Peak Hydrogeologic, PLLC; Environmental & Water Resources Consulting;

Why Peak Hydrogeologic, PLLC?

WHAT WE DO

Peak Hydrogeologic, PLLC (Peak HG) provides you with environmental consulting solutions that focus on:

Site investigations
Remediation
Resource management
Regulatory compliance

WHO WE ARE

NC & SC licensed Professional Geologist with over 12 years experience.
Maintains $2M commercial, professional, & pollution liability insurances.
Meets NCBLG requirements to operate as a PLLC.
Personnel maintain OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER, First Aid/CPR, & continuing Ed.

WHAT YOU GET

By staying up to date with new technology, regulatory changes, & numerous industry connections, Peak HG delivers valuable consulting solutions that balance financial costs with protection of liability, human health, & the environment.

About Peak Hydrogeologic, PLLC

Meet the founder, Jonathan D. Gerst, MS, PG

Since he was young, Jonathan was busy collecting rocks and playing in the dirt. He was raised in Upstate SC, and as a child he developed a strong appreciation for the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While receiving a BA in Geology and studying abroad in Germany with Appalachian State University, Jonathan developed a passion for hydrogeology, sustainable development, riddles, and rock-climbing.

After starting his environmental consulting career with a large firm in Roanoke, VA, Jonathan attended grad school for a MS in hydrogeology at Virginia Tech. After graduating, Jonathan and his wife served as Peace Corps Volunteers in Morocco. Later the couple moved to Portland, OR as Jonathan worked as a hydrogeologist for another large consulting firm. After the birth of his first son, Theisen, Jonathan moved his family back to Upstate SC to work as branch manager for a small firm.

Jonathan started Peak Hydrogeologic in 2016 to provide the high quality of service he had observed at larger consulting firms with the efficiency and flexibility possible through a smaller operation. In addition to dedicating his working career to the study of rocks and water, Jonathan is a paddling and rock-climbing fanatic, and he's constantly seeking adventure buddies to help seize the day. Recently, Jonathan and his wife Alexandra, celebrated the birth of their second son, Karsten.

Client Endorsements

-Bill Caldwell, III, Construction Manager for Delray Ventures, LLC

“Peak HG helped Delray Ventures to maintain innocent landowner status on a property with pre-existing environmental conditions. Peak HG conducted a swift yet thorough site assessment to ensure regulatory compliance and facilitate enrollment in NC DEQ’s State Lead program to cover any future investigative or remediation costs.

Delray Ventures highly recommends Peak HG for any Land Owner/Developer seeking the highest level of expertise and professionalism to guide you through challenging site conditions.”

-Max Kimmel, CEO of Mountain Environmental Services, Inc.

“Peak HG helped Mountain Environmental provide boots on the ground professional expertise during an environmental site investigation related to a real estate transaction with multiple stakeholders. Peak HG helped facilitate a thorough investigation to collect sufficient information to clearly communicate environmental risks associated with the property transfer and ensure regulatory compliance.”

-Gerry Carty, PA & CEO of Gerard Carty Lawyers, LLC

“Peak HG performed a Point of Sale Site Septic Evaluation under the Engineered Option Permit process, when the county health department couldn’t respond within my allotted due diligence period. Peak HG allowed me to move forward with confidence by providing a septic evaluation report that identified the most suitable area for septic on the property to meet my proposed development demands."

-Aaron Black, PE & CEO of Riverview Consultants, LLC

"Riverview Consulting has partnered with Peak HG on multiple septic system site evaluations and design projects related to Engineered Option Permits. Peak HG always responds promptly with a thorough consideration of environmental considerations necessary to permit new septic systems. Also, Peak HG has a firm understanding of the local and state regulations required to complete the required services. Peak HG is great to work with as the projects run smoothly, professionally, and are highly detailed, from start to finish. "

-Mary and Kevin Parker, GreenLife Inn at The Mimosa

“Due to limitations of our existing commercial septic system, the county health department would not allow revisions to the existing septic permit. Peak HG performed a site septic evaluation and groundwater mounding analysis under the Engineered Option Permit (EOP) process that allowed us to permit a new system capable of meeting the demands of our future development needs.

We are very pleased with the comprehensive, prompt and professional attention we received which allowed us to make informed and comfortable decisions for our project."

Professional Services

Real Estate Due Diligence

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) as per ASTM E1527-13 to identify the presence of environmental conditions. Provide prospective purchaser, innocent landowner, & contiguous property owner with Superfund liability protection under CERCLA of 1980.

Phase II ESA (ASTM E1903-11) to confirm the presence/absence of contamination above regulatory limits, & ensure Superfund liability protection under CERCLA of 1980.

Underground storage tank abandonment.

Site evaluations for septic permitting under privatization rule (15A NCAC 18A.1971) for Engineered Option Permits.

Point-of-sale septic system inspections.

Field services including ground-penetrating radar, soil coring, well installation, data collection, system installation/maintenance, waste disposal, & subcontractor oversight.

Field screening, laboratory analysis, and long-term monitoring of soil, water, and/or air samples to evaluate regulatory exceedances & long-term trends.

Brownfields Redevelopment

Site eligibility determination for prospective developers and innocent land owners.

Contract negotiation & work plan coordination with state regulators.

Brownfields tax credits and Superfund liability protection.

Public benefits: jobs, tax base increases, revitalization of blighted areas, preservation of historic places/green spaces, affordable housing, & environmental cleanup activities.