1. ISRA COMPLIANCE (NJDEP) - TSCA COMPLIANCE (USEPA)

SITE / LOCATION: Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, Morris County, New Jersey
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

·            Saved client at least $2.5 million and eliminated liability associated with off-site waste disposal by negotiating risk-based approval for capping PCB-impacted soil with concentrations greater than 100 ppm on-site.  This remedy is the first approval of its kind in the nation under USEPA PCB regulations (the Amega-rule) promulgated in August 1998

·            Designed cap for in-place remediation of PCB-impacted soil to satisfy various regulatory requirements, wetlands issues, and proposed commercial redevelopment of the site

·            Reduced remedial requirements by successfully demonstrating to the NJDEP that ground water was not impacted by PCB-impacted soils

·            Obtained NFA letters for 21 Areas of Concern in 18 months

·            Minimized remedial action in wetlands by performing an ecological evaluation

·            Conducted local study of hydrogeology and upgradient off-site sources of ground water contamination with chlorinated solvents and demonstrated that on-site chlorinated solvents originated from an off-site source.  Received a No Further Action determination from the NJDEP

·            Repackaged Preliminary Assessment Report to comply with ISRA regulations

PROJECT SUMMARY:

TRC Raviv prepared a Remedial Action Selection Report and Remedial Action Workplan for the clients facility in Morris County, New Jersey.  Following negotiations with regulatory agencies, TRC Raviv successfully obtained Remedial Action Workplan approval, which will transform the inactive, contaminated site to an environmentally sound and economically viable property.

A former landfill at the site was impacted with PCB concentrations as high as 1,300 ppm.  TRC Raviv assessed the extent of environmental impacts to ground water, wetlands and soil, and demonstrated to the NJDEP that there was no impact to ground water from PCB-impacted soils.  As a result, costly ground water monitoring and remediation requirements were not required.  TRC Raviv performed an ecological evaluation and successfully demonstrated to the NJDEP that PCBs in the wetlands should remain in place, thereby further reducing remediation costs.

Based on the Remedial Action Selection Report and Remedial Action Workplan, capping was approved by the NJDEP and USEPA as the appropriate remedial approach for the site.  USEPA approval to cap PCB-containing soil and waste is required under the Federal Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA).  TRC Raviv's design of the capping system coordinated complicated state and federal environmental and engineering requirements with proposed commercial redevelopment plans for the site.  TRC Raviv received the first USEPA risk-based draft approval under the new Federal Toxic Substance Control Act regulations for leaving PCB-impacted soil with concentrations greater than 100 ppm on-site after instituting an engineering control.  This approval saved the client at least $2.5 million in soil excavation and disposal costs, and reduced the client’s future liability associated with the off-site disposal of hazardous, TSCA-regulated waste. 

The 5-acre cap is designed to be protective of human health and the environment and to accommodate the proposed redevelopment of the site.  A portion of the cap has been designed as a parking facility (asphalt cap), with the remainder designed as a geotextile soil cap that will incorporate the wetlands buffer zone.  PCB-impacted soil from a 0.5-acre portion of impacted wetlands will be excavated and placed beneath the cap, followed by wetlands restoration.

Another aspect of this project was to restructure a pre-existing Preliminary Assessment Report and conduct supplemental soil and ground water remedial investigation activities to facilitate the ISRA compliance process.  Within 18 months, a total of 21 areas of concern (AOCs), including ground water contamination with chlorinated solvents, were issued No Further Action (NFA) determinations by the NJDEP.  The ground water NFA was issued based on the submission of regional information compiled by TRC Raviv, demonstrating an off-site source of the trichloroethylene (TCE) detected on the client's property.

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2. ENCAPSULATION SYSTEM DESIGN - STORM WATER MANAGEMENT

SITE / LOCATION:  Scrap Metal Recycling Facility, Middlesex County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:        

• Environmental investigations and remediation of soil and ground water

• Remedial action plan includes installation of a low permeability, soil/bentonite capping system over 2 acres of the 4- acre site, and a storm water treatment system to treat all runoff

• As part of the remedial design, the operations of the site were re-configured to meet the requirements of the capping system and storm water management plan

• The design of the remedial action involved simultaneous approvals from State, County, and Municipal agencies, as well as working with the owner to reconfigure an active working site

PROJECT SUMMARY:

TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) performed environmental investigations of the soil and ground water at this 4-acre scrap metal recycling facility.  Contamination, which originated from a long history of operations (car crushing began in 1932), includes hydrocarbon related compounds, metals, and PCBs.  The NJDEP ordered the owner to design a system such that continued operations would not impact the environment, and to address all existing contamination.  The facility is located in a commercial district, with near-by residences.

