Case Study: A Brownfield Site in Suburban New York

This paper describes how a fleet fueling facility reported a gasoline release in 1987 when impacted soils were encountered during the removal of two underground storage tanks. The subsequent remedial investigation indicated that separate-phase and dissolved-phase gasoline had migrated onto an adjacent property, consisting of a childcare facility and a wetland. Geomatrix utilized real-time-data collection methods, including the membrane interface probe, soil vapor screening, and physical analysis of soil in the field, to expedite delineation of the residual separate-phase product and impacted soil. The current property owner applied for entry into the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program, which provides a multi-track cleanup approach to achieve closure based on land use and site-specific conditions. The program offers technical assistance grants and provides incentives to expedite cleanup, including limitations on liability and tax credits of 10–22%. Excavation was selected for removal of the residual product in the soil. Concurrent dewatering operations removed approximately 620,000 gallons of impacted groundwater. Clean backfill mixed with an oxygen release compound (ORC®) was placed in the excavation at and below the water table to increase oxygen availability in the groundwater, thereby enhancing aerobic degradation of dissolved petroleum hydrocarbons. The work was implemented on an expedited schedule, with activities commencing during the winter holiday to minimize impact to the childcare facility’s operation.