Safety Reminder for Adverse Weather Conditions

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Safety Reminder: As provided by OSHA, here are some key tips to ensure worker safety during adverse weather conditions:

  • Daily weather forecast monitoring.
  • Being aware of approaching hurricanes and storms.
  • Training workers to identify signs of approaching bad weather conditions – such as thunder in the distance, dark clouds, increasing wind speeds, etc.
  • Securing loose objects and other materials at the worksite.
  • Ensuring workers wear proper protective clothing such as rain gear, anti-slip soled shoes, ribbed gloves, etc.
  • Ensuring workers are equipped with proper personal fall protection systems.
  • Securing worksites with adverse weather safeguards.
  • Providing areas for safe shelter at open worksites.
  • Temporary cessation of work at heights or on scaffolding.
  • Rescheduling or rearranging work tasks so that workers are not exposed to the elements.
  • Temporary stoppage of electrical work and the use of heavy machinery.
  • Securing excavation areas and trenches.
  • Gathering workers for a quick review of safety protocols and emergency procedures and exits.
  • Wearing bright and reflective safety jackets or outer clothing to ensure being visible when carrying out work tasks.
  • Using equipment and tools that are designed to be used in wet weather conditions.
  • Ensuring employees are trained to identify and safeguard against cold stress.

Remember, safety is our top priority at BSK. Let’s work together to ensure everyone stays safe, rain or shine! At BSK we own our safety.

For more information visit Winter Weather – Cold Stress | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

 

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.

Looking to learn more about BSK Associates Geoprofessional and Analytical Services, check our website and connect with us to see how we can help you.  www.bskassociates.com/ 

 

 

Rebar Tensile Strength Testing

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As part of our quality assurance testing scope of services, BSK performs rebar tensile strength testing including measurement of elongation as shown here. This testing provides several key benefits:

Benefits of Rebar Tensile Strength Testing

  • Ensures Structural Integrity: The primary purpose of tensile testing is to ensure that the rebar can withstand the forces it will encounter in a structure without failing. This is vital for the safety and longevity of any construction project.
  • Assessment of Material Properties: Tensile strength testing helps in determining the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the rebar. This data is essential in assessing whether the rebar meets the required specifications and standards for construction materials.
  • Elongation Measurement for Ductility: Measuring the elongation of rebar during tensile testing provides insights into its ductility. Ductility is a measure of how much a material can deform without breaking. In construction, higher ductility in rebar is often desirable as it allows the material to absorb and dissipate energy during events like earthquakes, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.
  • Quality Control and Compliance: Regular tensile strength testing ensures consistent quality in the manufacturing of rebar. It helps in identifying production issues early, thus maintaining the quality of the rebar. This process is also crucial for compliance with regional and international building codes and standards.
  • Predicting and Preventing Failures: By understanding the tensile properties of rebar, engineers can better predict how structures will behave under load. This knowledge helps in the design of safer and more efficient structures and in preventing construction failures.
  • Public Safety and Confidence: High-quality construction practices, validated by rigorous testing, contribute to public safety. Furthermore, it fosters public confidence in the integrity of buildings and infrastructure.

In summary, tensile strength testing and elongation measurement of rebar are fundamental for ensuring the safety, compliance, and durability of construction projects. Click here for guidelines on rebar tensile strength testing.

Benefits of Rebar Tensile Strength Testing.

 

Looking to learn more about BSK Associates Geoprofessional and Analytical Services, check our website and connect with us to see how we can help you.  www.bskassociates.com/ 

 

Lead and Copper Rule Explained

Lead and Copper Rule Explained

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Lead and Copper Rule Explained

The Lead and Copper Rule is an EPA regulation established as a tool to protect public drinking water. The rule sets a maximum contaminant level goal of zero. Additionally, it requires public water systems to employ a treatment technique that reduces corrosion of plumbing materials that contain lead and copper. Lastly, this rule regulates the amount of lead and copper allowed in public drinking water at the tap.

What Makes the Rule so Important?

Lead and copper in our drinking water can lead to significant health problems. These health problems range from a simple stomachache to significant brain damage. Furthermore, prevention is tricky as copper and lead contamination in our drinking water is caused by corrosion in our piping. Thus, this contaminant can easily become a major concern.

Why Should You Use BSK For Your Lead and Copper Testing?

BSK Associates has served as a trusted source for copper and lead testing since 1991, when introduced by the EPA. Since the copper and lead rule infancy BSK has offered our clients competitive pricing, convenient locations all along the west coast, and help with field testing if needed. BSK is your one stop shop for copper and lead testing. Give us a call today and let us make sure you are at compliant lead and copper levels!

Looking to learn more about BSK Associates Geoprofessional and Analytical Services, check our website and connect with us to see how we can help you.  www.bskassociates.com/ 

BSK Associates Grand Opening

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 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.

Looking to learn more about BSK Associates Geoprofessional and Analytical Services, check our website and connect with us to see how we can help you.  www.bskassociates.com/ 

EPAs new plan to combat PFAS

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EPAs new plan to combat PFAS

EPAs new plan to combat PFAS

 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new plans to combat per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The EPA released four new drinking water health advisories to aid in America’s plan to furnish clean drinking water. Additionally, the EPA announced fresh fiscal opportunities to combat PFAS pollution through a $1 billion grant.