TRC Raviv developed the design for a bentonite capping system (Wyoming bentonite enclosed in a geotextile shell) overlain with compacted fill.  The placement of this capping system will enable some contaminated soils to be left on-site, and will ensure that ground water and the underlying soils will not be further impacted in the future by site operations.  In addition, a storm water treatment system was designed which includes re-grading of the entire site to collect runoff, a large detention basin for the settling of particulates, and a 6,000-gallon oil-water separator.  Finally, the site re-development plans include provisions to improve the visual appearance of the site.

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3. LANDFILL CLOSURE - BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT

SITE / LOCATION:  Municipal Landfill, Middlesex County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Remedial investigations of landfill materials, underlying soils, landfill leachate and gas, ground water, surface water, and sediment

• Obtained NJDEP approval of remedial action for the complex landfill closure and site re-development as a shopping center

• Project design includes filling 10-acres of wetlands, dynamic compaction of landfill materials, placing 2-million cubic yards of fill, installing a landfill leachate and gas collection system, and construction of a shopping center with the buildings, asphalt pavement, and utilities supported by the capping system

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The municipal landfill occupies 60 acres and is surrounded by wetlands and tidal water bodies.  TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) was retained by the developer to perform the environmental and civil engineering for the proposed landfill closure and brownfield redevelopment.  This included extensive environmental and geotechnical investigations of the landfill materials, soil, ground water, and adjacent environmentally sensitive areas (i.e., wetlands, surface water).  By combining the environmental and engineering investigations and designs, TRC Raviv developed a comprehensive redevelopment plan with substantial cost savings to the client.

TRC Raviv evaluated the environmental and geotechincal issues associated with future landfill settlement, and leachate migration and gas generation.  To minimize post-closure settlements, a dynamic compaction program was designed to consolidate the existing landfill materials.  A compacted stabilized dredge spoil capping system was designed to ensure the environmentally and structurally sound construction of buildings, pavement and utilities on the top of the closed landfill.  It was determined that post-closure leachate collection would likely not be required.

The project received regulatory oversight by several different bureaus within the NJDEP, and was partially driven by regulatory permits.  TRC Raviv managed the permit process for the project, and obtained the required permits on behalf of the client in a timely manner.

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4. SPILL/DISCHARGE PREVENTION PLAN - ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

SITE / LOCATION: Oil Refinery, Middlesex County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Evaluated the existing secondary containment for 20 above ground storage tanks for compliance with State and Federal regulations pertaining to the facility Spill and Discharge Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC/DPCC) Plan

•  Tanks ranged in size from 200,000 to 4,500,000 gallons (5,000 to 110,000 barrels)

• Developed engineering plans for the upgrade of the secondary containment systems

• Provided engineering oversight and testing during construction of the upgrades

• Prepared as-built drawings and amended the SPCC/DPCC Plan

PROJECT SUMMARY:

To maintain compliance with State and Federal regulations pertaining to the facility Spill/Discharge Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC/DPCC) Plan, TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) evaluated the existing secondary containment for 20 aboveground storage tanks (ranging in size from 200,000 to 4,500,000 gallons).  Using surveyed site maps, tank information, and site inspections, tank failure and spill scenarios were evaluated to determine if the existing secondary containment capacity was adequate.  Additionally, TRC Raviv performed comprehensive engineering evaluations of containment wall and berm integrity to determine if the existing containment structures were structurally suitable for spill containment

Based on the evaluations, TRC Raviv developed detailed engineering plans for the upgrade of all deficient secondary containment systems.  Approximately 10 tanks, with multi-million gallon capacities, required complete upgrades to their secondary containment systems.  Upgrades included a total reconfiguration of the existing system, construction of new soil berms, the removal of existing berms to enable a more effective use of existing containment capacity, reinforcement of existing concrete containment walls, and sealing of pipe penetration breaches.

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5. ISRA/RCRA COMPLIANCE - SOIL AND GROUND WATER REMEDIATION

SITE / LOCATION:  Paint and Coatings Manufacturing, Middlesex County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

·               Performed all regulatory compliance activities (ISRA, RCRA and tank removals) associated with the sale of the facility, and negotiated with the NJDEP for the elimination of expensive sampling and monitoring requirements

·               Obtained No Further Action (NFA) determinations for 31 Areas of Concern

·               Implemented aggressive, high vacuum recovery and treatment of ground water impacted by solvents, primarily toluene

·               Reduced soil disposal costs as part of the underground storage tank removal program, by implementing in-situ soil vapor extraction

·               TRC Raviv’s hydrologic assessment obviated the need for more extensive subsurface investigations

PROJECT SUMMARY:

TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) was retained to conduct the investigation, removal, and remediation of an underground solvent tank farm.  The creative technique of using Resource Conservation Recovery Act corrective action management units allowed TRC Raviv to implement a cost-effective on-site remediation of hazardous waste without applying for overly burdensome RCRA permits.  Soil was remediated using soil venting and returned to the excavation.

