Contaminant Investigation and Remediation

Spokane International Airport, Spokane, Washington

Spokane International Airport (SIA) sought to expand runway buffer zones by acquisition of adjacent properties. Toward that goal, SIA had commissioned a Phase I/II ESA of the Martin Wood Products' site. The preexisting ESA cited multiple discrete areas of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination within the property boundary as well as several areas where the possibility of PCB contamination was indicated but not confirmed. Fulcrum was initially retained by SIA to generate projections of cleanup cost based upon preexisting data to enable a decision on property acquisition. After potential conflict of interest issues were considered by all parties and their legal counsel, Fulcrum was retained by the seller, Martin Wood Products, to design and manage cleanup of the site.

Following demolition of site structures, Fulcrum worked closely with the environmental contractor guiding and documenting the remedial effort. Fulcrum provided quality control sampling and rapid analytical turnaround throughout cleanup. Documentation of the positive absence of PCB contamination in soils by analyses was essential to effective cost control of the remedial effort. Petroleum contaminated soil and hazardous waste were excavated and fully characterized prior to off-site disposal. Risk-based evaluation of cleanup levels was utilized by Fulcrum to establish depth of excavation sufficient to meet regulatory criteria. Fulcrum's successful interaction with adjacent landowners became critical to cleanup progress when it became evident that subsurface contamination had migrated across property lines. In spite of the complex character of the site and several substantial revisions to work scope to accommodate new data, the cleanup was completed within Fulcrum's original projection of remedial costs.

Vineyards Golf Course and Resort, Zillah, Washington

As a portion of proposed site development for a Yakima based golf course resort and housing development project, Fulcrum was retained to provide management services of potential environmental liabilities associated with the site. The purpose of Fulcrum's services was to provide sufficient characterization and documentation of environmental liabilities associated with former site operations to facilitate pre-development financial investment processes.

The proposed development included 460 acres of property formerly utilized for orchard growth. Fulcrum's scope of services included Phase I, II, and III Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) investigation activities. Phase I ESA services included historic review of site operations and identification of potential sources of environmental impact. Identified environmental impact sources included: impacted site soils associated with former pesticide and herbicide application; the presence of onsite underground storage tanks (USTs) and above ground storage tanks (ASTs) utilized for petroleum products; and former chemical mixing and storage facilities.

As a portion of Phase II ESA activities, Fulcrum designed and completed a sampling and analysis plan to characterize pesticide and herbicide concentrations of the soil. Fulcrum's completed sampling and analysis plan included a statistical model to document concentrations of pesticides and herbicides below applicable federal, state, and local regulatory clean-up threshold criteria. In addition, Fulcrum completed soil characterization of UST, AST, and chemical storage and mixing areas.

During Phase III ESA activities, Fulcrum provided oversight services for clean-up of approximately 2,000 cubic yards of petroleum-contaminated soils associated with former operations at the site. Fulcrum's investigation, oversight, and remedial activities were critical for retaining the budgeted multi-million dollar financial investments needed to initiate development of the planned resort.

Coulee City High School, Coulee City, Washington

Fulcrum provided rapid removal of more than 400 tons of petroleum contaminated soil from an area under construction for the new High School. The work was completed in a timely and efficient manner that minimally impeded construction schedules. Fulcrum was able to provide cost-effective storage, filtration and disposal for more than 40,000 gallons of contaminated water during excavation. A "No Further Action" determination was obtained through the state based on hydrologic characterization of the site. Fulcrum was able to assist the school district in obtaining 75 percent funding through the Washington State Remedial Action Grants and Loans Program.

Carquest Supply, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

The subject property had multiple potential sources requiring closure; including eight abandoned USTs, two hydraulic hoists, and oil-water separator. Preliminary investigation was performed and cleanup cost projected prior to soliciting bids from prequalified UST removal contractors. The contractor performed tank cleaning and removal with Fulcrum providing independent oversight. The oil-water separator was cleaned of sediment and confirmatory sampling performed. Sludge from the oil-water separator and diesel UST were transported off-site for treatment by thermal desorption. Gasoline UST sludge was characterized as hazardous waste necessitating destruction by incineration. Soil contaminated by LUSTs required removal to meet regulatory standards. Based upon Risk Based Corrective Action (RBCA) calculations, Fulcrum obtained approval from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) for petroleum-contaminated soil to be incorporated into road construction fill at substantial cost- savings to the client over conventional disposal methods.

Crown West Realty, Spokane Industrial Park, Spokane, Washington

Spokane Business and Industrial Park (SBIP) has approximately 460 drywells, catchment basins, and injection wells above the Rathdrum-Spokane Aquifer. Washington State environmental regulations (MTCA) were ambiguous on whether drywell sediments met regulatory definition of a "release." Consequently, sediments in 14 drywells at SBPI had been prematurely reported as "releases" to Ecology. Working closely with SBIP management, we accomplished three major goals: a) Development of an innovative and cost-effective method of investigating and remediating beyond the drywell confines, b) A management plan for remediating site drywells on both routine and emergency bases, and c) Revision to the MTCA definition of "release" at SBIP drywells as occurring at the outer boundary of wells rather than within the structure itself. Several new technologies were modified or created to accomplish specific remedial tasks including an on-site drywell sediment dewatering facility. A determination of "No Further Action" was received at all independent remedial action sites submitted for MTCA review.

Fulcrum's work with SBIP on drywell management led to numerous other environmental consulting services at the large and diverse facility. Services include: facility-wide asbestos survey and management plant, UST removal, soil sampling and remediation, hazardous materials audits. Contaminants of concern have included asbestos, light to heavy hydrocarbons, heavy metals, industrial chemicals, lead-based paint, and PCBs.

Confidential Client and Location 

Fulcrum was retained to investigated and define the extent of potential environmental impacts originating from an Atlas E Missile Silo complex. The investigation included potential soil, surface water, and groundwater contamination associated with the site. Following preparation of the project work plan, including review by stakeholder groups, Fulcrum completed investigation in 2009 and 2010. Fulcrum's project Geologist completed the site characterization and investigation and managed the drilling contractor, excavation contractor, laboratories, and owner's personnel. Following the investigation, Fulcrum applied a risk-based decision criteria to evaluate the level of threat to human health and the environment. Following completion of initial project objectives, planning continues for additional remedial investigation at the site.  

West Valley High School, Yakima, Washington

Fulcrum was retained by the West Valley School District to assist with hazardous building materials inspection, specifications for bidding, and contractor oversight during demolition and renovation of their former High School facility. One of the tasks Fulcrum assisted the District with was the specification and removal of one underground storage tank (UST.) Subsequent investigation identified the presence of two USTs. The second tank having been abandoned in about the 1970s was identified to be leaking residual product into the soil. Fulcrum investigation identified the extent of contamination to be approximately 100 feet by 100 feet to a depth of about 28 feet. In consultation with the school district and Washington State Department of Ecology, the contaminated soil is being protected from unintended access and will be managed under institutional controls until funding is available to complete remediation.