Justin Foslien

Engaged Geologist with over 22 years of experience in Environmental Consulting. Motivated, evidence-based thinker to prioritize projects while developing high-quality deliverables to aid decision-making.

• 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER
• 8-Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Supervisor
• OSHA 2-day Trenching, Excavation, and Soil Mechanics
• Loss Prevention System Training
• WA, 2540, Licensed Geologist
• OR, G2113, Registered Geologist

RCRA, Performed site investigations at several active refinery areas, tank farms, and an inactive former rubber chemicals complex facility in Texas. Performed oversight of a drilling subcontractor installing groundwater monitoring wells and collected groundwater, surface water, sediment, and surface soil samples collected for analysis. Created maps of the subsurface structures based on borehole logs to increase understanding of interactions with the groundwater. Interpreted analytical data derived from groundwater samples and screened contaminants of concern from development according to regulatory guidance. Incorporated conclusions based on the field and analytical findings into the RCRA Facility Investigation Report. The project data were utilized to update the RCRA permit for the client with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The project sites became permit management areas. 

SUPERFUND, Completed Preliminary Assessment/Site Investigations (PA/SI) on behalf of the EPA to score and rank sites according to risk for the National Priority List. The PA/SI's included former mine investigations; former dump sites; in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The former mine site investigations were completed by collecting samples of surface soil and sediment to verify impacts to the environment impact from historical mining activities and residual mine tailings. The areas contained multiple mine sites and tailing piles. The mines processed gold using mercury amalgamation. The amalgamation process, as well as other heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead, from the tailings piles impacted the surrounding surface soil and sediment in tributaries in the drainage basin. 

UST SITE CHARACTERIZATION & REMEDIATION, Mr. Foslien previously managed retail petroleum sites under the Voluntary Cleanup Program via a multi-site agreement between Ecology and the client to achieve regulatory closure under an agreed upon closure schedule. He used several drilling technologies to complete investigations based on logistical challenges and necessary field methods. Justin completed effective cost tracking and coordination of contractors. He managed change orders as necessary and met or exceeded required milestones for each site.

REGULATORY AGENCY NEGOTIATION, Justin negotiated with the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) regarding the path to closure for a former retail petroleum site where lead in groundwater remained above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) Cleanup Levels (CULs). The closure request report demonstrated the groundwater pathway was not complete due to insufficient yield determined in pump tests at the site. However, Ecology was not agreeable to determining the shallow site aquifer was non-potable because of insufficient yield, as they considered it a future potential drinking water source. After conversations with the site owner, Ecology, and the client, an environmental covenant was submitted for review with a Feasibility Study/Disproportionate Cost Analyses (FS/DCA) demonstrating the environmental covenant was the best technical and cost-effective option to close the site. The site received an NFA determination.