Housing Authority Required Sitewide Environmental Assessment And Remediation Of Soils Prior To Residential Development
Issue: The Memphis Housing Authority acquired two parcels of land for residential development and a police precinct. The parcels were utilized for over a century for commercial and light industrial operations. Concerns regarding historical uses of industrial and commercial grade chemicals, as well as seven Underground Storage Tanks (UST) and two oil sumps prompted the Housing Authority to conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments. The Site Assessments noted recognized environmental conditions from the onsite USTs and oil sumps. Once the USTs and oil sumps were removed, an extensive amount of soil contamination was discovered.
Approach: In April 2005, Pickering conducted a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment to determine environmental conditions present at the site from onsite and offsite concerns. In June 2005, Pickering completed a Phase II investigation. Investigation activities included testing of on-site soils and groundwater to determine site contamination, monitoring well installation and sampling, and report development. The only environmental concern noted during the investigation was the onsite USTs, oil sumps, and hydraulic lift. Pickering worked with the client on a cost effective solution to remove the USTs, oil sumps, and hydraulic lift. While removing the tanks, contaminated soil above the Tennessee residential standard, was discovered. Soil samples were carefully collected from beneath the USTs and soil stockpiles to minimize the amount of soil to be removed.
Tasks: Our activities on this assignment included:
- Complete Phase I and II field work and reports
- Developed a cost effective solution for tank removal
- Removal, replacement, and closure of multiple storage tanks at site according to TDEC regulations and client requirements.
- Disposal of 900 tons of contaminated soil, seven USTs, and 4,900 gallons of wastewater
To complete the Emergency Response Process Pickering also trained each employee at Velsicol in the disciplines necessary for their job function in an emergency. This training was completed in less than 30 days and included the following disciplines:
- 40-Hour HAZWOPER
- Confined Space Entry
- Incident Command
- Emergency Preparedness Awareness
- Emergency Response Plan and Incident Management Overview
Project Timeline: April through November 2005
Result: Over 900 tons of contaminated soil was removed from an area near six of the USTs. The soil, tanks, and wastewater were disposed of locally to minimize cost to client. The site was remediated to well below residential standards to allow residential development and a new police precinct. Pickering maintained client satisfaction while completing the tasks in a timely and cost effective manner.