Brinkerhoff evaluated changes in vegetation at the site as the on-site remediation system functioned over time. The field-monitoring program employed an approach to consider the various factors determining the success or failure of the groundwater remediation program selected. Consideration was given to vegetative cover, soils, hydrology, and other circumstances influencing the project site. The assessment of vegetative cover included an analysis of the vigor and overall health of the planted species, as well as that of colonized species. Dominant species for each stratum were determined by estimating the relative basal area and aerial cover for each respective species. The study area was evaluated for die-off and survival rates of the planted stock and to determine the colonization rate by successional species. Dominant species and approximate percent of aerial coverage were noted for each monitoring season which took place once a year within two weeks prior to and two weeks after the initial baseline survey date.

    Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in the areas of the on-site wetlands to monitor the groundwater conditions, specifically in the wetlands areas. These wells were periodically sampled and chemically analyzed to evaluate the conditions of the on-site groundwater. Additionally, the water levels within the wells were measured monthly to evaluate potential changes to on-site groundwater depths. Annual reports were generated for NJDEP submittal summarizing the results of the vegetative monitoring program, and quarterly and annual reports were generated summarizing the results of the detailed groundwater monitoring. Brinkerhoff's in-house CADD and GIS were used for field mapping and plotting of sample locations.

    Brinkerhoff conducted preliminary environmental evaluations of the airports for each proposed safety alternative. The proposed alternatives were provided to Brinkerhoff for comparative analysis. Each preliminary environmental evaluation consisted of a review of existing data for each runway, a regulatory database search, and comparison of existing conditions with state and federal regulations for each airport. A preliminary environmental impact analysis report was developed for each airport identifying areas of potential environmental concern with respect to the proposed runway additions.

    The environmental impact report assessed various local, state, and federal databases for the presence of hazardous material spills, leaking underground storage tanks, federal Superfund sites, RCRA hazardous waste generators, and other potential sites within the runway expansion areas that may require further environmental analysis and potential remediation. Health and safety issues were reviewed and monitored. In addition, Brinkerhoff's analysis included the evaluation of waterways, wetlands, tidal flats, flood plains, and various permitting requirements that would be needed for the proposed alternatives. All pertinent environmental issues with potential ecological impacts were identified and quantified.

    Threatened and endangered species, critical environmental habitats, and national and state historic properties/sites were reviewed within the runway expansion areas. Recommendations were formulated for the different alternatives and regulations that were applicable to demolition within these designated areas. Brinkerhoff's final report on the project provided a comparative analysis of the various alternatives, with the assessment of impacts to hazardous waste listings, hydrologic features, natural areas, and historic places. Brinkerhoff's in-house CADD and GIS were used for field mapping and plotting of sample locations.

    In addition, the National Register of Historic Places, Indian religious sites, FAA and FCC sites and surface topography, including flood plains and wetlands, were reviewed within the same radius. A site inspection was conducted to verify information obtained in the research, and to verify environmental conditions at the site. Results of the investigation were compiled in a comprehensive NEPA Compliance Report.

    Brinkerhoff inspected each of four levels of the building for the presence of potential asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-based paint (LBP), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Additionally, a steam tunnel and exterior areas including the roof were inspected for ACM. Representative samples of potential ACM were collected for analytical testing and submitted to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for laboratory analysis. The samples were analyzed for asbestos content via polarized light microscopy, and the results revealed ACM was present in floor tiles and window caulk. LBP was detected in many areas including walls, ceilings, doors, door casings, and exterior window headers. During inspection for the presence of PCB-containing electrical equipment, it was revealed that most ballasts did not contain proper labeling regarding PCB content, therefore, the fluorescent light ballasts were assumed to contain PCB-contaminated fluids.

    Brinkerhoff prepared hazardous materials reports and specifications for inclusion in various public bid documents that identified the nature and quantities of hazardous material throughout the structures. Procedures for abatement of hazardous materials were identified in the specifications. Brinkerhoff assisted the client with subcontractor selection to perform the abatement project, then provided field coordination and oversight during remedial activities. Certain demolition actions resulted in the field identification of hazardous materials outside of the projected scope of work; however, Brinkerhoff responded to such incidents during the renovations in a professional manner to facilitate the resolution of field issues. Brinkerhoff's in-house CADD and GIS were used for field mapping and plotting of sample locations.

