Project Details

AEL helped its client navigate an environmentally complex commercial property sale in Ontario, including Phase One and Phase Two Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), In-situ Remediation, Risk Assessment (RA) and successfully filing a Record of Site Condition (RSC) with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP).

AEL identified a tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in the site’s groundwater. PCE contamination commonly occurs through dry cleaning and industrial processes, and its presence can pose health risks if not properly addressed.

To prepare the property and meet Ontario’s environmental regulations, AEL developed and delivered a custom plan that combined in-situ remediation with a risk assessment. This strategy focused on mitigating vapour intrusion and other exposure risks, which ultimately was a deciding factor in purchase and improved the property value for sale.

The PCE plume was located deep within a thick dolostone bedrock layer, beneath layers of sand and gravel, with a shale bedrock layer acting as a protective bottom layer. To reduce PCE concentrations, AEL optimized the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) with cost-effective remediation and selected Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination (ERD). This approach involved injecting two types of Emulsified Vegetable Oil (EVO) to create reducing conditions, promoting the breakdown of PCE by bacteria. AEL also introduced dechlorinating bacterial and metal compounds, which further degrade PCE in groundwater.

Outcome

Using this approach to PCE remediation, concentrations dropped by more than 80% within a year. The successful remediation results, combined with the RA supported the RSC submission, undoubtedly increased its market value and expanding lending options for future purchasers.

This project highlights how science-driven solutions and strategic environmental planning can unlock the full potential of a contaminated property.