Brownfields Redevelopment

GC staff was initially contracted by a private developer for an ASTM Phase I/Phase II Limited Subsurface Investigation (LSI) of nine separate adjacent lots targeted for redevelopment in an urban downtown which was designated as a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Act 2 Special Industrial Area.  The subject property since 1886 had hosted multi-story commercial and residential tenants, including automotive repair, clothing manufacturing, and dry cleaning, now vacated. Subsequent services included asbestos testing, bid specifications preparation, bidding, and implementation oversight for asbestos abatement, Regulated Materials removal, and building demolition. To further the property redevelopment efforts, a Baseline Environmental Report (BER) was coordinated in accordance with Section 305(b) of the PA Land Recycling Act.  The BER identified areas for remediation, including six potential USTs, and evaluated the extent of vapor intrusion mitigation measures needed to address PCE impacts to soil and groundwater from the drycleaner. The developer acquired the property and entered into a Consent Agreement with the PADEP and local Redevelopment Authority (RDA) to complete the site remediation in compliance with the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act and in conjunction with the RDA’s environmental consultant and funding from PADEP.  Ultimately, 277 tons of PCE-impacted soil beneath and adjacent to the former dry cleaner was also removed, along with confirmed USTs. The developer’s concept plan consisted of a mixed-use residential and retail complex covering a city block.