    The remediation and abatement of LBP, ACM, PCBs, mold, and other hazardous materials were completed to the satisfaction of all agencies involved, including the State Historic Preservation office, with site additions and restoration in process to meet the opening date of the school for students.

    Ecological concerns were evaluated at each project site and areas within 300 feet, to identify freshwater wetlands, transition areas, and/or state open waters in accordance with the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act (N.J.A.C. 7:7A et. seq.) as administered by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission. The Pinelands Commission recognizes the three-parameter approach to delineate wetlands defined in the 1989 Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands and amended by the 1991 Pinelands Supplement. This evaluation included a field investigation to characterize soils, vegetation, and hydrology on and near the site, and flagging of the jurisdictional wetland boundary with consecutively numbered survey flags. Freshwater wetlands were delineated along the north-northeastern, south-southwestern property boundaries, as well as within the existing athletic field. The project was funded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

    Brinkerhoff prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with Executive Order 215, "Guidelines for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Assessment." The EA consisted of a description of the proposed project, a description of the environment prior to implementation of the project, the probable environmental impact of the project if implemented, methods of mitigating adverse environmental impacts, avoidance of adverse environmental impacts, and alternatives to the proposed project. Brinkerhoff's in-house CADD and GIS were used for field mapping and plotting of sample locations.

    This project demonstrates Brinkerhoff's ability to successfully work with other professionals to obtain regulatory approvals related to environmental issues at municipal and state levels. The project was completed by Brinkerhoff's technical professionals to the satisfaction of the Board of Education within acceptable time frames.

    The subject site is situated in Lanoka Harbor on Cedar Creek and contains one aboveground storage tank (AST) that totals 10,000 gallons in capacity. Lanoka Harbor is situated on a navigable waterway and is, therefore, subject to the spill prevention and countermeasures as required in 40 CFR 112.1.

    The purpose of this SPCC Plan was to ensure that the subject site puts into place containment and other countermeasures that would prevent oil spills that could reach navigable waterways from impacting such waters and to establish a plan that can be implemented should such spills reach navigable waterways. The plan outlined the preventive measures that have been taken by Lanoka Harbor to eliminate spills or discharges of oil or hazardous wastes from reaching navigable waters.

    Towne Hall Shoppes is a shopping mall that was originally constructed over the former municipal landfill in Brick Township. As a condition of the original mall construction, a passive methane monitoring and venting system was installed. When the client purchased this mall for a potential expansion project, Brinkerhoff evaluated the existing environmental conditions, obtained the necessary environmental permits, and developed a more effective methane monitoring plan. Brinkerhoff also identified and mapped the freshwater wetlands, all transition areas, and New Jersey State open waters in accordance with the New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Act. Wetland boundaries and transition areas were established in accordance with current NJDEP methodology under the specifications of the 1989 Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. A Letter of Interpretation application package was prepared by Brinkerhoff, submitted to the NJDEP, and approved.

    Brinkerhoff personnel also performed a preliminary assessment that identified the former landfill under a portion of the site. Further investigations performed during the subsequent site investigation and remedial investigation evaluated groundwater in the area and surface water impacts to an adjacent stream. Environmental contaminants were not detected at significant levels and no impacts were observed. When the study was concluded, Brinkerhoff compiled data in a comprehensive report that was used to prepare a Landfill Disruption Permit for removal and disposition of contaminated soil associated with the mall expansion. Brinkerhoff's in-house CADD and GIS were used for field mapping and plotting of sample locations. In order to obtain permits and approvals, Brinkerhoff personnel provided expert testimony before the local planning board. The permit was approved by both the NJDEP and the local municipality.

    As a result of Brinkerhoff's performance on this complex project, the developer received regulatory approvals for the expansion project within reasonable time frames, and has since constructed multiple additional buildings on the project site. One such building was a child day care center, for which Brinkerhoff designed a passive methane venting and monitoring system with audible alarms, to notify teachers within the building if hazardous levels of methane escape the ventilation system.

