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BSK Associates Grand Opening

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.

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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.

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

BSK Provided Construction Services for the Livermorium Plaza 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.
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: Downtown Merced Revitalization

BSK: Downtown Merced Revitalization

BSK helps revamp historical buildings in downtown Merced.

Revamp on historical buildings in downtown Merced.

BSK helps downtown Merced revitalize historical buildings. Three of Merced’s oldest buildings are receiving a face lift in hopes of bringing downtown Merced back to life. Downtown Merced has been under construction over the past year on Tioga Hotel, El Capitan Hotel, and the Mainzer Theatre. Not only are these three historical sites some of the oldest buildings in Merced, built as early as 1920’s, they also have noteworthy historical pasts. The goal of this project is to renovate these notorious sites, while still maintaining some historical integrity.

BSK Associates has played a key role in the renovations of each of these buildings. After BSK’s initial Geotechnical Engineering Investigation, South Valley Regional Manager, On Man Lau, PE, GE, was able to reduce the size of the micropiles. This reduction saved the developer thousands of dollars towards the renovations.

BSK: Downtown Merced Revitalization

All three renovations are still in progress. However, we are excited to announce the Tioga is nearing completion. The El Capitan Hotel and Mainzer Theater are also well on their way.

The Tioga Hotel becomes Luxury Apartments

Tioga Hotel, Downtown Merced Revitalization.

The Tioga Hotel is one of the oldest and largest buildings in the City of Merced. Built in 1928, the Tioga was home to Merced’s first neon sign, was a key player in the wartime efforts during World War II, and attracted numerous notable figures and royalty from across the world, including Calvin Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marilyn Monroe, and John Kennedy. The National Register of Historical Places inducted the Tioga in 1980. Due to its prestigious history it was important to all those involved to preserve as much of the building as possible, while upgrading the structure to today’s safety standards.

BSK had the opportunity of performing field exploration on the Tioga; designing micropiles for a seismic retrofit on the existing six story reinforced concrete structure. Furthermore, we performed materials testing and inspection on the Tioga including but not limited to:

  • Drilled Pier Soils Observations

    Tioga Hotel. Downtown Merced Revitalization.

  • Reinforced Concrete Inspections
  • Concrete Sampling and Testing
  • Post Installed Anchor Inspections
  • Shop and Field Welding Inspections
  • High Strength Bolting Inspections
  • Epoxy Rebar Inspections
  • Shear wall nailing Inspections
  • Wood Moisture Testing

Features include; studios, one-and two-bedroom apartments, and penthouse apartments. The lobby will feature social work-spaces, a fitness center, and private conference and event rooms. There are also plans to include a retail area on the street level space.

El Capitan Hotel Renovations

BSK helps revamp historical buildings in downtown Merced

UT inspection at El Capitan. Photo features the Tioga in background.

El Capitan is another historic remodel for the City of Merced. The original EL Capitan was Merced’s first hotel, built in 1872, the same year the City of Merced was established. Unfortunately, in 1931 the hotel burnt, but it was remodeled and has been left as it is since 1936.

As with the Tioga Hotel, BSK has helped with the renovations on El Capitan from the ground up,  from performing Ultrasonic Testing on the primary metal structure of the building in local weld shops, to being on the El Capitan job site, conducting Reinforced Concrete Inspection.

Tioga Hotel features 114 rooms restored to encompass the original feel of the hotel and honor the historic El Capitan as the town’s first railroad depot.  The space will also feature a restaurant, a café, and an amazing courtyard lounge.

The Mainzer Theater

The Mainzer Theatre revamp in Downtown Merced.

Although construction on this building originally began in the 1920’s, the Mainzer Theatre did not open its doors until Halloween, October 31st, of 1931. The Mainzer Theatre is one of the most recognized landmarks in Merced. Originally built by famous architects from San Francisco, the Reid Brothers. The Spanish Courtyard design was very unique. According to the Merced Theatre Foundation, which was responsible for the initial restoration of the building in 2012, “Patrons that visited the theatre believed that there were people living in the windows of the courtyard”. The Mainzer Theatre has been a special place for those of Merced, from school graduations and dance performances, to weddings, and of course movies; the theatre has been visited by many. Once again because of its rich history it was important to keep the historical feel on this project.

Additionally, BSK was asked to provide our services for the Mainzer Theatre. Some of the work we will be conducting includes:

  • Soils Observations and Compaction Testing.
  • Reinforced Concrete Inspections.
  • Concrete Sampling and Testing.
  • Post Installed Anchor Inspections.
  • Shop Welding Inspections.

