Due Diligence

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment National Bison Range

gzadan — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:26:30 +0000

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment National Bison Range gzadan Thu, 09/02/2021 - 16:26

Challenge

Vieau Associates/GZA was commissioned to complete a Phase I ESA to support the transfer of 18,800 acres of federally owned native grasslands and forested low-rolling mountains in Montana to federal trust ownership for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. At the center of the Flathead Indian Reservation, the National Bison Range had been managed as a National Wildlife Refuge by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service since 1908 and is home to the largest free-range herd of plains bison in the world.

The history of the property presented several possible areas of concern, including the integrity and construction of current and historical dwellings, a museum, barns, maintenance shops, corrals and a slaughterhouse; The quality of water wells into aquifers hundreds of feet deep and numerous shallower artesian wells which provided drinking water for employees, domestic animals, and the bison herd; and the historical use of pesticides and possible improper disposal Septic systems, heavy equipment maintenance and adjoining commercial operations needed to be considered in connection with the quality of soil, groundwater and surface water resources.

Solution

This large-acreage assessment achieved exacting conformance to the requirements of the EPA All Appropriate Inquiry Rule (40 CFR Part 312) by applying procedures set forth in ASTM Standard Practice E2247: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property. The Vieau team researched over 100 years of occupancy using records from multiple sources, historical aerial photos, maps, and the knowledge of Fish & Wildlife Service personnel before conducting several days of all-terrain excursions to adequately ground-truth the nearly 30 square miles within the wildlife refuge. This research found a range of unexpected environmental issues not generally expected in a remote, non-industrialized and sparsely populated wilderness area.

Benefit

The Phase I assessment effectively addressed risks associated with arsenic-laced pesticide disposals in the 1950s, numerous underground storage tanks including those pre-dating regulations, and more recent matters of hazardous waste and wastewater management.

18,800-acre Phase I ESA
National Wildlife Refuge transferred to tribal control
100-year history of operations
Arsenic pesticide disposals
Sensitive groundwater resources

Government

Environmental Site Investigation & Remediation

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Underground Mine and Open Pit Quarry

gzadan — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 17:12:06 +0000

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Underground Mine and Open Pit Quarry gzadan Thu, 09/02/2021 - 13:12

Challenge

For this Phase I assessment, Vieau Associates, a division of GZA, applied the ASTM Standards E1527 and E2247 to assess a 30-year-old permitted mine operation encompassing 1,363 acres. At-surface aggregate crushing operations comprised just a fraction of the land area encompassing an extensive network of underground limestone mine tunnels reaching hundreds of feet deep. Of interest were chemicals associated with packaged emulsion explosives and detonators, dewatering discharges and wastewater effluent, and heavy equipment maintenance. Wastewater from dewatering was contained in impoundments prior to discharging into surface waters; associated contaminant loads in wastewater and sediment posed varied risks under applicable RCRA, CWA and CERCLA regulations. Numerous large fuel tanks, including some located deep in the mine tunnels, and waste generation from a large maintenance shop represented more routine areas of interest. A unique element to our analysis was having to take into account over 1.5 square miles of public rights-of-way and privately owned rural residential, commercial, and agricultural land use activities at the surface and above the mine’s subsurface mineral rights area.

Solution

Regulatory compliance and NPDES permitting records afforded crucial and unique lines of inquiry in connection with environmental risks. The Vieau team differentiated permitted air emissions, wastewater discharges and waste disposals from what otherwise might be construed as potential releases within the ambit of Superfund enforcement �� enabling all vested parties to distinguish between in-scope and out-of-scope risks posed to the owner/operator as well as to the lender’s security interests.

Benefit

Putting regulatory compliance issues and environmental impacts into proper context enabled the parties to the transaction to better understand their risk exposures and formulate a clear and pragmatic agreement for financing and risk mitigation.