Compliance with NJDEP’s ISRA program was triggered as a result of the sale of the facility.  All of the required investigations and the remedial action design were conducted on an expedited basis.  A total of 31 areas of concern were identified and no further action determinations have been obtained from the NJDEP for all areas except ground water.

TRC Raviv has performed complete turn-key engineering for the remediation of impacted soil and ground water for this project including the investigation, design, construction, permitting, and routine operation and maintenance of a high vacuum, combined ground water and soil vapor extraction system using a network of over 20 recovery wells.  To date, about 600 gallons of organic compounds, primarily toluene, have been recovered from the subsurface.   Ground water contaminant concentrations have been reduced an average of 85%, and in 3 of 8 key wells the levels have dropped over 99%.  The cleanup of the ground water and soils is nearly complete and the remediation consists of “polishing” a few remaining areas.

Based on research and site-specific hydrogeologic data, TRC Raviv successfully demonstrated to the NJDEP that a full-scale geophysical investigation was not warranted at the site.  Using ground water flow and quality data, TRC Raviv demonstrated that the high vacuum ground water recovery systems exert complete hydraulic control over both contaminant plumes.  This demonstration eliminated the need to incur additional costs for geophysical investigations and additional well installation that otherwise would have been required by the NJDEP.

The original target time frame of the soil and ground water remediation was 5 years.  However, it is projected that active remediation will be complete within 4 years.  The regulatory exit strategy for this site includes a monitored natural attenuation program in conjunction with a deed notice and a capping system for small amounts of remaining contamination.

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6. UST CLOSURES - GROUND WATER REMEDIATION

• SITE / LOCATION: Coatings Manufacturing Facility, Berks County, Pennsylvania

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

•          Supervision of UST removal and closure of on-site disposal well

•          Designed, constructed and currently operating a ground water recovery and treatment system

•         Currently coordinating closure of project in accordance with Pennsylvania ACT II Requirements

PROJECT SUMMARY

TRC Raviv supervised the removal of several underground storage tanks and the closure of a disposal well.  A ground water investigation indicated that elevated levels of volatile organic compounds were present.  As a result, TRC Raviv implemented a ground water remediation program in 1991.  The remedial design included two ground water recovery wells, an air stripping tower and an on-site injection well. 

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7. SUPERFUND SITE - SOIL AND GROUND WATER REMEDIATION - COST RECOVERY

SITE  / LOCATION: Chemical Manufacturing/Solvent Recovery Facility, Middlesex County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:           

·               Site-wide remedial investigation of soil and ground water

·               Horizontal and vertical delineation of DNAPL source area

·               Design and implementation of a Pump and Treat ground water remediation system involving air stripping with activated carbon control technology

·               Design and implementation of a treated ground water recharge basin and injection wells

·               Development of regional ground water flow, and fate and transport model to optimize remedial action design and predict future contaminant concentrations of the fugitive, downgradient plume impacting a major watershed recharge area

PROJECT SUMMARY:

In 1969, the facility began producing and recovering valuable chemicals from off-site process products and residuals.  In September 1983, the site was listed on the National Priority List (NPL) with the EPA after volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in a major potable ground water supply area located hydraulically downgradient of the site.  The major contaminant of concern, chlorobenzene, was detected in the vicinity of a production well which prompted immediate remedial action including the installation of high-yielding recovery wells within the potable well field recharge area upgradient of the production well to intercept the dissolved phase VOC plume.

TRC Raviv conducted soil and ground water investigations that revealed a source area of limited extent.  In one of its first successful applications in New Jersey, hydropunch sampling was completed at specific depth intervals to delineate the source area both horizontally and vertically.  Recovery wells were later installed at the areas exhibiting the highest VOC concentrations.

TRC Raviv demonstrated through pumping tests and pilot testing that significant cost savings could be achieved by containing the source area on-site rather than operating high-yielding downgradient recovery wells.  As a result, a ground water recovery program with on-site treatment was implemented which reduced the recovery rate and increased the mass recovery of the VOCs by ten-fold.

TRC Raviv designed a ground water treatment system consisting of two parallel trains.  Components include state-of-the-art, low profile, easily maintained, air strippers supplemented by vapor phase activated carbon for reducing air emissions.  The availability of the facility’s on-site steam generation was utilized to regenerate activated carbon vessels, reducing maintenance costs.  Treated ground water was injected within a recharge basin with injection wells designed by TRC Raviv, upgradient but within the capture zone of the recovery wells to reduce the discharge limitations.

A ground water flow and fate and transport model were utilized to show the regulatory agencies that future VOC concentrations downgradient of the on-site recovery system would degrade before impacting the potable supply wells.  Hence, ground water recovery from the high-yielding wells downgradient of the site was terminated, resulting in a significant cost savings for the company.

