Services

Geotechnical Engineering
Soils Testing
Engineering Geology
Environmental Consulting Services (Phase I & II)
Laboratory Testing Services
Construction Inspection

Geotechnical Engineering:

CHJ Incorporated has performed thousands of geotechnical investigations, ranging from single family residence to large commercial developments. Subsurface investigations are performed by Staff Geologists who are supervised by Professional Geotechnical Engineers and Certified Engineering Geologists. Subsurface soils are obtained with the aid of a truck-mounted drill rig or tractor-mounted backhoe. The soils encountered are classified and logged by the Staff Geologist for review by the Geotechnical Engineer and/or Engineering Geologist. Soil samples are collected and returned to our laboratory for testing and evaluation. A complete report which describes the geotechnical investigation in detail, including grading and foundation recommendations based on the subsurface investigation and laboratory testing, is completed by our Project Engineer and Engineering Geologist.

Further geotechnical investigations may be warranted based on the findings of the initial investigation. Further investigations may include, slope stability calculations, drainage considerations, excavation potential of dense soils or bedrock, structural section design recommendations, and percolation investigations.

Soils Testing and Observation:

During construction, CHJ performs observation and compaction testing for earthwork and construction projects. Our experienced technicians are directed by our Geotechnical Engineers and Engineering Geologists. Our construction project experience includes deep foundation systems and large retaining walls, as well as earthwork projects involving deep fills. We also perform special evaluations concerning landslide and structure distress issues.

CHJ currently has 24 field technicians that are trained and experienced with all levels of soil testing, asphalt concrete testing, and grading observation. In addition, the field technicians are equipped with the proper equipment to accurately expedite the project. This equipment includes nuclear gauges for quick and accurate compaction test results of soils and asphalt concrete.

Engineering Geology:

Engineering geology is the application of the geological sciences to the design, construction, and maintenance of engineering works. CHJ has performed engineering geology investigations for projects ranging in size from large planned residential communities to individual structures. Our geologists have expertise in all types of geologic hazards investigations, including probabilistic and deterministic seismic risk, fault rupture hazard, liquefaction, landsliding, shallow groundwater, rippability, disaster remediation, forensic studies, and expert witness testimony. We also provide complete groundwater resource exploration and development services such as horizontal and vertical well sitting, well design/construction recommendations, and aquifer testing/evaluation.

CHJ's geologists have planned, conducted, and reported tens of thousands of feet of trench excavations across major active faults such as the San Andreas, San Jacinto, Elsinore, and Cucamonga faults, as well as across minor faults such as the Murrieta Hot Springs and Lytle Creek faults. We have completed major subsurface investigations of slope stability for hillside developments in such geologically challenging areas as the Chino Hills and the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. We have developed a reputation as one of the pre-eminent Engineering Geologists in Southern California.

Environmental Consulting Services:

PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS (PHASE I):
Phase I assessments are performed as part of pre-acquisition due diligence for real property transfers. These assessments are designed to determine the potential for significant environmental contamination on or in the vicinity of the property from previous and/or existing use, and disposal or storage of hazardous substances. We have performed such assessments on residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial properties ranging over 1,000 acres. Our assessments are designed to meet specific lender requirements and the client's particular risk management objectives.

Past site and adjacent area usage is determined through review of historic aerial photographs, fire insurance maps, city directories, and personal interviews. Historic aerial photographs are a primary source of information in undeveloped areas. Fire insurance maps and city directories provide a history for municipalities from the late 1800s to the present. Personal interviews with former owners or persons familiar with the site can provide insights which would otherwise be undocumented. Former owners may be identified by a review of chain-of-title information and persons familiar with the site may be identified by our personal knowledge of many local communities. Additional research may include review of records at local building departments, fire departments, planning departments, libraries, and museums.

Up-to-date lists of sites with potential environmental problems are reviewed to evaluate impact to the site. These lists include, but are not limited to:

• U.S. EPA National Priorities List
• U.S. EPA, Superfund Program, CERCLIS List 8
• Cal EPA - The Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List, pursuant to AB 3750
• Expenditure Plan for the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Bond Act of 1984, updated January 1990
• California Regional Water Quality Control Board, List of Contaminated Domestic Wells, per AB 1803
• California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Underground Tank Data Base List and Non-Tank Data Base List
• Solid Waste Assessment Test Program List (SWAT)

A request is made to the local County Environmental Health Department for review of their records for the property, and, if necessary, adjacent properties. Records on file with the agency are reviewed for spills, illegal disposal of hazardous materials, underground tanks permits and testing, and other potential impacts to the site from hazardous materials.

A site and area reconnaissance is performed to verify existing conditions. Observations are made of unusual soil colorations, odors or physical irregularities, as well as indications of potential contamination sources such as underground or above ground storage tanks or transformers.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION SCREEN ASTM 1528:
Recognizing that some real estate transactions may not require the level of environmental due diligence inquiry provided in a comprehensive Preliminary Environmental Site Assessment, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) developed the Transaction Screen process. The Transaction Screen follows a questionnaire format that elicits basic information regarding current and past use of the property through interviews with the property owner and occupants, a site reconnaissance of the property, and limited research of government records and historical sources. The Transaction Screen is designed to provide preliminary information that will aid the client in determining if significant contamination may exist onsite. The advantages to conducting the Transaction Screen include:

• A reduction in cost to the borrower when a comprehensive investigation may be unnecessary
• A shorter turn-around time than that of a full Phase I assessment
• A source of information that may alert a lender or buyer of potential environmental problems on the property

If information is obtained through the Transaction Screen that indicates a full Preliminary Environmental Site Assessment may be warranted, portions of the cost of the Transaction Screen will be deducted from the cost of the expanded assessment.