1,363 acres of subsurface mineral rights
Over 1,000 surface acres under private control
300-foot-deep mining tunnels
RCRA, CAA, CWA compliance records
Unique waste streams and permitted discharges

Industrial

Environmental Site Investigation & Remediation

Hudson High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Converter Station

gzadan — ��Ϸ��d, 01 Sep 2021 12:46:40 +0000

Hudson High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Converter Station gzadan ��Ϸ��d, 09/01/2021 - 08:46

Challenge

GZA was asked to provide geotechnical services and environmental studies for Siemens Energy, Inc. for its proposed Hudson High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Converter Station in the New Jersey Meadowlands, part of a transmission project intended to convert the power between New Jersey’s Public Service Electrical & Gas (PSEG) 230 kV grid and New York’s Con Edison 345 kV grid. The site includes active trucking and warehouse operations as well as wetlands.

Solution

Geotechnical: GZA performed a geotechnical subsurface exploration program and provided geotechnical and foundation recommendations for the project. The major structures for the proposed station include four transformer pads, one spare transformer pad, two valve halls, a control building, six AC filter banks consisting of a total of 18 foundation pads, and various other necessary support facilities including valve hall cooling fans, smoothing reactors, fire protection water storages and pump house, and a heavy transport access road.

GZA’s subsurface exploration consisted of eight soil borings, three observation wells, and five cone penetration soundings (CPT). Geotechnical laboratory testing was performed on soil samples and field “slug�� tests to determine in-situ permeability. GZA determined that the site, located within the Hackensack Meadowlands, was underlain by man-made fill over a layer of organic peat, over glacially deposited silt, sand, and clay, over glacial till and bedrock. Groundwater was approximately five feet below ground surface.

To optimize foundation designs, GZA provided recommendations for four different types and sizes of deep foundations for the most heavily loaded structures, and recommendations for shallow foundations for lighter and less settlement-sensitive structures. A small amount of general filling of the site was required which posed the potential for additional settlement. Another portion of the site required the filling of virgin wetlands; slope stability and settlement of that area were addressed.

Environmental: GZA’s environmental studies included a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), a Phase II Site Investigation, and additional site investigations as warranted. The Phase I ESA provided an opinion on the presence of Recognized Environmental conditions which may result in hazardous substances or petroleum products in the soil and groundwater at the site.

GZA’s Phase II Site Investigation evaluated soil and groundwater conditions at potential Areas of Concern (AOCs) identified in previous environmental reports completed by others and made available to GZA, as well as AOCs identified during GZA’s Phase I ESA. Potential AOCs on the site include former locations of underground storage tanks, an on-site septic system, transformers, a railroad spur, building floor drains and sumps, and portions of the site downgradient of off-site groundwater plumes. An additional site investigation was completed to further delineate impacted areas of soil and groundwater contamination confirmed in the initial Phase II Site Investigation.

Hazardous Materials: A pre-demolition Hazardous Materials Survey of the site building included testing and assessments for asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and a visual survey for residual solid and hazardous wastes, universal wastes, and potential poly-chlorinated bi-phenyl (PCB)-containing components. Given the age of the facility and strong likelihood that detectable levels of lead are present in the paint, lead safe work practices will be required during demolition. Construction Management: GZA completed a Construction Contaminant Management Plan to present the extent and magnitude of contaminated soils and groundwater, in light of proposed construction activities that may encounter these contaminated media. In addition, the plan evaluated the impact of regulatory requirements on planned construction and development plans. Ecological: GZA also evaluated a ��Ϸ��tlands Mitigation Plan for the site prepared by others. GZA’s evaluation included a cost estimate to implement the plan.

Benefit

This project successfully harnessed the breadth of GZA’s in-house, multidisciplinary services, facilitating a fast-tracked project schedule that met the client’s needs.

