EPS is dedicated to providing rapid and accurate investigations into product contaminations and chemical releases. Our multidisciplinary team—combining expertise in chemistry, engineering, and forensic analysis—unravels complex contamination events, determines their origins, and tracks their migration patterns. We quickly and effectively deliver comprehensive investigations that meet the highest standards of scientific rigor, ensuring our clients receive actionable insights to protect their interests and public safety.
We conduct thorough investigations to trace the source of product contaminations, identify responsible parties, and provide actionable solutions to prevent recurrence.
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Chemical Analysis & Testing:
Common Contaminants We Analyze:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
Polymers and Plastics:
Chlorinated Compounds and Oxidizers:
Particulates and Dusts:
Advanced laboratory testing and analytical techniques
Trace contaminant identification at parts-per-billion levels
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS/PFOS) and Emerging Contaminants
Polymers and Plastics: Polypropylene Microplastics
Polypropylene
Microplastics
Chlorinated Compounds and Oxidizers: Chlorine Hydrogen Peroxide
Chlorine
Hydrogen Peroxide
Particulates and Dusts: Particulates, Soot, and Carbon Black Crystalline Silica Coal Dust
Particulates, Soot, and Carbon Black
Crystalline Silica
Coal Dust
Heavy Metals and Inorganic Substances
Microbial Contaminants and Biofilms
Chemical Release Investigations
Our experts investigate industrial chemical releases, assessing the cause, determining the origin, and evaluating the environmental and health impacts.
We evaluate the environmental and health implications of chemical releases and contaminations, providing critical data for remediation and regulatory compliance.
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Migration Analysis:
Regulatory Compliance:
Contamination spread patterns in soil, water, and air
Groundwater and surface water modeling
Bioavailability and bioaccumulation studies
Exposure assessment for humans and wildlife
Impact zone determination
EPA standards and reporting requirements
OSHA regulations and workplace safety
State and local environmental laws
Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
Documentation, permitting, and liaison with authorities
Why Choose EPS for Intellectual Property Consulting?
Technical Excellence
Our team brings together extensive experience in chemical analysis, forensic engineering, and environmental science. Led by Dr. John A. Williams—a licensed Professional Engineer, Accredited Senior Appraiser, and Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers—we provide authoritative investigations that stand up to rigorous scrutiny.
Comprehensive and Multidisciplinary Approach
We employ state-of-the-art analytical methods and forensic techniques, integrating multiple disciplines to deliver complete solutions:
Identify contaminants at trace and ultra-trace levels
Determine contamination sources and pathways
Track migration patterns across environmental media
Assess environmental and human health impacts
Develop remediation and mitigation strategies
Provide expert testimony and litigation support, if needed
Rapid Response and Strategic Insight
We understand the urgency of contamination and release incidents and are committed to providing timely, effective responses:
Quick mobilization of investigative teams
Efficient, methodical investigation processes
Timely reporting with clear, actionable recommendations
Strategic guidance for immediate and long-term actions
Proven Track Record
EPS has successfully assisted clients across various industries in addressing complex contamination and chemical release challenges. Our expertise and dedication have led to favorable outcomes, safeguarding public health and protecting client interests.
Representative Engagements
A selection of EPS engagements across engineering, forensics, and valuation.
Forensic Investigation Identifies Benzene Contamination Source in Major Consumer Product Manufacturing
Challenge
A major manufacturing facility experienced benzene contamination in their major aerosol consumer product products, risking public safety and brand reputation.
Solution
EPS was engaged to lead a multidisciplinary team into the investigation of the carcinogenic contamination and, within 3 weeks, determined the origin of the contaminations, the manufacturing process causes, and the implementation of effective changes to the quality assurance procedures.
Result
Corrective and preventative manufacturing practices were implemented to cease production and recall affected products, preventing future contaminations and ensuring compliance with consumer safety expectations.
Oil Refinery Explosion, Chemical Release, and Root Cause Analysis
Challenge
A major oil refinery experienced a catastrophic explosion in Superior, Wisconsin, resulting in extensive property damage, injuries to over 70 workers, and the evacuation of 27,000 residents due to a release of hazardous chemicals into the community.
Solution
EPS conducted an insightful forensic investigation accurately, determining the root causes of the equipment failures, operational procedures, safety procedure failures, generation of blast waves, and the release of hazardous chemicals.
Result
EPS's investigation and testimony provided prevailing testimony for four lawsuits, including a class action for the community and three workplace injury lawsuits for contract workers.
Explosion Blast Wave Determination for Injured Houston Neighborhood
Challenge
In 2020, an explosion at an industrial facility resulted in three deaths and damaged over 1000 properties in a significant radius of Houston neighborhoods.
Solution
EPS, leveraging its leading forensic methodologies, including advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD), quantified the effects of the explosion, including blast wave propagation through the neighborhoods.
Result
Immediately after the analysis was presented, EPS clients obtained a settlement of $52 million plus undisclosed amounts for approximately 2200 claimants for injuries and damages to their homes.
Ammonium Nitrate Truck Explosion Analysis
Challenge
A catastrophic explosion occurred during the transport of ammonium nitrate in Arkansas, resulting in the death of the truck driver and widespread property damage. The event raised critical concerns about material compatibility and adherence to safety standards.
Solution
EPS conducted a thorough forensic investigation, analyzing transport materials and ignition sources and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. The team identified that ammonium nitrate was transported in a partially lined aluminum trailer, a chemically incompatible material that sensitized the explosive reaction.
Result
EPS's expert analysis clarified the root cause of the explosion incident, highlighted failures in safety compliance, and provided improved transport protocols, contributing to the litigation outcome.
Our Services Include
Advanced Chemical Analysis & Testing
Supply Chain and Process Assessment
Manufacturing Quality Control Evaluation
Environmental Impact Studies and Modeling
Air Dispersion Modeling for Pollutants (SOx, NOx, CO)
A Leader in Product Contaminations and Chemical Releases Analysis
Dr. John A. Williams, PE, ASA, MBA, CFEI, AIChE Fellow, is the founder and General Manager of EPS. With over 40 years of operations, engineering, and construction experience, Dr. Williams is a recognized expert in the engineering analysis and financial appraisal of energy, power, and manufacturing technologies.
Dr. Williams offers a unique synergy of engineering knowledge and business acumen that extends from concept to completion. He has developed and instructed courses for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, consistently drawing professionals from Fortune 100 companies.
Credentials:
Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) by the American Society of Appraisers in Machinery & Technical Specialties: Energy, Environmental, and Manufacturing Technologies.
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) by the National Association of Fire Investigators.
Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE Fellow).
PhD in Chemical and Fuels Engineering from the University of Utah