“Today’s actions highlight EPA’s commitment to use the best available science to tackle PFAS pollution, protect public health, and provide critical information quickly and transparently,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox.

These updated health advisories are based on the newest science regarding PFOAS and PFOS. Further, the new advisories will replace those for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) issued in 2016. Moreover, EPA is issuing final health advisories for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and its potassium salt (PFBS) and for hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) dimer acid and its ammonium salt (“GenX” chemicals). This will be the first time the EPA has issued these health advisories.

$1 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant

In further action, the EPA is encouraging states and communities to apply for a $1 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant.  This grant is designed to be used to address PFAS and other contaminants especially in disadvantaged communities.

Follow the links for more information on the EPAs new plan to combat PFAS or the PFAS Roadmap 2021-2024.

 

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.  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.

 

Construction of New BSK Lab

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Construction of New BSK Lab

BSK is excited to give our clients and business partners the ability to watch the construction of our new BSK lab come together. The new Analytical Lab in Fresno is coming along great! It is on the corner of Laverne and Armstrong, with close access to two major freeways, making for easier access for all of our customers.

 

Concept Behind the Construction of New BSK Lab.

In the summer BSK Associates began the process of finding and securing a new location for our Fresno Analytical Lab. The concept was to obtain a safe and convenient location for our clients and employees. Additionally, we wanted to accommodate future growth in a single, state of the art facility, designed specifically for environmental lab operations.

Our new analytical lab will feature 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 at the highest of standards.

“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 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. 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delano Earlimart Irrigation District

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Delano Earlimart Irrigtion District Water Recharge Projects 

BSK has been working with the Delano Earlimart Irrigation District to develop their groundwater recharge projects totaling more than 300 acres of recharge facilities.  The groundwater recharge project is known as the Turnipseed Recharge Basin, which could receive water from either the District’s distribution system of from direct diversions from the White River.  This project will significant benefit the District in balancing their groundwater.  The recharge basins are located northwest of the intersection of Avenue 24 and Road 176 near Delano, California.  BSK has worked with the District Engineer, Provost and Pritchard, on this project for the last four years and we are continuing to work on this 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. 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.

 

Manteca Digester Improvements

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Manteca Digester Improvements

Manteca Water Quality Control Facility Digester Improvements, Manteca, CA

As part of the City of Manteca’s overall expansion of the wastewater plant capacity from 7 million gallons per day to 20 million gallons per day and other improvements, the Manteca Water Quality Control Facility Digester improvements included construction of two new 65-foot diameter by 12-foot-deep digesters, a 6,500-square foot digester control building, underground pipelines, new paved driveways, and demolition and filling of existing drying beds. Other improvements included a flare tower and FOG (fats, oil, and grease), hydrogen sulfide, siloxane, and food processing facilities. The City has become one of the first municipalities in California to capture biogas generated at the facility, which generally is flared into the atmosphere, to fuel the City’s growing fleet of compressed natural gas vehicles, including garbage trucks.

BSK conducted the geotechnical investigation during the design process and provided materials testing services throughout construction of the 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. 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.

BSK Award Winning Projects

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BSK Award Winning Projects

BSK Associates is proud to announce that we acted as consultants on two projects that received awards from American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

Award Winning Project:

Delano Earlimart Irrigation District, Water Recharge Projects, Tulare and Kern Counties, CA 

Delano Earlimart Irrigation District has been working to develop their groundwater recharge projects totaling more than 300 acres of recharge facilities. A 2022 ACEC Merit project, the groundwater recharge project is known as the Turnipseed Recharge Basin, which could receive water from the District’s distribution system from direct diversions from the White River.  This project will significantly benefit the District in balancing their groundwater.  The recharge basins are located northwest of the intersection of Avenue 24 and Road 176 near Delano, California.  BSK has worked with the District Engineer, Provost and Pritchard, on this project for the last four years with geotechnical investigations, and construction observation, and testing services.

Award Winning Project:

1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) Comprehensive Remediation Design/Build Project, Atwater, CA

Design included mat foundations for GAC vessels and other equipment, retaining walls and ringwall foundation systems for backwash tanks. BSK served as the geotechnical engineer and construction materials testing consultant for this design-build 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. 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.

Leadership Changes at BSK

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Leadership Changes at BSK

The promotions of Belinda Vega and Tim Rodriguez to Chief Operations Officers of the Laboratory and Engineering divisions are very deserving.  Their proven expertise and dedication combined with existing working knowledge of BSK will help us to further push our strategic objectives while building a focus around excellent employee and client experiences.

I am also pleased former CEO, Rich Johnson, has chosen to stay on board with us as a Principal Geologist.  Rich will not only be working on new projects, but will also be taking on roles to assist with Risk Management and Mentorship.

I am filled with confidence in the level of Senior Leadership we have within BSK and am excited by how motivated they are to build a stronger company and develop the next generation of leaders.

-Renea Rangell