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8. MUNICIPAL LANDFILL GROUND WATER INVESTIGATION

LOCATION: Ocean County, New Jersey     

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

·            Streamlined the investigation of a closed municipal landfill by combining the SI and the RI into one phase and by employing real-time delineation techniques.  Used landfill leachate indicator parameters to identify contaminant migration pathways

·            Negotiated work plans with the NJDEP under the scrutiny of several interested parties, including a citizen-led group formed to explore potential causes of childhood cancer cases and the NJDHSS

·            Analyzed 15 years of historical ground water quality data to establish temporal trends and evaluate contaminant plume stability over time, and refute inaccurate statements about off-site impacts

·            Presented findings at several public meetings of concerned citizen group

·            Supported arguments for natural remediation of the minimal landfill impacts to ground water quality that were identified

·            Developed scientifically based, cost effective long-term monitoring program to confirm plume stability and natural remediation processes

PROJECT SUMMARY:

TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) was retained by a Township in Ocean County to satisfy the requirements of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was entered into by the Township with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).  The MOA required the investigation of a municipal solid waste landfill that had been closed.  The landfill was being investigated as one of several potential sources of carcinogens in an effort by a citizen's group and state agencies to identify potential causes of childhood cancers.

The MOA required that the Township complete a Preliminary Assessment, prepare a Site Investigation Workplan, implement the Site Investigation and prepare a report, and prepare a Remedial Investigation Workplan, implement the Remedial Investigation and prepare a report.  TRC Raviv saved at least a year and several tens of thousands of dollars by combining the Site Investigation and Remedial Investigation, thereby eliminating the need for at least one workplan and report, with all the concomitant time frames for preparation, client review, and review by the NJDEP.  By fully assessing and utilizing the historical information compiled in the Preliminary Assessment, we were able to focus the Site Investigation/Remedial Investigation on just those Areas of Concern (AOCs) that truly warranted investigation, thereby keeping the scope of the investigation appropriately focused.

During the initial phase of the Remedial Investigation, TRC Raviv employed real-time delineation techniques - Hydropunch ground water sampling and field analysis for landfill leachate indicator parameters - to delineate ground water quality impacts.  This provided data to scientifically select locations for permanent monitoring wells and minimize the number of iterative phases of well installation.  TRC Raviv worked in conjunction with ground water modelers who were developing a 3-dimensional regional flow model for a Superfund site 2 miles to the west; this model assisted us in the determination of contaminant migration pathways and the selection of monitoring well locations.

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9. SEDIMENT ENCAPSULATION - ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

SITE / LOCATION: Dundee Canal, Passaic County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Environmental investigation of soil, sediment, surface water quality, and hydraulic connection between canal and ground water

• NJDEP approval of remedial action workplan for subaqueous in-place capping of impacted sediment

• Full-service engineering including geotechnical evaluation of canal sediment, capping system design, bid procurement/contractor selection, permitting, construction management, as-built drawings, Remedial Action Report and Deed Notice

• Installation of a 3.5-acre capping system for 9,000 cubic yards of impacted sediment

• $1.2 million remedial action design, installation, and reporting completed within budget

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The Dundee Canal ran parallel to the Passaic River extending over a mile from the Dundee Dam in Clifton, New Jersey to its outlet at the Passaic River in Passaic, New Jersey.  The Canal was partially filled as a result of the New Jersey Department of Transportation construction of the Route 21 extension, but two unfilled portions or ponds covering an area of 3.5 acres remained.

TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) performed remedial investigations of canal soil, sediment and surface water to delineate the extent of contaminants in the Canal and to assess the hydraulic connection between the Canal and ground water.  TRC Raviv designed a 3.5-acre in-place capping system for the ponds to ensure containment of 9,000 cubic yards of sediment and facilitate the natural re-establishment of the aquatic ecosystem.  The plan was approved by the NJDEP.

The sediment was 15 feet thick in locations and had very low strength.  TRC Raviv performed a detailed geotechnical-testing program that enabled the selection of a permeable geotextile with a permeable soil cover that successfully contained the sediment while supporting the weight of the cap.  The final capping system design included an anchored geotextile overlain by 2 feet of fill.  The fill was specifically selected to resist erosion once the pond areas were refilled with flowing water and to facilitate the re-establishment of the aquatic ecosystem after encapsulation.

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10. GROUND WATER SUPPLY

SITE / LOCATION: Senior Retirement Community, Morris County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

·            Implemented several single-well and two multi-well aquifer pumping tests to determine well and aquifer yields

 ·            Calculated basin water budget and aquifer recharge rates to support ground water withdrawal needed by development

·            Prepared and obtained NJDEP approval to modify Township’s existing Water Allocation Permit to include the new development’s ground water supply wells

PROJECT SUMMARY:

TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) was retained by a major residential developer in northern New Jersey to implement an aquifer-testing program at a senior retirement community under construction in Morris County, New Jersey.  Due to shortages in the host Township’s existing ground water supply system, the developer was required to identify and develop sufficient water to meet the planned community’s needs. To that end, the developer installed eight test wells into the crystalline bedrock underlying the site. Once the developer could develop sufficient yield, the wells were to be tied into the Township’s existing water supply and distribution system.

