recently, Path Forward conducted a Phase I ESA on a property that was previously used as a school and later converted to a community building. Although a septic system was identified, it was not suspected that hazardous waste or petroleum products would have been discharged. In contrast, another project involved a single-family home where the occupant was rebuilding cars, and a septic system was also identified. Due to the absence of identified waste handling procedures at the single-family home, there was a high likelihood that hazardous waste or petroleum products may have been discharged to the septic system. In this case, the presence of the septic system was considered a REC.

It is crucial to work with experienced professionals when conducting a Phase I ESA, especially when septic systems are involved. Path Forward Partners has extensive experience in conducting Phase Is and identifying potential sources of contamination, including septic systems. By working with a qualified and experienced professional, users of the Phase I can ensure that potential risks are identified and mitigated, and that they have a comprehensive understanding of their property’s environmental history.

Prospective purchasers/lessors, financial institutions, and property owners should work with experienced professionals, such as Path Forward Partners, to ensure that all potential risks are identified and addressed during the assessment process. Learn more about our due diligence services including Phase I ESAs at the link below:Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

Cal/EPA Releases Final Draft of VI Guidance

February 23, 2023

The Final Draft Supplemental Guidance for Screening and Evaluating Vapor Intrusion released by the Cal/EPA was released today formalizing the use of a generic attenuation factor of 0.03 for screening vapor intrusion. Significant research has shown that this attenuation factor is not representative of conditions observed in California.

For example, the June 2021 California Specific Attenuation Factor study presented by Lahvis et. al found that the use of a 0.03 attenuation factor resulted in over-predictions of vapor intrusion risk at many sites in California. Similarly, a study recently released by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) also found that the use of a 0.03 attenuation factor may not be appropriate in some cases and instead presented an empirical attenuation factor of 0.0009.

Despite these findings, the Cal/EPA has decided to maintain the 0.03 attenuation factor as a conservative approach. This conservatism continues to create significant barriers for redevelopment and economic growth, as many properties are being flagged for potential vapor intrusion risks that are unlikely to exist.

At Path Forward, we are at the forefront of understanding the latest research and regulatory guidance on this issue. We can work with our clients to evaluate their properties using site-specific information and advanced modeling techniques to ensure that vapor intrusion risks are accurately identified and managed.

With our strong relationships with regulatory agencies, we can also help our clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape and keep their projects moving forward. Whether it’s assessing potential vapor intrusion risks or developing mitigation strategies, Path Forward is here to help our clients achieve their goals while protecting public health and the environment.

For more information about Path Forward’s Vapor Intrusion Services, please visit: https://www.pathfw.net/contaminated-sites/vapor-intrusion-assessments/

#vapor intrusion #attenuation factor #vapor intrusion assessments #environmental consulting #contamination