Introduction

During renovations at an active automotive facility, petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) contamination was discovered in an area beneath the existing building. Investigations including on-site testing, revealed that the contamination stemmed from abandoned underground hoists and pipes left by previous owners.

To protect long-term property value and minimize future environmental liability, the Client opted to remediate the soil before proceeding with renovations.

AEL’s Approach

• AEL acted immediately and with a sense of urgency, knowing that delays on an active construction site would be costly, expediting timelines for sampling, laboratory testing, and reporting to meet the Client’s needs.
• AEL listened to the Client’s goals and concerns and presented multiple ranked options for remediation, in a Remedial Action Plan (RAP). The pros and cons of each option were discussed with the Client, allowing the Client to have input and make informed decisions from the outset of the project.
• Remedial activities were coordinated with the Client’s structural and construction teams to ensure that the final product would not only be remediated soil, but also a workable area for future construction. 
• The Client’s own on-site equipment and operators, already on-site for the construction project, were incorporated into the remedial program design. This significantly reduced the project cost and allowed the Client to keep some of their workers busy while the construction work was on-hold.

Solution

Given time, budget constraints and the end goals for the project, soil blending was selected as the preferred treatment method. The site’s limited space—walled in on all sides—required a mini-excavator instead of standard larger equipment. AEL designed a remediation plan that accounted for these logistical challenges.

The process involved blending the soil with oxidants to break down PHCs and adding Portland cement to stabilize the ground for the future concrete floor slab. AEL carefully determined the cement dosage through bench-scale testing, selecting a level that ensured soil stability while keeping it workable for future excavation needed for underpinning and utility installation.

To ensure long-term success by eliminating the source, the abandoned underground hoists and pipes were removed along with the impacts.

The remedial process took one week, with follow-up testing four weeks later confirming that soil and groundwater met regulatory standards. With remediation complete, construction proceeded as planned.

Every Property Has a History, We Can Help You Interpret the Past to Prepare for the Future

AEL environment is focused on creating tailored solutions based on your end goals for each property. Let’s talk, and our team will guide you through the process.

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