The community needs about 120,000 gallon per day (gpd), equivalent to an average of about 85 gallons per minute (gpm). In accordance with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection-Bureau of Safe Drinking Water (NJDEP-BSDW), the developer had to demonstrate that the new wells had the capability of providing more than three times the needed yield, to ensure adequate supply if any individual well fails to supply an adequate yield, or if one of the Township’s wells temporarily goes off-line.

TRC Raviv designed a ground water well and aquifer testing program to satisfy the requirements of the NJDEP-Bureau of Water Allocation (BWA).  Initially, step tests were run on each individual well to determine the maximum sustained yield.  After the optimal pumping rate was selected, a 72-hour pumping test was run on each well to verify that the well could provide the yield on a sustained basis.  Transducers were installed in nearby wells to provide water-level data to assess aquifer properties and interference effects.  A multi-well aquifer pumping test work plan was provided to the NJDEP-BWA for their approval.  Through our close working relationship with this bureau, we were able to address their concerns and obtained timely approval for the client.

A 72-hour, five-well aquifer pumping test was conducted to verify that the aquifer could sustain a withdrawal rate of 270 gpm.  TRC Raviv coordinated with a pumping-test contractor to provide pumps and flow measurement equipment; we installed transducers in pumping and observation wells that recorded water-level data electronically.  Water-level measurements were also collected in piezometers in on-site wetlands to show that pumping the bedrock aquifer would not have an adverse effect on wetlands habitats.  The water-level data were processed using computer-driven programs to determine aquifer hydraulic properties and demonstrate long-term aquifer yield. 

TRC Raviv calculated a water budget for the entire drainage basin and determined the safe yield of the well filed in accordance with NJDEP requirements.  We used the results of the testing program to prepare a comprehensive hydrogeologic report and an application to modify the Township’s existing Water Allocation Permit to incorporate the community’s new wells and increase the overall allocated pumpage.  We received high praise from the NJDEP-BWA for the completeness and scientific quality of the two documents, and the request for modification has been granted by the NJDEP.

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11. ISRA COMPLIANCE - SOIL AND GROUND WATER INVESTIGATIONS AND REMEDIATION

SITE / LOCATION: Chemical Manufacturing Facility, Bergen County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:           

·               Site-wide remedial investigation of soil and ground water

·               Horizontal and vertical delineation of LNAPL source area

·               Excavation of impacted soils in an active loading dock area

·               Design, implementation and operation of a bioremediation pilot testing program for treating volatile organic compounds in ground water

·               Design of a bioremediation system for ground water remediation

·               ISRA compliance following a transfer of company assets

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The facility, located in an industrial area of Bergen County, New Jersey, began producing vinyl-type coatings in 1969, and later added fabric softeners to the product line.  Raw materials included alcohols, pigments and phthalates.

Following the removal of underground storage tanks (USTs), the major contaminants of concern detected in soil and ground water at the site were isopropyl alcohol (IPA), acetone (a degradation product of IPA), and phthalates.  Monitoring wells revealed impacts to the overburden and bedrock wells.   The extent of the plume was limited to the property due to gentle ground water gradients and natural degradation of the contaminants.

TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) delineated the dissolved plume horizontally and vertically, and identified the transfer lines from the former USTs as one of the contaminant sources.  Observations of impacted soils during the removal of the transfer lines confirmed that contaminant releases were associated with the lines.  A bench-scale biodegradation study was conducted to determine the feasibility of bioremediation of the compounds of concern.  The study indicated that bioremediation was a viable option. 

The severely impacted soils were excavated over a holiday period during temporary cessation of facility operations.  The excavation was extended to the top of bedrock.  The area was backfilled with a permeable medium and three bioreactor trenches were installed for implementation of a bioremediation system.  A bioremediation pilot study was conducted, introducing a passive oxygen releasing compound (ORC) within the bioreactor trenches and later liquid nitrogen and phosphorous as nutrients.  These compounds had been identified as the limiting compounds for bioreaction processes.  The results of this pilot study indicated that bioremediation was successfully enhanced, rapidly reducing the contaminant concentrations in ground water.  This information was utilized in the design of a more aggressive, permanent, low cost bioremediation system.  The bioreactor trenches installed following soil excavation will deliver the oxygen and nutrients to the contaminated ground water.

Subsequently, the facility’s assets (building and equipment) were purchased, which triggered ISRA compliance.  TRC Raviv was retained to inspect the premises and complete a preliminary assessment report and site investigation in other areas of concern.

