SCS’s Green Street Blog Series: Part III
In our Green Street blog series, as we step through a successful redevelopment project called Green Street, we help identify and avoid potential environmental issues and sometimes surprises such as underground storage tanks.
As Green Street will breathe new life into the cultural arts scene, creating a vibrant community hub for all to enjoy, there can be a surprise during excavation, even with well-planned and implemented due diligence.
Despite conducting an onsite assessment, historical use assessment, and research before excavation begins, there still can be a deeply buried surprise. In the case of Green Street, an old tank under the former icehouse was discovered beneath 6″ of concrete. Unfortunately, it was not in any historical records since the tank was unregistered. Fortunately, it did not stop the excavation work for long.
Pausing work in the tank’s vicinity enabled SCS to inspect the tank and collect samples of the tank’s contents while continuing work in all other site areas. Based on the analytical results of the sampling and examination, SCS determined that it was an old oil-heating tank likely used to heat the icehouse. Following safety protocols, removing the tank contents comes first, followed by the tank.
Although heating oil tanks are unregulated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Underground Storage Tanks Section, SCS completed a tank closure soil sampling under the Missouri Risk-Based Corrective Action requirements for unregistered underground petroleum storage tanks. Then, soil excavation removes minimally impacted soil directly under the tank, which testing confirms there is no possibility of petroleum-impacted soil remaining.
One of the key aspects of remediation project support is having access to as-needed assistance. Brownfield and any remediation project will have some risks, but quickly minimizing and addressing challenges is critical. Look for full-service environmental engineers and consultants with construction experience. These firms take a holistic approach to projects and have a deep bench of professionals to call upon if and when needed.
Because these firms understand project needs throughout the life cycle. They can help clients make better decisions along the journey to completion and minimize timing risks related to environmental conditions and risks around zoning for intended future use, permitting, and environmental insurance and funding.
We reveal another discovery onsite in Part IV of the Green Street series on February 3rd – this one is wonderful!
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About the Author: Michael (Mike) Dustman is experienced in environmental project management, remedial design activities, building inspection, site assessments, and field training. He possesses an in-depth knowledge of relevant and applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and protocols. Mike has served numerous local agencies and private clients, including the USEPA Region 4 Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team. Mike is a certified asbestos project designer, management planner, and building inspector, a certified air sample professional, and a certified lead-based paint inspector and lead risk assessor.
