BSK Associates Awarded New Contract with SSUSD

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BSK Associates Awarded New Contract with SSUSD

BSK Associates is thrilled to announce our latest project awarded by the Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD). Our team has been selected to conduct a fault hazard investigation for the proposed Vieweg Elementary School site. This critical study aims to ensure the safety and stability of the new school by thoroughly examining a potential active fault zone on the property.

Meet the Team

At BSK Associates, we are committed to the highest standards of safety and precision. Our experienced team, led by some of the most esteemed professionals in the field, will manage this project with meticulous care.

Leading the project will be Adam Terronez, PE, GE, serving as the lead Geotechnical Engineer. With extensive experience in Geotechnical Engineering and a deep understanding of seismic safety, Adam brings invaluable expertise to this initiative. Supporting him are Michael Romero and Neil McConnell, our lead Certified Engineering Geologists, who will be instrumental in conducting the fault trenching investigation. We would also like to thank BSK’s Tony Martin and Kevin Grove that are providing environmental assessment for the property and oversight for the investigation

Additionally, Omar Khan played a crucial role in preparing our winning proposal, ensuring that BSK’s qualifications and dedication to excellence were highlighted. His efforts have paved the way for our team to contribute significantly to the safety and development of the new school site.

Commitment to the Community

BSK Associates has a long-standing relationship with SSUSD, and we are honored to continue our partnership by providing essential services that contribute to the district’s growth and safety. Some notable prior projects with SSUSD including:

  • Richmond Elementary School: BSK provided Geotechnical Engineering, Geologic/Seismic Hazards Assessment, and Construction Materials Testing Services for the new Richmond Elementary School Campus that is currently under construction.
  • Murray Middle School Campus: BSK provided Geotechnical Engineering, Geologic/Seismic Hazards Assessment, Fault Trenching Investigation, Environmental Assessments and Construction Materials Testing Services.
  • Burrough High School Modernization: BSK has proudly contributed to the modernization of Burrough High School by providing comprehensive Geotechnical Engineering, Geologic/Seismic Hazards Assessment, and Construction Materials Testing Services.
  • At Faller Elementary School, we recently delivered Construction Materials and Special Inspection Services for the installation of a new 60-foot tower, playground remodel, and new shade structures. Our team is also actively engaged in Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for the new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) buildings at both Faller Elementary School and Las Flores Elementary School.
  • Additionally, we have successfully completed Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspection Services for relocatable classrooms, ADA improvements, and shade structures at Vieweg Elementary School, Pierce Elementary School, Richmond Elementary School, Gateway Elementary School, and James Monroe Middle School. Santiago Espinoza leads these projects as BSK’s dedicated project manager.

The proposed Vieweg Elementary School is a significant development for the community, and we are dedicated to ensuring its foundation is secure and resilient.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to serve Sierra Sands Unified School District on another great facility that will serve students, faculty, staff, and the Ridgecrest community,” says Adam Terronez, PE, GE, Bakersfield Branch Manager.

Thank you SSUSD for your continued support and trust in BSK Associates. Together, we are building a safer and stronger future for our communities.

Meet the Staff

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn. Explore our other projects here! Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.

UCMR5 Testing

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UCMR5 Testing

 

What is UCMR5?

The Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) represents a significant step by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in safeguarding our drinking water. This initiative involves monitoring a set of contaminants that, while not currently regulated, could pose potential health risks. The data collected through UCMR5 helps to maintain the integrity of our water supply and ensures that we’re proactive in addressing any emerging threats to public health.

Why UCMR5 Matters

UCMR5 is more than just a regulatory measure; it’s a crucial tool in the ongoing battle to protect our most vital resource—water. By identifying and understanding the presence of emerging contaminants, we can take informed steps to mitigate their impact and preserve the health of our communities.

Key Insights into UCMR5

Publication Date: The EPA released UCMR5 on December 27, 2021.

Contaminants: The rule mandates sampling for 30 chemical contaminants, with a focus on PFAS and lithium, from 2023 to 2025.

Health Impact: The collected data will inform future regulations to protect public health.

Environmental Justice: The rule assesses the impact of contaminants on vulnerable communities.

Current Findings: As of January 11, 2024, the EPA has published data on 29 PFAS and lithium, representing about 24% of the expected results by 2026.

Research and Development: Efforts are ongoing to refine measurement techniques for these contaminants. For a deeper dive into UCMR5, refer to the EPA’s comprehensive UCMR 5 Program Overview Fact Sheet and the Technical Fact Sheet: Lithium in Drinking Water for insights into the results and associated health risks.