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12. ISRA COMPLIANCE - SOIL AND GROUND WATER INVESTIGATIONS - PRODUCT RECOVERY

SITE / LOCATION: Freon Manufacturing Facility, Bergen County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

·         Successfully completed complex delineation of 13 areas of concern (AOCs)

·         Identified and delineated several dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) area

·         Removed over 1,000 gallons of DNAPL from the ground water within 3 weeks of discovery

·         The quick response to DNAPL recovery improved ground water quality, resulting in significant long-term cost savings to the client

PROJECT SUMMARY:

TRC Raviv conducted supplemental soil and ground water investigations at the site for compliance with ISRA.  TRC Raviv reviewed the prior consultant’s work and prepared a soil and ground water Remedial Investigation Workplan for submittal to the NJDEP that identified potential AOCs and suspected dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) areas. 

The NJDEP-approved workplan consisted of soil sampling, ground water sampling, a Geoprobe ground water investigation and monitoring well installation.  The results of soil sampling confirmed the extent of elevated levels of volatile organic compounds, base neutral compounds, metals and PCBs.  The presence of DNAPL, consisting of freon and other chlorinated hydrocarbons, was confirmed in several areas.  TRC Raviv immediately began product recovery activities and removed over 1,000 gallons of DNAPL within 3 weeks of discovery.  Subsequent DNAPL delineation investigations revealed the presence of DNAPL within the thin sand layers of the site’s underlying varved clay.  TRC Raviv designed a network of recovery wells to intersect the DNAPL zones and continue DNAPL recovery.

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13. ISRA COMPLIANCE - SOIL AND GROUND WATER REMEDIATION

SITE / LOCATION: Petroleum Products Manufacturing, Middlesex County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

·            Coordination of all ISRA Compliance Activities

·            Supervision of Site-Wide Decommissioning Activities during Demolition

·            Implementation of Soil and Ground Water Remedial Investigations

·            NJDEP and USEPA Approval of Site-Wide Cap for PCB-Impacted Soils

·            NJDEP Approval of a Site-Specific Ecologically-Based Alternate Cleanup Level for PCBs in On-Site Wetlands

·            Design and Operation of a Vacuum-Enhanced Product Recovery System

PROJECT SUMMARY:

TRC Raviv assisted with the closure of a 15-acre industrial establishment that had been in operation since 1903.  The site consisted of 20 buildings used for the manufacture of petroleum jelly and other associated products.  TRC Raviv implemented the required ISRA compliance activities including the Preliminary Assessment Report, Remedial Investigation Reports, and Soil and Ground Water Remedial Action Workplans.

TRC Raviv conducted the necessary remedial activities during the razing of the plant, including the removal of numerous underground and above ground storage tanks.  Many other areas of concern (AOCs) such as oil/water separators, sumps and pipelines were decommissioned, removed and sampled during the demolition of the facility.  Implementation of these remedial tasks at this time resulted in significant cost savings to the client.

Comprehensive site-wide soil and ground water investigations were performed by TRC Raviv, and  contaminants such as base neutral compounds (BNs), heavy metals, PCBs, petroleum jelly, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected at elevated concentrations.  TRC Raviv successfully demonstrated to the NJDEP that (1) all metals and BNs were attributable to historic fill material; (2) petroleum jelly was a non-hazardous substance; and (3) PCBs were not impacting ground water. 

Following negotiations with the USEPA, NJDEP, and prospective purchaser, a site-wide cap and deed notice were approved as remedial measures to address PCBs in soil.  The NJDEP also approved the excavation of off-site PCB-impacted soils for placement under the on-site cap, which resulted in a significant cost savings to the client.  Another cost-saving measure included successful negotiations with the host municipality resulting in off-site institutional and engineering controls on city-owned property.

TRC Raviv prepared the bid specifications, soil erosion and sediment control plan, and permit applications for the soil excavation work and assisted the client in selecting a contractor.  We also provided full-time field supervision of the soil excavation project.

TRC Raviv performed a comprehensive Ecological Evaluation and proposed a Site-Specific Ecologically-Based Cleanup Level for PCBs in on-site wetlands.  The NJDEP approved of a less stringent Alternate Cleanup Level, resulting in significant cost savings since wetlands remediation and restoration were not required. 

To address ground water, TRC Raviv conducted an investigation to determine the extent and source of  floating petroleum product.  The product was delineated and a recovery system was designed using a high vacuum to remove the light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL).

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14. ISRA COMPLIANCE - SOIL AND GROUND WATER INVESTIGATIONS - SOIL REMEDIATION

SITE / LOCATION: Wood Treating Facility, Burlington County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

·           Coordination of ISRA Compliance Activities

·           Successfully completed delineation of 9 areas of concern (AOCs).

·           Implementation of Soil and Ground Water Remedial Investigations

·           Engineering Design of NJDEP-Approved Site Cap for Arsenic-Impacted Soils

·           Provided Engineering Inspections of the Implementation of the Capping System

PROJECT SUMMARY:

Soil and ground water investigations were performed at the 13-acre wood treating facility in southern New Jersey for compliance with ISRA.  Reporting activities included the Preliminary Assessment Report, Remedial Investigation Workplans and Reports, and a Soil Remedial Action Workplan.