Site Encompasses Areas of Industrial Use and ��Ϸ��tlands
Multiple Services Provided: Geotechnical, Environmental, Hazardous Materials, Construction Management, Ecological
Fast Track Schedule

Energy

Geotechnical Engineering Services

Phase I ESAs of Conventional Oil and Gas ��Ϸ��lls

gzadan — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:46:48 +0000

Phase I ESAs of Conventional Oil and Gas ��Ϸ��lls gzadan Thu, 08/19/2021 - 12:46

Challenge

To manage environmental liability for oil and gas properties it was purchasing, Antero Resources contracted GZA to conduct ASTM 1527-13-compliant Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) of 179 conventional well locations and ancillary facilities such as compressor stations and tank batteries. The turnaround time was less than three weeks.

Solution

GZA quickly mobilized two teams to the field. While a standard Phase I ESA would require individual environmental database and historic document searches for each of the 179 locations, GZA project managers realized that, due to the close proximity of these wells, they were able to expand the search radii and use GIS to effectively capture all the properties with only 45 database searches �� dramatically reducing the cost to the client. Observations and data collected by GZA’s field teams were transmitted daily to GZA project managers who compiled them into the report deliverables. Data gaps were identified while the teams were still in the field, allowing them to be resolved without remobilizing. The final report was delivered on time and under budget.

Benefit

GZA responded rapidly and with a cost-effective approach to accommodate the client’s pressing due diligence needs, which allowed Antero to better assess and alleviate their liability in the transaction.

Three-week turnaround
ASTM 1527-13-compliant Phase I ESAs
179 wells across three counties
Cost-saving approach

Environmental Site Investigation & Remediation

Phase I ESAs of Unconventional Gas Assets

gzadan — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:41:58 +0000

Phase I ESAs of Unconventional Gas Assets gzadan Thu, 08/19/2021 - 12:41

Challenge

An international energy company contracted GZA to conduct ASTM 1527-13-compliant Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) at 20 unconventional gas facilities spread across 63,000 acres in several counties in Pennsylvania. These sites included horizontal gas wells, impoundments, compressors, and storage tanks. The client required a three-week reporting turnaround.

Solution

GZA developed a secure online mapping and database application to provide the client with real time updates and status reports for each facility. This allowed for efficient planning, continuous assessment of recognized environmental conditions, and aided in meeting the deliverable deadline. Each facility was placed on the map; photographs, observations, and site-specific documents were uploaded to the database as they were acquired. This allowed the client and project manager to click on each facility and bring up all the pertinent information in as near real time as possible. The State of Pennsylvania had extensive records available for review for these facilities; as GZA conducted file reviews, pertinent documents were recorded and also uploaded to the comprehensive, online database. While the sites were generally located in agricultural areas and did not have complex development or environmental histories, GZA’s application of the ASTM 1527-13 standard identified recognized environmental conditions not typically associated with rural properties.

Benefit

The final Phase I ESA report totaled more than 3,800 pages and was delivered to the client on time, meeting a very aggressive schedule. The customized online database application that GZA developed allowed the client to assess conditions in near real time as the site assessments progressed.

ASTM 1527-13 compliant Phase I ESA at 20 facilities across 63,000 acres
65 storage tanks closed
Developed online mapping and database application with real time access to project files and observations
3,800-page Phase I deliverable produced within 3-week deadline

Environmental Site Investigation & Remediation

Data Management, Analytics and Visualization Solutions

Scannell Properties Warehouse Development

gzadan — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 17:45:56 +0000

Scannell Properties Warehouse Development gzadan Tue, 09/29/2020 - 13:45

Challenge

Melick-Tully and Associates, a Division of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA), was retained by Scannell Properties to provide environmental and geotechnical engineering services for a large site being redeveloped into a 215,440 square foot warehouse facility. A 45-foot grade differential added complexity to the geotechnical engineering design.

Solution

To support the developer’s due diligence, GZA completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the approximately 35-acre, vacant woodland site which had prior agricultural uses in portions of the property. GZA also performed the initial subsurface investigation and provided foundation recommendations for the proposed warehouse which would bear on the gneiss bedrock, natural silty sands, and controlled compacted fill. Following the initial geotechnical investigation, GZA performed a supplemental investigation with additional test pits to assist with the stormwater design.