Addition of Lithium

Lithium, a naturally occurring metal in the Earth’s crust, is often found at higher concentrations in groundwater sources in arid regions of the Western U.S. This versatile element is used in various commercial applications, including pharmaceuticals, industrial chemical catalysts, and as a sanitizing agent. Additionally, lithium is increasingly used in batteries. While it may be present in foods like cereal grains, leafy vegetables, and root crops, the significance of these dietary sources is not yet clear, and there is no recommended dietary allowance for lithium in the U.S.

In the context of the EPA’s Fifth Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 5), which identifies contaminants that may require future regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), lithium was selected for inclusion in the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 (UCMR 5). This decision was based on its expected or known occurrence in drinking water and the need for more health effects information. The monitoring data from UCMR 5 will help determine if lithium in drinking water poses health risks and inform future regulatory decisions.

It’s important to note that the EPA currently does not have a health advisory specifically for lithium in drinking water. However, a health reference level (HRL) has been derived for screening purposes based on available toxicity data. This level is not a final determination of the safe level of lithium in drinking water but is used to guide further research and assessment.

For more information on lithium in drinking water, including the EPA’s provisional peer-reviewed toxicity value (PPRTV) assessment and treatment information, refer to the Technical Fact Sheet: Lithium in Drinking Water and the UCMR 5 Data Summary provided by the EPA. The science on lithium’s health effects and safe levels in drinking water is still evolving, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and research in this area.

UCMR5 Monitoring Requirements

UCMR 5 mandates monitoring by specific public water systems (PWSs) for 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and lithium in drinking water between 2023 and 2025.

Here’s how it applies to different community water systems:

  • More than 10,000 people: Must monitor during a single 12-month timeframe within the three years of monitoring.
  • Between 3,300 and 10,000 people: Subject to availability of appropriations and sufficient laboratory capacity.
  • Fewer than 3,300 people: A representative sample is required for monitoring.

Choosing BSK Associates for UCMR5 Testing

BSK Associates stands at the forefront of UCMR5 testing. Our state-of-the-art services are tailored to deliver precise and dependable results, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and the safety of your water supply.

BSK Associates was one of the first labs to become certified for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, (PFAS). PFAS testing in the state of California. As a leader in PFAS testing our technical experts are here to assist you with your PFAS projects. We follow strict Quality Assurance / Quality Control guidelines. We are accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, (NELAP) and the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, (CA ELAP) for all PFAS compounds in drinking water by EPA’s 533 and 537.1 methodologies.

Our laboratory has performed PFAS analyses for more than 10 years now. During that time, our laboratory has analyzed thousands of EPA method 537 samples while participating in EPA’s UCMR3 monitoring program as well as drinking water by EPA method 537.1.

BSK’s Commitment to Customer Service

At BSK Associates, we’re not just about testing; we’re about people. Our dedicated team is here to support you through every step of the UCMR5 testing process, providing expert guidance and personalized care. Providing you with accurate and defensible results is our top priority, and we’re committed to excellence in service.

Stay Updated

UCMR 5 Data Finder:  UCMR 5 Data Finder is an invaluable resource that allows users to:

  • Search: Access and summarize analytical results from UCMR 5.
  • Filter: Refine results using various criteria, such as Public Water System (PWS), state, contaminant, source water type, and detection levels.
  • Health Risk Identification: Highlight results that exceed health-based reference concentrations.

The EPA will regularly update the UCMR 5 Data Finder quarterly until 2026. The next data release, addressing results received as of April 2024, is anticipated by early May 2024. Keep an eye on this tool for the latest information on unregulated contaminants in your area.

The data represented in the UCMR 5 Data Finder is up to date as of January 11, 2024, and will continue to be updated until the completion of data reporting in 2026.

Resources:

EPA News Release: 

UCMR5 Rules and Regulations:

The Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) Data Summary: January 2024 (epa.gov)

 

How BSK is helping the Central Valley’s Agricultural Industry with Dairy Digesters

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How BSK is helping the Central Valley’s Agricultural Industry with Dairy Digesters