As a result of the initial soil sampling program, TRC Raviv determined that arsenic was the primary contaminant of concern at the site and the NJDEP agreed to limit future sampling to arsenic analysis only.  TRC Raviv successfully demonstrated to the NJDEP that the contaminated soils could be capped in place on-site, in conjunction with other site improvements (i.e. paving) planned by the property owner.

TRC Raviv prepared the bid specifications for the soil excavation activities and assisted the client in selecting a contractor to perform the work.  Our engineers provided full-time field supervision of the arsenic-impacted soil excavation and capping project. In accordance with an NJDEP-approved Soil Remedial Action Workplan, approximately 8,000 cubic yards of arsenic-impacted soil were excavated, relocated, and capped with asphalt, resulting in significantly reduced costs and future liability to the client.  The project took approximately 6 weeks and $1,000,000 to complete.

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15. ISRA COMPLIANCE - SOIL REMEDIATION - GROUND WATER INVESTIGATION

SITE / LOCATION: Petroleum Research and Development Center, Mercer County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

·120 areas of concern have received No Further Action determinations

·Site-wide multimedia investigation of soil, ground water, surface water and sediments

·Active participation in marketing of property leading to eventual sale

·Investigation of chlorinated solvents in fractured bedrock

·Implementation of low-temperature thermal desorption for VOC-impacted soils

·Natural attenuation of ground water with the establishment of a CEA proposed

·Preparation of a Baseline Ecological Evaluation

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The 440-acre site consisted of 20 buildings primarily engaged in research and development activities related to petroleum processing, energy conversion, and catalysis.  TRC Raviv prepared a Preliminary Assessment Report that identified approximately 130 areas of concern.  Several phases of investigative work were conducted by TRC Raviv in accordance with the NJDEP’s Technical Requirements for Site Remediation without formal NJDEP workplan approval to assess the environmental conditions at the site in anticipation of a sale of the property, and to expedite the ISRA compliance process.  As a result, our project team was able to accurately present the environmental quality and regulatory status of the facility to prospective purchasers.

Throughout the ISRA compliance process, TRC Raviv worked closely with the seller’s Global Real Estate Team to market the property.  TRC Raviv was responsible for presenting the environmental conditions of the site and explaining the nuances of the ISRA compliance process to a variety of potential buyers, their consultants, real estate brokers and attorneys.  Numerous site inspections and meetings were conducted.  TRC Raviv was instrumental in working with purchasers and their consultants who were seriously considering purchasing the property to satisfy due diligence requirements.  The property was eventually sold in a timely manner prior to the completion of ISRA compliance.

One of the soil issues at the site was the persistent detection of beryllium in sediment and soil samples.  To address this problem, TRC Raviv conducted a background investigation followed by a statistical analysis of the data to determine whether there was a statistical difference between on-site and background data sets.  The statistical results indicated that the beryllium detected in on-site soils were naturally occurring.  The NJDEP agreed, and no further investigation or remediation of elevated levels of beryllium was required.

To address soils below a drum storage pad contaminated with chlorinated solvents, TRC Raviv evaluated several remedial alternatives and selected on-site treatment via low-temperature thermal desorption.  The low-temperature thermal desorption system utilized ex-situ steam stripping for the remediation of volatile organic compounds.  The process involved loading the contaminated soil into two steel treatment processors in 10-ton batches.  The time required to process each batch of soil was approximately 4 hours, as determined during a bench scale treatability study.  A total of 77 tons of soil was remediated in this manner.  The NJDEP issued a No Further Action Letter upon its completion.  The low-temperature thermal desorption process was both cost-effective (approximately 50% less than disposal) and timely

TRC Raviv prepared a Baseline Ecological Evaluation to evaluate potential adverse ecological impacts using site-specific data collected from on-site Environmentally Sensitive Areas and areas of concern.  Based on the comparison of the contaminant concentrations to ecological screening criteria, TRC Raviv determined that the potential for contaminants of potential ecological concern to adversely affect biota were minimal.  No further ecological evaluation was proposed to the NJDEP. 

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16. BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT - DNAPL (COAL TAR PRODUCT) RECOVERY - CLASS IIIB AQUIFER DESIGNATION - NJPDES PERMITTING - COST RECOVERY

SITE / LOCATION:  Former Manufactured Gas Plant, Hudson County, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:           

·           Site-wide remedial investigation of soil and ground water

·           Horizontal and vertical delineation of DNAPL source area

·           Design and implementation of coal tar recovery pilot testing program involving a unique methodology of product upwelling

·           Design, implementation and operation of a coal tar recovery system for an interim remedial measure (IRM)

·           Determination of a Class IIIB aquifer designation for on-site saline water-bearing zones for development of site-specific, alternative ground water quality criteria

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The 300-acre property is located along the western shore of the Hudson River at its confluence with Upper New York Harbor.  Historically, the property was occupied by a former coal gasification or manufactured gas plant (MGP site), rail yards, warehousing and shipping docks, and in later years, a former gasoline service station.  The current shoreline of the property has been created by historic backfilling; much of the property was below water prior to filling activities in the first half of the 20^th century.  Contaminants detected at the site include historic fill with elevated base neutrals (including polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs] and metals); coal tar product from the MGP; and petroleum-based constituents from the former service station and other historic operations on the property.

