Former Industrial Site, One Site Consisting of Four Individual Properties
A Phase I investigation identified staining associated with roof vents at an older manufacturing facility. Subsequent Phase II sampling showed that the property contained elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, lead and selenium. The highest concentrations were associated with roof leaders; however, wind borne contamination had affected a large surrounding area, including three nearby residential properties. Following additional site characterization, AA&E completed a remedial alternative investigation, and conducted a remedial program that consisted of the removal of approximately 900 tons of contaminated soil. This project included clearing, excavation, and the restoration of sidewalk, patio, and landscaped areas.

The project resulted in attainment of the Statewide health standard at four seperate properties.

Residential Oil Spill, Saving a Building Foundation for Reuse
A heating oil tank burst in the basement of a twin home destroyed by fire. AA&E conducted a site characterization to determine the extent of contamination beneath the basement slab. As a result of the remedial design/feasibility study (RI/FS), an in-situ remedial process was chosen based on the RI/FS that utilized a combination of bioremediation and vacuum enhanced recovery as the most cost-effective remedial alternative. Remedial goals were achieved without disturbing the basement structure, and the home was subsequently rebuilt on the original foundation.

As a result of the project, the owner was able to maintain the value of his land and pass a clear title to his property.

Active Industrial Site, Cost Savings
An expanding industrial facility had previously contaminated the property with heavy metals from historic operations, and needed an Act 2 release for financing purposes. Several rounds of sampling and mapping were required to delineate a Site containing 5,000 tons of contaminated media. This amount of impacted material eliminated quick-and-easy landfill disposal for obvious economic reasons. In this case, concurrent plant expansion provided a synergistic opportunity to recycle the contaminated media for use as fill beneath the proposed building expansion. The engineering characteristics of the contaminated media were shown to be suitable for subase, and it was subsequently excavated and compacted as part of the site preparation for the new foundation. An engineered cut and fill was conducted under a strict health and safety plan, and coordinated with the fast-track construction schedule. A combined Statewide and site specific Act 2 standard was applied to the Site.

This approach to site conditions utilized the flexibility of the Act 2 process, allowed satisfactory health risks to be achieved at a relatively low cost, and maintained the collateral value of this industrial site.

Closed Industrial Site, Recapture of Property Value
A Phase I investigation identified stressed vegetation associated with roof leaders at a closed manufacturing facility. Subsequent Phase II sampling showed that several discrete areas on the site exceeded the Statewide health standards for lead, that an abandoned septic system contained contaminated wastewater, and that the roof and ventilation ducts of the facility were coated with lead-containing dust that would serve as a source of residual contamination. Fieldwork as part of the hydrogeologic evaluation determined the major bedrock fracture system orientation, and three monitoring wells were installed at appropriate compliance points. Remedial activities included the excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated soil, capping of soil to meet the direct contact standards, and decontamination of the roof, septic, and ventilation systems at the facility.

This project was completed in close coordination with the PA DEP, who reviewed and issued an Act 2 approval within 3 weeks of receiving the Final Report. As a result, the property was transferred without involving the bank in the chain-of-title, was resold, and placed back on the tax roles as a job-producing enterprise, all within a minimum amount of time.

Bankrupt Manufacturing Facility, Relief from Liability
Conducted a simultaneous Phase I / II assessment followed by a Baseline Investigation identifying elevated levels of petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds in the soil and groundwater on the property and adjacent sites. The property was in bankruptcy and located in an area impacted by historical furnace operations. A statistical sampling program was designed using lead as a contaminant indicator parameter. This approach provides accurate delineation of impacted areas at a lower analytical cost. Remediation consisted of a groundwater monitoring and minor soil removal.

The Final Report showed attainment of a combination of the Statewide health standard and the background standard. Department approval of the Final Report provided the potential purchaser with relief from liability. As a result, the property was transferred without involving the bank in the chain-of-title, was resold, and placed back on the tax roles as a job-producing enterprise, all within a minimum amount of time.