Determine the best strategy for your site, contamination type, and degree of concentrations in collaboration with your environmental professional. Set a timeline within which to determine any impact on your construction schedule. (See Schematic Design, below, for more detail on common remediation options.)
Once hired, this firm will document the process and demonstrate the removal of identified contaminants to meet the appropriate thresholds and credit requirements.
It’s important to have the support of the community when remediating a brownfield. Consider holding an open meeting to educate members of the community about the actual and perceived risks of remediating a brownfield, especially in terms of impacts on groundwater and the potential risks associated with the disruption of contaminated soils.
Research liability issues, financial obligations and incentives, community interest, remediation options, and regulatory requirements. You’ll need to consult with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to determine much of the information.
A Phase II ESA involves a detailed look at the site. The environmental professional takes samples and tests for contaminants on the grounds and within existing structures. High concentrations of heavy metals, toxic chemicals, or asbestos may require remediation. Petroleum byproducts, pesticides, solvents, and mold may also lead to remediation, depending on the specific chemicals and concentrations.
Determine whether your project site has been designated a brownfield by local, state, or federal standards, or has been documented as contaminated through an ASTM-E-1903-97, Phase II, Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) or local voluntary cleanup program.
It is helpful to discuss potential building changes (such as installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures) early in the negotiations so that the base building team has time to adjust and implement the necessary changes by the time the CI project is completed.