The grade changes of over 45 feet within the site’s improved areas necessitated a retaining wall with a maximum height of up to 30 feet adjacent to the building on the site’s northeastern perimeter, while blasting and jackhammering a 10-foot cut was required along the northwestern and southern perimeters.

GZA was on-site during general site earthwork construction—to observe construction of the building pad and retaining wall, installation and backfill of subsurface utilities, foundation excavations, and the asphalt paving operations—and provided periodic progress reports to the client. GZA effectively implemented the use of lime stabilization to heat and dry soils impacted by rain/frost during winter earthwork operations. GZA was involved in this project through completion of the access roadways and parking lots.

Benefit

GZA’s multidisciplinary team addressed a site with challenging geologic conditions, maintaining earthwork operations throughout inclement winter weather to facilitate the developer’s schedule.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Geotechnical engineering
Subsurface investigations and foundation recommendations
Distribution center
On-site earthwork construction services

Buildings & Real Estate Development

Geotechnical Engineering Services

370 Lexington Avenue Level I Property Condition Assessment

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 15:33:58 +0000

370 Lexington Avenue Level I Property Condition Assessment Anonymous Thu, 09/26/2019 - 11:33

Challenge

A confidential client was considering the building located at 370 Lexington Avenue in New York, NY for an acquisition. However, the building was 77 years old, with 26 stories and a floor area of 290,000 square feet. Before an acquisition process could confidently commence, the client needed to know the overall state of the building and potential repairs or liabilities it would assume.

Solution

GZA provided a Level I Property Condition Assessment for the building which included an evaluation of building maintenance records, a review of existing code violations on file with the city, a field walkthrough, and a subsequent report that identified deferred maintenance issues with an estimated total to correct of nearly $375,000. Identified issues included:

Insufficient fireproofing measures, structural beams and column framing
Active roof leaks
Abandoned equipment
HVAC deficiencies
Electrical deficiencies
Elevator modernization needs

During the site visit, GZA discovered maintenance issues and patchwork repairs over the years had reduced the useful lives of many of the building materials and systems. Long-term capital needs were forecasted for repair and maintenance items relating to the building exterior, roof, interior, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection systems. Estimated long-term capital needs were estimated at over $1.9 million.

Benefit

Our work uncovered liabilities at the Site that had not been previously anticipated. Detailed documentation of the conditions balanced with careful evaluation of risk assisted our client in obtaining the desired sales price of the facility, resulting in a reduction of risk associated with the site.

Insights

Level I Property Condition Assessment for a confidential acquisition client
Evaluation of building maintenance records, existing code violations and field walkthrough
Uncovered liabilities which had not been previously anticipated, assisting client in obtaining desired sales price of the facility, and reduction of risk associated with the site

New York

Buildings & Real Estate Development

Building and Property Services

Competitive Power Ventures, Inc., Three Rivers Energy Center

Anonymous — ��Ϸ��d, 25 Sep 2019 17:24:34 +0000

Competitive Power Ventures, Inc., Three Rivers Energy Center Anonymous ��Ϸ��d, 09/25/2019 - 13:24

Challenge

Competitive Power Ventures, Inc. (CPV) consulted with GZA to provide environmental and regulatory guidance as it developed Three Rivers Energy Center, a planned 1,250 megawatt (MW) natural-gas-fueled electric generating facility.

Solution

Initially, GZA conducted a review of the previous environmental consultant’s work and provided a summary of federal, state, and local regulations and associated permitting requirements and process regarding natural resources. GZA then conducted a wetland delineation on 120 acres of undeveloped and agricultural land, in compliance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and USDA National Food Security Act Manual methodology. After identifying nine wetlands and three waterways, GZA submitted a jurisdictional determination for the wetlands and surface waters to the USACE and received an Approved Jurisdictional Determination.

