- EPA Brownfields Grant
- Brownfield site subject to both the NYSDEC’s Voluntary Cleanup Program and NYC OER
- E-designation program
- Historic fill characterized by PAHs and metals
- Mercury contaminated soils related to former pharmaceutical operations
- Chlorinated solvent contaminated soil and groundwater related to former drum recycling company
- Responsible Party remediating chlorinated solvents in groundwater on client’s site
- Remedial design and oversight
- Support of excavation, dewatering, underpinning
The developer of this former pharmaceutical and drum recycling site, comprising two parcels on an approximately 1.5-acre property in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg section, retained GZA to design and oversee remediation of its portion of the site. A seven-story residential development was planned. Remediation of chlorinated solvents in groundwater throughout the site was being completed by the Responsible Party under oversight of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Voluntary Cleanup Program (NYSDEC VCP). GZA’s client’s portion, “former Site D” (approximately .7 acres), contained several buildings E-designated by New York City Office of Environmental Remediation (NYC OER) for hazardous materials and air quality; historic fill materials were characterized by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals.
Challenge
The NYSDEC would maintain regulatory oversight of groundwater remediation being completed by others on our client’s portion of the site. NYSDEC also retained oversight of soil remediation while NYC OER retained responsibility for the noise and air E-designation.
Solution
GZA met with the Responsible Party and NYSDEC to clarify our client’s role in groundwater remediation and conducted Phase I/Phase II Environmental Site Investigations. GZA completed remedial design and oversaw remedial activities including soil characterization/disposal; support of excavation; design and permitting of a dewatering system; design and installation of a waterproof vapor barrier and engineered remedial cap; and perimeter air monitoring. Noting the shallow water table on the development site, GZA recommended a waterproof soil vapor barrier, rather than a sub-slab depressurization system, to address air quality in the new building.
Benefit
GZA’s experience with state and local brownfield regulatory programs and effective collaboration with stakeholders helped the client navigate remediation of this complex site and complete the development as planned.