Technical evaluations for Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) and Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) are ongoing. This project includes research of pit lake water chemistry data and water quality parameters. Data analysis involves comparisons of existing pit lake water quality data with predicted concentrations from geochemical modeling of pit lake water quality. Findings and recommendations provide further analysis for project development.

Phase I of this project was a comprehensive review of the latest research on utilizing composters to manage biosolids, including technical, environmental and regulatory issues. Topics covered were methods, materials, removal of metals, organic and inorganic compounds, bulking agents, composting time and temperatures, and compost quality. Planning for the next phase of this project is ongoing.

A health and safety review was completed, in preparation for fieldwork that included soil sampling. This project involved a review of earlier laboratory analytical results, soil sample data, sampling and analysis plan, reports to regulatory agencies, health and safety plan, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Recommendations for revising the health and safety plan were prepared for the client.

Background documents researched for this project included material safety data sheets, safety data sheets, product evaluations, agency approvals, OSHA standards, monographs and scientific studies on the chemical properties of a dust suppressant. Based on this research, an evaluation and recommendations were prepared for managing and minimizing the hazards to workers who would be handling the dust suppressant and applying it in the field.

Insulation Product Emission Inventory – researched, reviewed and evaluated safety data sheets and manufacturing information on an insulation product. Based on research and collaboration with the project manager, the best approaches for preparing the air emission inventory were identified. These approaches included calculations for volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutant emissions.

Toxicology Review – evaluated the responses from a project proponent to a public reviewer during the environmental review process and preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for a new mining project. This evaluation focused on the potential hazards of chemicals that could be associated with the proposed project. The evaluation included research on site-specific water quality objectives, a technical review of spiked water quality bioassays conducted by an analytical laboratory and written comments for the public record.

Toxicity Assessment – reviewed analytical data on organic compounds in soil, including hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds. Based on this review, the toxicities and exposure limits for selected organic compounds were researched, and a spreadsheet summarizing the exposure limits for identified compounds was prepared. The most current OSHA regulations for personal protective equipment were researched, and the final assessment included recommendations for minimizing hazards and protecting workers during field operations.

Toxicity and health hazard assessments of organic, synthetic organic and inorganic compounds for industrial process materials and product lines for the manufacturing industry. Assessments included research and analysis of toxicology data, regulations, manufacturers’ safety data sheets, published literature, technical reports, process flow diagrams, chemical use rates, chemical mass balance calculations, and other reference materials concerning worker safety, public health, and environmental hazards. Results were used for safe manufacture, use, and end of life disposal of manufactured products.

Process hazard analysis projects in accordance with federal and state laws. As project manager, Dr. Carroll managed all aspects of process hazard analyses and chemical accident prevention programs for transport, consolidation, safe receipt and long-term storage of the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency’s strategic stockpile (~5,000 tons) of elemental mercury at Hawthorne Army Depot, NV. Allowed the dispersed national stockpile of elemental mercury to be transported, received, and stored in one location without incident to control access and support safe and environmentally sound management. Project included analysis of the movement and transfer of material, review of regulations and guidance, and application of professional experience and judgment to develop best management and chemical accident prevention practices. Performed “What if” analysis, HAZOP, and human factors evaluations for all aspects of process review to identify best management practices. Project team identified over 200 mitigation recommendations. All were implemented.

Preparation of air quality operating permit applications, working with multi-disciplinary project teams. Experience with all aspects of permit application and regulatory support for clients, including air quality assessments to support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/ Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). Dr. Carroll has extensive experience in data collection, emissions inventories, data analysis, impact analysis, document preparation, and regulatory negotiations. Projects included data interpretation and use of model outputs in the permitting and NEPA/EIS process.