Upon completion The Mainzer Theatre will have 4 bowling lanes, a restaurant, a stage, movie theater, and possibly a bar. Renovations are not scheduled to be completed until late 2020. However, they are already well into renovations.

 

 

 

Lastly, Mainzer Theatre. Merced Revamp.

Special Thanks

The downtown revamp has been a very rewarding project for BSK. We thrive on being a part of a project that truly makes a difference in the community.

Lastly, we’d like to give a special thanks to all of our BSK employees and our client!

Follow Us and Like Us: 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. Additionally, we believe the well-being of our communities has a direct bearing on the success of BSK, and our employees. We strive to make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?

 

Like us on Facebook.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Also, don’t forget to check out our blog page to find out more information.

Looking for a Great Places to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

 

BSK APPROVED FOR UCMR5

BSK approved for UCMR5

 

We are proud to announce that we have received our approval from the EPA to participate in UCMR5 which is scheduled to start in 2023! The approval was based on our successful results on the performance testing samples, for Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) by EPA 537.1 and EPA 533, as well as Lithium by EPA 200.7.

The EPA uses the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to look for contaminants that are suspected to be present in drinking water.

We are proud to be helping to keep our drinking water safe!  

For more information about UCMR5 and information provided by the EPA please click HERE. If you or someone you know is in need of UCMR5 testing or other water testing needs do not hesitate to call BSK today for a price quote, at 559-262-7036 or fill click on the blue ribbon above to fill out a contact form.

 

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.

BSK Assists in Cuyama Buckhorn Hotel Remodel

BSK Assists in Cuyama Buckhorn Hotel Remodel

BSK proudly performed the geotechnical engineering and provided construction materials testing and special inspection for the newly remodeled Cuyama Buckhorn hotel and restaurant. BSK’s services during construction included soil compaction testing, concrete sampling testing and special inspection services for the new pool, and spa and new lobby.

The newly remodeled Cuyama Buckhorn hotel has been featured in several prestigious media outlets including Forbes, Hospitality Design, and Aprils issue of the Food & Home Magazine. Just to name a few. For more information about the Cuyama Buckhorn Hotel remodel please follow the link!

Press Room — Cuyama Buckhorn

BSK Assists in Cuyama Buckhorn Hotel Remodel

BSK Assists in Cuyama Buckhorn Hotel Remodel

BSK selected for on-call contract

BSK selected for on-call contract

BSK has provided the City of Fremont with on-call materials testing and special inspection services since 2016. As part of this on-going contract, #BSK has provided support to the City’s annual pavement rehabilitation projects and also directly supplemented the City’s in-house laboratory. Our initial on-call contract with the City expired at the end of 2020 and subsequently the City solicited another on-call contract Request for Qualifications for a period of up to 5 years to which BSK responded and was selected by the City for the new agreement. BSK is thankful to have the opportunity to continue supporting the City of Fremont where typical services include onsite and offsite materials sampling and testing for earthwork, concrete, and hot mix asphalt construction.

 BSK CA ELAP Certified for DoD PFAS Method

 BSK CA ELAP Certified for DoD PFAS Method

 BSK CA ELAP Certified for DoD PFAS Method

BSK CA ELAP Certified for DoD PFAS Method

BSK Laboratories can now meet all California PFAS analysis and monitoring requirements with our recent DoD ELAP Accreditation.

Our laboratories have performed PFAS analyses for over 8 years.  During that time, the laboratory completed thousands of EPA Method 537 analyses while participating in the EPA’s UCMR3 monitoring program as well as Drinking Water analysis by EPA 537.1.

BSK is well versed in reporting and regulatory quality requirements needed for these analytes and we are now ready to accept your groundwater and soil samples.