BSK has been part of the effort the agricultural industry in the greater Fresno area has made towards sustainability with the construction of new dairy digesters. BSK has provided environmental, geotechnical, special inspection and materials testing support to many dairy digester projects in the Central Valley. These innovative systems are not just a win for our local farmers but a huge benefit for our community and the environment. Here’s why:
How BSK is helping the Central Valley's Agricultural Industry with Dairy Digesters
1. Green Energy Production:  Dairy digesters convert cow manure into clean, renewable energy. This means fewer greenhouse gases and more power for our homes and businesses – all from a source we have plenty of!
2. Reduced Environmental Impact:  By capturing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, dairy digesters help combat climate change. This process significantly lowers the carbon footprint of our dairy farms, making our milk, cheese, and butter more eco-friendly.
3. Boost for Local Economy: This project creates jobs and provides new revenue streams for our farmers. Investing in green technology keeps Fresno at the forefront of agricultural innovation and sustainability.
4. Healthier Communities: Cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint mean a healthier environment for us all. By supporting projects like these, we’re investing in our community’s well-being for generations to come.
5. Sustainable Farming Practices: Dairy digesters are a step towards more sustainable farming, enabling farmers to manage waste more effectively and use resources more efficiently.

How BSK is helping the Central Valley's Agricultural Industry with Dairy Digesters

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn. Explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.

Meadows Field Airport

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Meadows Field Airport

From 2016 to current BSK has provide geotechnical investigation and construction material testing to support Meadows Field Airport on their major design and construction projects. The work on Runway 12L-30R has been completed in three phases over four years. The runway opening means the airport can more effectively keep the takeoff and landing of heavier commercial aircraft separate from smaller, lighter planes. Having both runways open and operating also helps keep Meadows flexible as demand grows and circumstances change.

The cost of this third and final phase of the runway project including construction, administration, inspection, and material testing was $14.5 million. In total, the cost of rehabilitating Meadows Field’s main runway is nearing $50 million.

 

County of Kern, Meadows Field Airport Runway 12L-30R Rehabilitation, Bakersfield, CA

BSK provided geotechnical engineering during the design phase and QA construction material testing services during the construction phase of the project. The existing runway is approximately 150 feet wide and is approximately 13,000 feet in length. Nineteen taxiways are included within the limits of the project. BSK’s responsibilities included providing geotechnical data compatible with FAA AC 150/5320-6 Airport Design and Evaluation Requirements. BSK’s geotechnical investigation included a total of sixty-one (61) geotechnical borings at the existing runaway and an additional sixteen (16) core-only locations. Special challenges include coring the existing pavement section with thicknesses up to 24 inches and work within an active runway. BSK’s geotechnical investigation was performed at night between the hours of approximately 12am (midnight) and 5:30am. Site preparation recommendations included subgrade re-compaction recommendations and recommendations for aggregate base placement and compaction. The geotechnical laboratory testing included California Bearing Ratio, particle size, soil corrosivity, in-place moisture content and dry density, Atterberg Limits, and moisture-density relationship testing. During the construction phase of work, BSK provided QA oversight during paving operations including aggregate base course sampling, concrete sampling, laboratory compaction of Marshall briquettes at the production plant, HMA core sample pick up, laboratory testing and preparation of daily field and laboratory test reports.

County of Kern, Meadows Field Airport Taxiway ‘A’ Reconstruction and Rehabilitation, Bakersfield, CA

BSK provided geotechnical engineering investigation, geotechnical laboratory testing during the initial design stage and quality assurance testing services during the construction phases of the project that includes the following facility improvements: Demolishing eight (8) existing taxiways which connect Taxiway ‘A’ to the main facility (approximately 200-feet long and 75’ wide), Constructing two (2) new taxiways between Taxiway A and the main facility (approximately 200-feet long and 75’ wide), Constructing one (1) taxiway parallel to Taxiway ‘A’ in front of the main facility at the apron (approximately 3,800 feet long and 75 feet wide), Reconstruction of the asphalt pavement section will extend for the entire length of Taxiway ‘A’ (approximately 11,400 feet long and 100 feet wide), and Reconstruction of seven (7) taxiways connecting to Taxiway ‘A’ (variable dimensions). BSK’s responsibilities included providing geotechnical data compatible with FAA AC 150/5320-6 Airport Design and Evaluation Requirements. BSK’s geotechnical investigation included a total of seventy-four (74) geotechnical borings at the existing taxiway and an additional eleven (11) core-only locations. Due to work performed at an active runway. BSK’s geotechnical investigation was performed at night between the hours of approximately 12am (midnight) and 5:30am. The geotechnical laboratory testing included California Bearing Ratio, particle size, soil corrosivity, in-place moisture content and dry density, Atterberg Limits, and moisture-density relationship testing.

meadow fields

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Moreover, don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

BSK Associates Grand Opening

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BSK Associates Grand Opening

BSK Associates Grand Opening

BSK Associates is excited to announce the grand opening of our new laboratory and transition of our engineering and corporate offices on May 12, 2023. This change allows all three Fresno facilities to unite on the corner of Laverne and Armstrong. The physical location was strategic as well with close access to two major freeways. This allows easier access for all of our customers and our employees. Additionally, this new location will accommodate future growth in a state-of-the-art facility, designed specifically for environmental lab operations.

