We are finalizing our submission for a LEED for Schools, v2007. Our project team was unable to remediate a portion of contamination on-site since the oil is trapped under an existing concrete slab. There was an Environmental Engineer hired to monitor the construction of the addition and remodel of this school. It was determined the construction did not disrupt the trapped oil or spread the contamination. Would this suffice as meeting the intent of the credit? If so, what documentation would you recommend we submit?
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Larry Sims
PrincipalStudio4, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
161 thumbs up
November 27, 2012 - 2:52 am
Lindsey,
Encapsulating onsite contamination can meet, and has met, the intent of rehabilitating a Brownfield site. In the instance of LEED Schools, the goal is to protect active and wide-ranging children from coming in direct contact with onsite contamination, which the concrete would effectively do. There was a favorable CIR ruling for SSc3 that addressed covering a portion of a pesticide contaminated site with a concrete pad.
However, I agree with Tristan that it would be prudent to submit a CIR for two reasons. First, this is a mandated prerequisite and there is no margin for an error of opinion that could possibly jeopardize the entire project and second, the fact that the contamination is petroleum may complicate your remediation options. The person reviewing the CIR will direct you as to what documentation is required, but I suspect it would be 1), proper documentation that determined the site is contaminated to a level that must be remediated and 2), documentation that other remediation strategies had been considered and it was determined that stabilizing and isolating the remaining contaminants in situ is the most desirable strategy.
I would also suggest offering more specifics with your CIR inquiry. For example, was an ESA performed to an acceptable standard? Is this work (construction of the addition and remodel) already completed? If so, that should be acceptable as long as the reviewer can determine the project meets the prerequisite requirements. The more relative information you initially present will eliminate questions and perceptions and will help frame your argument.