BSK Certified PFAS compounds

 BSK CA ELAP Certified for DoD PFAS Method

BSK CA ELAP Certified for DoD PFAS Method

 

CA Accreditations:

  • Drinking Water – EPA 537.1
  • Non-potable Water – DoD QSM v. 5.1
  • Soils/Solids/Haz Waste – DoD QSM v. 5.1

Additional capabilities:

Drinking water by EPA 533

For more information please contact: 

Stephane Maupas (Fresno) – 559-497-2888 x212 or smaupas@bskassociates.com

Cole Mackelprang (Southern California) – 650-302-2223 or cmackelprang@bskassociates.com

Tina Green (Bakersfield) – 559-262-7036 or tgreen@bskassociates.com

Renea Rangell (Pacific Northwest) – 360-750-0055 x405 or rrangell@bskassociates.com

Brenda Hamilton (Sacramento) – 916-853-9293 x306 or bhamilton@bskassociates.com

Not only is BSK’s analytical laboratory certified for PFAS testing, but BSK’s engineering division also has experience in PFAS sampling, investigations, agency negotiations and mitigation.  If there are any questions or if our engineering division can be of further assistance please contact Robert “Tony” Martin, PG (CA) at tmartin@bskassociates.com or (916) 853-9293 x.338

 

Additional PFAS Information Can Also Be Found at:

CA Water Board PFAS FAQs

Sampling Guidelines

US EPA PFAS Information

 BSK CA ELAP Certified for DoD PFAS Method

BSK CA ELAP Certified for DoD PFAS Method

 

What Are PFAS?

PFAS are man-made chemicals that include Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), GenX, and several additional chemicals. In fact, PFAS are made up of more than 3,000 man-made chemicals that are largely unregulated.

The U.S. began manufacturing these chemicals during the 1940’s. In 2006, the EPA launched the PFOA Stewardship Program which eliminated the use of several PFAS chemicals. Unfortunately, the U.S. still receives these PFAS compounds from imported goods from around the world.

PFAS are a concern because they do not break down and therefore bio accumulate over time. Furthermore, food, household products, animals, drinking water, and humans have all tested positive for PFAS. In fact, research has indicated that most people have detectable amounts of PFAS in their blood. Additionally, it is believed that everyone, even those who have not consumed drinking water that has been contaminated, will have some exposure to PFAS during their lifetime.

PFAS exposure can lead to many adverse health effects in humans including (but not limited to) thyroid hormone disruption, liver and kidney toxicity,  reproductive system and developmental damage, low infant birth weights, harmful effects on the immune system, and several different forms of cancer.

Click here for more information on PFAS and how BSK Associates can help!

Are you aware of the California SWRCB’s PFAS orders for:

Follow Us and Like Us: 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we live and work.  Above all, our goal is to have a positive impact on the people we serve.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, and community service projects?

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

Looking for a Great Place to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

BSK is certified for California Small Business for Public Works projects. 

Support for American Red Cross

Support for American Red Cross

Support for American Red Cross

Photo curtsey of Solano Irrigation District.

 

BSK is proud to give support for the American Red Cross Western Wildfire Relief Fund, where fire has ravished  entire towns, people, animals, and homes.
From California to Washington, over five million acres, have been decimated by fire. Additionally, thousands of people have been displaced, communities have been severely damaged, and people have lost their lives. The devastation continues to wreck havoc long after the fire have been put out. People can visually witness the after effects, with air quality being some of  poorest on the planet. In fact, there is a layer of smoke from the west coast has reached as far as New York and the Midwest.
Air quality isn’t the only significant after effect.  There is a blanket of ash covering our cities and towns.  Residence all along the west coast walk out of their homes to find ash piled up on their cars and homes. However, it is what has landed on the soil and ground water that is truly devastating. Our soil, lakes, and  reservoirs have been coated in layers upon layers of toxic ash. Much of this ash consists of toxic materials that make the drinking water hazardous.  Essentially, the damage done from these fires will affect the people from the west coast for years to come.

Your donations to the American Red Cross will go to provide relief for those affected, from California to Washington.

BSK would like to give a big thanks to those who have already donated towards this fundraiser. We are very close to reaching our final goal. In addition, we’d love to not only reach our goal but surpass it!
At BSK we strongly believe in giving back to our communities.  Furthermore, we believe the well-being of our communities has a direct effect on the success of  BSK and our employees.

Beltway Operational Improvement Project

BSK Associates has proudly partnered with NV5 to provide Quality Assurance Materials Testing services for the Beltway Operational Improvement Project, an $81 million project as part of the City of Bakersfield’s Thomas Roads Improvement Program. This project includes operational improvements to interchange ramps and the construction of auxiliary lanes, retaining walls, and sound walls to improve safety and traffic operations along the SR 58 corridor east of SR 99 to Cottonwood Road, and at the SR 99/Ming Avenue Interchange.

 

Beltway Operational Improvement Project photo by City of Bakersfield.

BSK Associates & PFAS Testing

BSK Associates & PFAS Testing

 

What Are PFAS?

BSK Associates & PFAS Testing.

