As part of an ongoing remediation effort related to potential Superfund listing of the site, Active completed environmental demolition and decontamination of portions of the 20-acre site. The main contaminant of concern was lead, which was used in china manufacturing operations conducted at the site from 1917 to the plant’s closure in 1985.

Active completed the demolition of seven (7) structures and the dismantlement of process equipment. Various wastes were segregated for disposal during the demolition and decontamination activities. The site was leveled and secured and soil erosion controls were installed in an effort to prevent contaminated soils from migrating off site.

Active completed the project on time and under the budgeted cost of $279,000. In addition, Active remitted title to 397,000 pounds of recyclable scrap steel, valued at $30,000, to the client. The site was officially placed on the National Priorities List in 2005, due to the high levels of lead contamination remaining in the soils and process lagoons at the site.

Acting as the remediation contractor, Active developed and implemented a remedial action plan in conjunction with the responsible party’s consultant. The project encompassed an entire 1.6-acre city block. Due to the tight construction schedule for the new facility, quick development and implementation of a remedial action strategy were necessary. Approximately 60,000 tons of PAH, arsenic, and lead impacted soils, and 8,000 tons of demolition debris were removed.

Total depth of the excavation ranged from 14 to 18 feet below grade surface and required sloping of sidewalls, footings, and foundations. Additionally, 100 feet of sheet piling was installed to provide adequate shoring of the excavation, and two (2) temporary ramps were built to allow access to and egress from the excavation for dump trucks and other construction and remediation equipment.

Upon successful removal of contaminated soils, the bottom of the excavation was graded and lined with stone and geotech fabric. Backfill materials were installed in the excavation and mechanically compacted in compliance with strict engineering guidelines. The project was completed without delay and to the satisfaction of the responsible party.

The client formerly operated a plating operation in 35,000 square feet of space owned by the Puerto Rico Devel opment Company (PRIDCO). Plating solutions containing cadmium and copper caused staining of the floors, walls, and infrastructure of the plant. Laboratory analysis indicated cadmium concentrations above RCRA hazardous levels.

Active implemented a multi-phasic remedial action plan designed to reduce disposal costs. Active’s proprietary TechXtract decontamination technology was utilized to remove contaminants from the concrete and tile floors to levels below the applicable cleanup criteria. Additionally, the stained ductwork, plumbing and other infrastructure related to the plating operations and wastewater treatment plant at the site was dismantled.

Use of the patented TechXtract technology greatly minimized waste generation, effectively saving the client $50,000 in disposal costs. All RCRA waste generated was transported and disposed at a client-approved subtitle D landfill on the U.S. mainland. The project was completed in five (5) weeks, and required the coordination of the client, his consultants and counsel, and the landlord, PRIDCO.