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Is earning one point for this credit an appropriate reward, given the work involved?

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NC-2009 SSc3:Brownfield Redevelopment

Contained Contaminated Soils & non-ASTM E1527-05 Phase II

We have a site with contaminated soils. A Phase II was conducted, but not per ASTM E1527-05 as required. We have an independent environmental consultant coordinating our remediation efforts with the state pollution control agency. We are enrolled in the state's Voluntary Investigation and Cleanup (VIC). We are pursuing three separate methods to 'deal with' the contaminants: (1) under-slab vapor remediation, (2) phytoremediation where existing asphalt layers are removed, and (3) keeping existing asphalt layers intact with intent to 'cap' the contaminated soils. All of these methods have been verbally understood by our state pollution control agency. Assuming the state agrees with our proposal, will this overall plan be acceptable for SSc3? I've noticed others asking about 'partial' remediation. I'm concerned about our portion that will be kept in place with an asphalt 'lid' on it. Are we okay without an ASTM E1527-05 Phase II if we have an environmental consultant describing the contaminated soils & plan?

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Profile picture for user lcsims
Larry Sims
Principal
Studio4, LLC
LEEDuser Expert
120 thumbs up

Tue, 05/27/2014 - 22:08

Dana, imo, you're more than golden on this. First, and foremost, is the fact that contamination must be, at the minimum, isolated from human contact. For instance, asbestos can be left in place if it has a protective coating (i.e. paint). Putting an "asphalt lid on it" does, in fact, keep it away from human contact, and a strategy used time and time again. Without any details from you with regard to "partial" remediation, I can only make a blanket statement that yes, partial remediation is accepted if ongoing testing is done. For instance, underground upstream contamination, or tank leakage, can be difficult to assess and, often, requires periodic monitoring. USGBC usually accepts any reasonable attempt to mitigate brownfield sites.

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