Our new analytical lab features an open floorplan. The floorplan has been designed for ideal flow of our processes, communication, and collaboration. It will facilitate and encourage cross training by providing training and collaboration spaces. The 25,600 square feet of open space allows for up to 30% more analytical testing capacity. Furthermore, the new lab will allow for more growth and flexibility to address future analytical needs. With these key features in place, BSK will be able to continue to invest in and serve our community and clients throughout the Western United States at the highest of standards.

BSK Associates Grand Opening

“Having the opportunity to design our space has been very rewarding. Every lab department was consulted in the design of their new space in the new building so the final floor plan is a compilation of great ideas on the part of BSK staff. The process went through several iterations until we all felt we had the perfect lab.”-Belinda Vega, BSK Associates COO of Laboratories.

BSK is very excited to have all Fresno offices in the same location and have the ability for all of our disciplines to easily come together for an even more untied BSK Associates!

BSK Associates Grand Opening

BSK would like to give a special thanks to all of our clients, coworkers, and friends for attending the grand opening. Furthermore, we would like to thank the Fresno Chamber of Commerce for taking photos and participating in the event!

BSK Grand Opening.

Like, Follow, Share

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.

Don’t forget to check out our opportunities page! You too can work for an amazing ESOP organization!!!

Brentwood Municipal Services Center Building

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Municipal Services Center Building, Brentwood, CA

The Brentwood Municipal Services Center Building project consisted of the construction of an approximately 14,000 square-foot, 1-story, L-shaped building with a slab-on-grade floor. The new building extends over an area formerly occupied by a 1-story, approximately 2,000 square foot building, paved paving and driveways, concrete flatwork, and concrete walls. As part of our On-Call contract with the City of Brentwood, BSK provided geotechnical investigation and recommendations during design and geotechnical observation and testing services during construction of the new building.

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Moreover, don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

Veteran’s Center and ABC Building

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Veteran’s Center and ABC Building

BSK Associates is proud to have provided the geotechnical investigation and geologic seismic hazards report for the Veterans Center and ABC Building. The Veteran’s Center, a 5,000-square foot facility, blends renovation and new construction, adding conference rooms, computer labs and a student lounge. The construction project was recently completed.

The Administration, Bookstore and Conference Center Building, or ABC Building, will span 67,000 square feet and cost $30 million, pulling funds from both Measure J and remaining funds from the 2002 voter-approved Measure G.  The construction project was recently completed. BSK associates provided the geotechnical investigation and geologic seismic hazards report.

 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here! Or, check out some of these amazing BSK projects listed below.

Hayward USD Solar Project

Bernal Park Project

Oakley Recreation Center

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for an awesome place to work? Because, you’ve found it! Moreover, don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

Bernal Park Project

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Bernal Park, Pleasanton, CA 

The Oak Woodland trail Bernal Park project is part of a new 60-acre park in Pleasanton. The asphalt concrete trails were built on up to 10 feet of engineered fill and included underlying drainage culverts and riprap slope protection adjacent to the trails. BSK provided Geotechnical Engineering and Materials Testing Services to the project, which is a task order to an On-Call contract that BSK has held for numerous contracting periods with the City of Pleasanton, California. BSK also provided geotechnical recommendations for suitability of proposed import soil as engineered fill and performed interpretation of analytical testing for proposed import soils from over 15 different import sites. Services also included special inspection and materials testing services for various structures throughout the park.

Follow Us and Like Us

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Moreover, don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

Oakley Recreation Center Project

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Oakley Recreation Center, Oakley, CA

The Oakley Recreation Center Project consisted of the construction of an approximately 10,000 square feet single-story building and the relocation of an existing approximately 3,000 square foot, single story modular building. Other improvements include an amphitheater, an athletic field with natural turf, new asphalt concrete paved parking and driveways, concrete flatwork, bleachers and a baseball backstop for the athletic field, fences, underground utilities, landscaping, bio-swales/infiltration basins, and a new traffic signal at O’Hara Avenue near the entrance to the site. BSK performed the geotechnical investigation for this project and provided compaction and materials testing and special inspection services during construction.

Oakley Recreation Center Project

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Moreover, don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

BSK Provided Construction Services for the Livermorium Plaza Project

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BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.