In the early 1980s, the barren property was recognized as a potential site for commercial and residential redevelopment.  Today, despite the historic contamination, creative remedial measures have been implemented allowing redevelopment to go forward.  Currently, the property includes a major regional shopping mall, office centers and high-income residential communities, and is one of the largest brownfields projects ever undertaken in New Jersey.

TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) has been involved with the project since the early planning phases of the redevelopment.  Initially, swift and comprehensive soil and ground water investigations were conducted in high priority areas prior to construction of infrastructure and buildings.  Several areas required prompt remedial action prior to construction activities, including removal of a former subsurface gasholder containing liquid coal tar and a bioremediation system beneath the foundation of a major store.

More recent remedial efforts have focused on the coal tar product plume, which is the primary source of dissolved contamination in ground water.  Investigations have revealed two areas containing coal tar product in both residual and free product phases.  The extent of the coal tar product has been delineated horizontally and vertically within the complex lithology.  Coal tar recovery pilot testing has taken advantage of a unique methodology.  The major coal tar plume consists of a DNAPL with a specific gravity similar to seawater, which is known to upwell in areas where excessive ground water pumping (in water supply wells) occurs.  The pilot testing induced coal tar flow, creating an upwelling of product in a well by reducing the water table elevation with a separate pump.  The pilot testing results indicated that coal tar recovery could be increased by more than an order of magnitude when induced pumping was employed.  The dissolved phase contamination in ground water was also delineated to reveal potential discharge points.

The latest focus of TRC Raviv’s remedial investigation has involved the evaluation of the natural contamination of the water-bearing zones by saline waters of the Hudson River and potential pathways to the sensitive receptor, the Hudson River.  Inexpensive analytical tests were included with the site-wide sampling events to delineate the non-potable saline ground waters at the site.  Remedial investigation programs were tailored to evaluate potential contaminant migration pathways including subsurface utilities that transect the site, and direct ground water discharge to the Hudson River.  The results of this latest remedial investigation satisfied requirements for a Class IIIB aquifer designation proposal.  The Class IIIB aquifer designation will allow for development of site-specific, alternative remedial standards that will result in substantial cost savings in the remedial action effort. 

An IRM remedial action has been installed and operating continuously for more than two years, recovering coal tar free product from the major coal tar plume.  Current remedial efforts include the design of a more aggressive coal tar recovery system and development of Class IIIB site-specific, alternative remedial standards.

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17. SECONDARY CONTAINMENT AREA - ENGINEERING

SITE: Manufacturing Facility, Carlstadt, New Jersey

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Design and construction of a secondary containment area for trucking operations to comply with NJDEP Discharge Prevention, Containment and Countermeasures (DPCC) requirements.

PROJECT SUMMARY:

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18. RCRA CORRECTIVE ACTION - FACILITY INVESTIGATION

SITE / LOCATION: Former Chemical Plant, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

·            Implemented Supplemental RFI in Puerto Rico directing a multi-company team of Puerto Rican and U.S. scientists at former chemical plant and surrounding community

·            Negotiated deferral of USEPA requirement for active pump and treat Interim Remedial Measure.  Instead collected and evaluated data in accordance with the most recent USEPA protocols to support natural remediation remedy for chlorinated VOCs

·            Coordinated bench-scale studies of natural and enhanced biodegradation processes with research group at Carnegie Mellon Research Institute to assess cost-effective remedial options to address site-specific conditions

·            Carried out bilingual communications with federal and Puerto Rico agency representatives to implement site activities and address regulatory concerns

·            Obtained permits and approvals from Puerto Rico regulatory agency for discharge of waters generated during well installation and ground water sampling

PROJECT SUMMARY:

TRC Raviv Associates, Inc. (TRC Raviv) was retained in 1996 by a major chemical company to assume responsibility for an on-going RCRA Facility Assessment on the south coast of Puerto Rico.  Operations at the site were discontinued in 1978, followed by an extensive voluntary cleanup of contamination.  The client entered into a RCRA 3008(h) Administrative Order in 1990 and conducted the first phase of the RCRA Facility Assessment from 1991 to 1995.

The former plant has been ranked as a high priority site under the USEPA’s RCRA corrective Action program.  TRC Raviv assisted the client in responding to the USEPA’s requirements for a supplemental RCRA Facility Assessment and an Interim Measure.  Utilizing the TRC Raviv Senior Project Manager’s 7-year his