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS:
Environmental Audits are generally conducted on ongoing operations to review a company's operating records and to examine the company's environmental practices. Information gathered during the audit is evaluated to determine compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulatory disclosure requirements which in turn is used to identify potential risks at the facility.

During the Environmental Audit site inspection, features including buildings, utilities, adjacent land uses, waste evidence, chemical/fuel storage areas, manhole and catch basins/drains, water features, geologic features, process tanks, pits/ponds/lagoons, disposal areas, and chemical transfer points are observed. Environmental problems encountered on a site generally relate to water, air, and solid waste discharges or potential discharges. Company information and records reviewed during the audit are used for evaluating:

• Permits and support documentation
• Flowsheets
• Air-emission inventories
• Sampling records
• Analytical techniques
• Maintenance records
• Operating logs
• Periodic results filed with regulatory agencies
• Permit-exceedance reports
• Emergency Action Plans
• Oil spill and hazardous substances contingency plans
• Notification procedures
• Electrical transformer labeling, storage and disposal records

In addition, information is requested from the local County Environmental Health Department regarding spills, illegal disposal of hazardous materials, underground tank permits and testing, and other potential impacts from hazardous materials on the site. Regulatory agency databases listing known or potential hazardous waste sites are also reviewed to determine if the subject site has had reported contamination or to determine if off-site sources of contamination may have impacted the subject property.

ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS (PHASE II):
Subsurface investigations or surficial sampling (Phase II) are often necessary to characterize potential contamination from suspect improper usage of hazardous materials. Phase II assessments may follow recommendations made in the Phase I report by identifying contaminants of concern and evaluating their distribution in soil and/or groundwater. The goal of the Phase II assessment is to obtain data that may be used to gain closure for the specific project or that may be used for development of a site specific clean-up plan. Commercial and industrial sites present particular problems for contaminant characterization. Our experience provides us with background to efficiently identify potential concerns and perform the required investigation needed for case closure.

Based upon our preliminary assessment and client requirements, a sampling program utilizing random or authoritative methods may be initiated to characterize the potential contamination. Sampling and testing is conducted in accordance with EPA protocols and guidelines as specified in SW 846, Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste and California Code of Regulations Title 22. Testing is performed by a state-certified laboratory in accordance with EPA test methods and/or California Code of Regulations Title 22 specifications.

UNDERGROUND TANK INVESTIGATIONS:
Investigations of underground storage tanks are performed to determine if leakage has occurred and to evaluate the extent of any contaminant plume.

These investigations can be conducted prior to tank removal by drilling methods, or after removal by grab sampling methods. We specialize in researching, locating and investigating previously removed underground tanks.

Laboratory Testing Services:

CHJ's testing laboratory enjoys the reputation of being one of the leading materials and soil testing laboratories in Southern California. The laboratory's record of "Service to our Clients" and technical excellence makes it the testing laboratory of choice for many contractors, material producers, and project owners throughout Southern California.

Our laboratory can perform testing of the full range of construction materials and soils. These capabilities include rock products such as aggregates and base materials, concrete, masonry materials and reinforcing steel. Our 400,000-pound capacity Baldwin testing machine is one of the largest in the area and is capable of testing large reinforcing bars and masonry prisms. The soil mechanics laboratory can perform numerous testing services including, sieve analyses, optimum moisture - maximum density, consolidation, direct shear, and R-value tests. Asphalt concrete can be tested for asphalt content, aggregate gradation, and stability, as well as other qualities. We also test built-up roofing, spray-applied fireproofing, welds, bolts, and other construction related materials.

All tests are performed by qualified and experienced technicians. The Laboratory Supervisor and several of our technicians have been with CHJ for over 20 years. All testing is overseen and reviewed by Professional Engineers. Our laboratory meets the requirements of ASTM E 329 "Standard Recommended Practice for Inspection and Testing Agencies for Concrete, Steel, and Bituminous Materials as Used in Construction" and is regularly examined by the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory of the National Institute for Standards and Testing. Our laboratory is also approved by the State of California, Caltrans LEA No. 62, and the City of Los Angeles.

Construction Inspection:

CHJ performs special and deputy inspections on a wide range of projects throughout Southern California. Our inspectors have performed reinforced concrete, structural steel, welding, reinforced masonry, shotcrete, and fireproofing inspections on many projects including the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center; University of California, Riverside; Loma Linda University Medical Center; and numerous other office buildings, schools, and hospitals. Our inspectors are certified by a number of agencies and jurisdictions including the International Conference of Building Officials, American Welding Society, and Division of State Architect.

Our materials technicians and inspectors have worked on a number of major airports, roadways, schools, and flood control projects which include the Los Angeles International Airport Taxiway, Ontario International Airport UPS Facility, the Santa Fe Intermodal Facility and University of California Riverside. Our materials technicians and inspectors are certified by the American Concrete Institute as well as other organizations.

All CHJ inspectors are employees of the company and are managed and directed by Professional Engineers with extensive experience in construction inspection and materials engineering. The experience of CHJ's inspectors and engineers along with our commitment to "Service to our Clients" makes a difference.

Availability and Response Time:

CHJ is able to provide observation and field testing services 24 hours a day, if necessary. However, please note that any testing to be performed after normal business hours would require advance notice to allow our Operations Manager to make the proper arrangements. In addition, CHJ is centrally located, and our technicians are able to provide expedited response times to any project.

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C.H.J., Incorporated is a Full-Service Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Testing, Construction Inspection, Environmental, and Consulting Firm