Solid Waste

Investigation and Remediation
In compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), BSK supports environmental projects by providing comprehensive soil analysis services that help clarify site conditions and guide critical decision-making. BSK understands the need to optimize our analytical procedures to the greatest extent possible in recognition of the California State Regional Water Quality Control Board’s environmental screening levels (ESLs). During site investigations, BSK’s laboratories deliver detailed chemical characterizations of soil to help engineers assess subsurface conditions, evaluate potential environmental impacts, and determine whether further investigation or corrective action is required.

Construction Disposal
When soil must be transported or disposed of, BSK provides rush classification testing that helps engineers and contractors determine whether materials meet criteria for landfills, beneficial reuse, or other disposal pathways. This includes profiling for hazardous constituents, leachable contaminants, and other regulatory thresholds, helping project teams manage risk, control costs, and maintain compliance.

Biosolids
In compliance with the CWA, 40 CFR Part 503, BSK also plays an important role in biosolids analysis, offering testing for bacteria, solids, metals, and other inorganic parameters essential for safe land application, treatment, and reuse programs. By delivering timely and accurate results, BSK supports our clients in meeting regulatory requirements, optimizing treatment processes, and ensuring the safe and sustainable management of biosolid materials.

Hazardous Waste
BSK’s analytical services support the determination of whether wastes or solids are classified as hazardous under both federal (RCRA) and California (non-RCRA) regulations. By delivering accurate, defensible results, BSK enables environmental engineers to properly classify materials, ensure compliance, and select appropriate handling, disposal, or remediation pathways.

Landfills
BSK has provided groundwater monitoring, landfill gas monitoring, landfill cap testing, soil profiling, reporting, and clean closure guidance for numerous landfills throughout California. By delivering consistent results over projects that last decades, BSK instills confidence in our clients that they are meeting regulatory requirements and are achieving compliance.

Composting Facilities
BSK has assisted numerous composting facilities with updating their facilities to comply with the new State Water Resources Control Board’s Compost General Order. This includes technical report preparation, water balance calculations, material testing, annual reporting, and quarterly monitoring. BSK’s experience supports our clients in meeting regulatory requirements as quickly as possible.

Wildfire Response
BSK has been instrumental in providing rush environmental analyses to support seven different California wildfire projects over six of the last seven years. During our first project in 2019, in addition to testing for the full suite of CAM metals on thousands of samples, the scope of work included testing for mercury contamination by a Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption (CVAA) method. After significant research, BSK recommended to our client the use of ICP-MS for mercury analysis due to potential interferences in the CVAA method from VOCs in fire impacted soil. VOCs are often prevalent due to burning of PVC pipes and other solvents found in households. ICP-MS method 200.8 for mercury analysis has now become the standard for fire impacted samples.

We provide integrated environmental, geotechnical engineering, materials testing, and special inspection services in support of solid waste and resource recovery facilities. Our teams work with public agencies, waste authorities, and private operators to support projects from planning and permitting through construction and ongoing compliance.

BSK has experience supporting landfills, transfer stations, recycling facilities, and related infrastructure, including work at active facilities where operations must continue safely during construction. We understand the regulatory requirements governing solid waste facilities and provide practical solutions that address constructibility, environmental protection, and long-term performance.

Solid Waste Project Experience Includes:

• Landfill development, expansions, and closure projects
• Landfill cap systems, including low permeability soil layers and final cover construction
• Groundwater monitoring systems, including well installation and reporting support
• Transfer stations, recycling, and composting facilities
• Leachate, stormwater, and site drainage improvements
• Environmental services, including permitting support and regulatory compliance
• Geotechnical investigations and design support for solid waste facilities
• Materials testing and special inspection during construction and closure activities

Our multidisciplinary approach allows solid waste clients to manage risk, meet regulatory obligations, and deliver durable infrastructure that protects environmental resources. With certified laboratories, experienced field staff, and offices throughout California, we scale services to support both capital improvement projects and long-term facility operations.