GZA also evaluated the project’s potential to adversely impact the Northern long-eared bat (NLEB, Myotis septentrionalis) and the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) and conducted a Phase I habitat survey as outlined in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s ��2016 Range-wide Indiana Bat Summer Survey Guidelines.�� Each of the over 1,000 trees within the 120-acre site was visited to determine if suitable roosting habitat was present.

Additional GZA services included conducting a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the entire site, which revealed no evidence of Recognized Environmental Conditions in connection with the site, and coordinating with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency to obtain cultural resource clearance.

Benefit

GZA helped CPV successfully navigate the environmental and ecological compliance requirements associated with the new generating facility.

Insights

Reviewed Previous Consultant’s Work
Regulatory Guidance
��Ϸ��tland Delineation
Farmed ��Ϸ��tland Determination
Jurisdictional Determination
Bat Habitat Survey
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
Coordinated with Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

Illinois

Energy

EHS Regulatory Compliance

Natural Resources and Ecological Services

Former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP), Site Remediation

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 13:59:53 +0000

Former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP), Site Remediation Anonymous Mon, 09/23/2019 - 09:59

Challenge

In 2010, when coal tar was detected in the harbor adjacent to a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site, GZA was retained to analyze the preliminary site investigation data previously collected. The redeveloped site now spans upland and in-water properties owned and operated by several different entities. GZA’s services expanded as client’s needs grew on this complex site.

Solution

Based on the initial data review, GZA developed a Conceptual Site Model that formed the basis for subsequent assessment and remedial actions, followed by design development and construction management and oversight of a multi-season upland, nearshore, and harbor remedy implementation.
The selected remedial alternative included the following elements:

Removal of contaminated soil (source material) adjacent to the harbor, requiring earth support and dismantling and rebuilding historical granite block seawalls
Constructing a vertical concrete and sheet pile barrier to prevent migration of impacted groundwater and NAPL, requiring stabilization/underpinning of walls and structures
Dredging approximately seven acres of contaminated harbor sediments
Placing an armored, active marine cap to treat upwelling porewater
Isolating deep MGP-impacted soil via the construction of an engineered barrier
Automated NAPL recovery from overburden and bedrock

Site-specific challenges considered during remedial design included:

The presence of former MGP infrastructure, including buried seawalls within the upland subsurface and debris within the harbor;
Granite boulders and bedrock, which limited the ability to drive sheets for Support of Excavation (SOE);
The instability of existing granite block seawalls;
Dredging sediments surrounding piles that supported an active, historical marine railroad
An expedited timeline to meet short winter working windows, as established by regulators and local restrictions
Concrete design and QA/QC monitoring of concrete pours for/during freezing marine conditions
Requirements to work multiple shifts, up to 24/7, to meet schedule and work within tidal cycles

Benefit

This technically-challenging assessment and remediation project benefitted from GZA’s expertise in a wide range of environmental, engineering, ecological, and construction management disciplines, resulting in successful integration of the NAPL collection system and integration into the seawall construction.

Insights

Waterfront site in busy commercial harbor spanning multiple properties
Non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) in shallow and deep soil, fractured bedrock, and harbor sediments
Hydrocarbons and metals impacts in sediments and pore water
Assessment and preparation of comprehensive site assessment and risk characterization report
Remedial design and preparation of Remedial Action Plan, Remedy Implementation Plan, bid specifications and drawings, and Final Inspection Report
Construction management for final remedy that included mechanical and suction dredging across 7 acres, management of 30,000 CY of contaminated sediment; water treatment; stabilization/removal/reconstruction of pile-supported piers and seawalls including concrete pile jacketing; installation of sheet pile DNAPL cutoff wall and impermeable concrete vertical barrier; marine capping; and NAPL extraction from overburden and bedrock

Massachusetts

Water

Institutional

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy

Geotechnical Engineering Services

Environmental Site Investigation & Remediation

EHS Regulatory Compliance

Land Use and Environmental Planning

Natural Resources and Ecological Services

Waterfront and Coastal Engineering

Construction Management