BSK Associates & PFAS Testing.

PFAS are man-made chemicals that include Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), GenX, and several additional chemicals. In fact, PFAS are made up of more than 3,000 man-made chemicals that are largely unregulated.

The U.S. began manufacturing these chemicals during the 1940’s. In 2006, the EPA launched the PFOA Stewardship Program which eliminated the use of several PFAS chemicals. Unfortunately, the U.S. still receives these PFAS compounds from imported goods from around the world.

PFAS are a concern because they do not break down and therefore bio accumulate over time. Furthermore, food, household products, animals, drinking water, and humans have all tested positive for PFAS. In fact, research has indicated that most people have detectable amounts of PFAS in their blood. Additionally, it is believed that everyone, even those who have not consumed drinking water that has been contaminated, will have some exposure to PFAS during their lifetime.

PFAS exposure can lead to many adverse health effects in humans including (but not limited to) thyroid hormone disruption, liver and kidney toxicity,  reproductive system and developmental damage, low infant birth weights, harmful effects on the immune system, and several different forms of cancer.

What can be done?

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have issued exposure limits for PFAS in our drinking water.  February 6, 2020, the California State Water Resources Control Board announced that it will set new response levels (RLs) of 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and 40 ppt for PFOS. Previously, the RL was 70 ppt for the total combined concentration of PFOA and PFOS. California has established Notification Levels of 6.5 ppt for PFOS and 5.1 ppt for PFOA in drinking water.

The California State Water Board has already started PFAS testing on 30 airports, and nearly 200 landfills. Recently they requested testing at chrome plating facilities. In addition, the California State Water Board stated they will be requiring other potential PFAS sources to begin testing soon. Although these compounds are not currently fully regulated, it is believed they will be soon. In a release issued by the State Water Board they encouraged public water systems to test for possible contamination.

 

Why BSK Associates?

Experience, Knowledge, Volume, and Quality.

BSK Associates & PFAS Testing.

BSK Associates & PFAS Testing.

BSK has abundant sample capacity and can add to that capacity quickly.

We were one of the first labs to receive accreditation for testing in California. Furthermore, we have performed PFAS analyses for over 6 years. Subsequently, our laboratory completed thousands of PFAS analyses throughout the U.S. while participating in the EPA’s UCMR3 monitoring program. Therefore, BSK is well versed in reporting and regulatory quality requirements needed for these analytes.

BSK is accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) and the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (CA ELAP) for all 18 PFAS compounds in drinking water by EPA’s 537.1 methodology.

Unlike other labs, we do PFAS sampling according to California State PFAS sampling guidelines. Collection of representative samples for PFAS analysis requires stringent Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QX) measures to prevent sample cross-contamination due to the prevalence of these compounds in the environment. and the opportunity for contamination. BSK Associates can be your one stop shop, rather than having to hire another company for state testing needs.

It is important to be proactive, not only to protect your water system, but to protect the community in which you live. If you think you may have PFAS in your water system begin testing now.

Additionally, BSK can help you budget for additional samples. Please call or email one of the representatives below for more information:

Stephane Maupas (Fresno) – 559-497-2888 x212 smaupas@bskassociates.com

Cole Mackelprang (Southern California) – 650-302-2223 or cmackelprang@bskassociates.com

Tina Green (Bakersfield) – 559-262-7036 or tgreen@bskassociates.com

Elizabeth Bunger (Vancouver, WA) – 360-750-0055 x 403 ebunger@bskassociates.com

Brenda Hamilton (Sacramento) – 916-853-9293 x306 bhamilton@bskassociates.com

 

Engineering Services are also available!

Our clients depend on BSK to help them navigate the maze of permitting and regulatory compliance requirements in a cost-effective manner that reduces risk. BSK’s highly qualified professional staff can assist with negotiating regulatory compliance. For more information on how BSK can assist with environmental matters related to PFAS, please contact:

 

Lynne Baumgras, Ph.D., PG, CHG, CEG, PMP

559-497-2880x 516

lbaumgras@bskassociates.com

 

For more information on PFAS check out the links below:

PFAS Phase Investigation Approach Plan from CA Waterboards

General PFAS Information from BSK

PFAS Information from CA Waterboards

EPA’s PFAS Action Plan

Follow Us and Like Us: 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we live and work.  Above all, our goal is to have a positive impact on the people we serve.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, and community service projects?

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

Looking for a Great Place to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

BSK is certified for California Small Business for Public Works projects.