    Upon completion of the Preliminary Assessment, Site Investigation, and Remedial Investigation, Brinkerhoff determined that historic fill materials and three leaking underground storage tanks had impacted the subsurface soil and groundwater at the site. In the building interior, asbestos- containing materials, more than 2,000 formerly used tires for industrial vehicles, lead-based paint, and other potentially hazardous materials were identified. Brinkerhoff's technical staff worked hand-in-hand with the Engineer and Architect to determine the most cost-effective and viable remedial strategies needed to complete this large-scale project within a short time period. Brinkerhoff's Project Manager coordinated the characterization and off site disposal of more than 600 cubic yards of petroleum contaminated soils, the 2,000 tires, asbestos-containing and lead based paint materials. Disposal manifests were processed and retained for inclusion within various reports as required by the regulatory agencies.

    Brinkerhoff supplied the Remedial Action Workplan and all environmental documentation to the NJDEP, as per N.J.A.C. 7:26E, the Technical Requirements for Site Remediation, and obtained regulatory approvals for the remainder of the work to be completed within the compressed time periods for the building to be occupied.

    Contaminants of concern included volatile organics, chlorinated solvents, heavy metals, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Remedial actions initiated included cleanup involving excavation and disposal of contaminated soil. Groundwater monitoring identified the extent of the chlorinated groundwater contamination plume and determined an off-site source. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection approved a remedial action plan for excavation and disposal of contaminated soil. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued a No Further Action determination relating to groundwater and the chlorinated solvent contamination plume and also approved a soil remediation plan to address contaminated soil at the site. Construction of a performing arts center was scheduled to begin in Spring 2004.

    The project required registration and NJDEP closure approval for multiple USTs at the facility, and removal oversight of two 80-octane aviation fuel USTs that were found to have dime-size corrosion holes. More than 3,000 cubic yards of fuel-contaminated soil were removed from the excavation areas and managed as hazardous materials. A confirmed discharge of fuel, impacting both soil and groundwater, was reported to the NJDEP hotline and Brinkerhoff managed the case as per the Technical Requirements for Site Remediation (N.J.A.C. 7:26E). Additional former USTs were found on the airport property; therefore, Brinkerhoff directed multiple soil and groundwater Remedial Investigation Reports (RIRs) and Remedial Action Workplans (RAWs) to investigate discharges from tanks used to fuel jet aircraft. The project involved drilling of soil borings and monitoring wells, survey of the wells, well sampling, a receptor evaluation, preparation of a Baseline Ecological Evaluation (BEE), potable well sampling, and preparation of hydrogeologic maps. The project required efficient coordination with subcontractors, the NJDEP, and technical field personnel, and demonstrates Brinkerhoff's ability to implement site-specific health and safety plans, direct subcontractors, manage hazardous waste projects, review NJDEP-certified laboratory data, prepare electronic data submissions for NJDEP review, and submit remedial action reports in conformance with local, state, and federal guidelines for regulated USTs. Brinkerhoff's in-house CADD and GIS were used for field mapping and plotting of sample locations.

    As part of the BEE, Brinkerhoff identified a potable well, used for the airport restaurant, located in an area of suspected groundwater contamination, but screened at a deeper interval than the free floating product. Brinkerhoff technical personnel evaluated and sampled the well during multiple events, then recommended the sealing and abandonment of the well. Well sealing was performed under Brinkerhoff's on-site supervision.

    Further remedial action was necessary, including the design, installation, operation and maintenance (O&M) of a groundwater treatment system and soil vapor extraction system to finalize the cleanup of contaminated materials on the site. Brinkerhoff has been providing O&M using several of our in-house certified N-2 operators. The system has been functioning efficiently, and will be shut down when the NJDEP approves a remedial action plan that recommends natural attenuation and a Classification Exception Area (CEA) deed restriction for the residual contamination on site.

    Based upon the field readings, select samples were retained for laboratory analysis and later preparation of contaminant isopleth maps. Brinkerhoff completed a Remedial Investigation Report (RIR) and a Remedial Action Workplan (RAW). The RAW required installation of seven groundwater monitoring wells to delineate the groundwater contaminant plume, performance of a receptor evaluation, downgradient sampling of potable wells, and conducting "slow purge" sampling of the monitoring wells to reduce turbidity and lead concentrations. The project was completed in an efficient and timely manner.

• Open Heating Oil UST Spill Case
• Historic Fill Material and Debris
• Historic Building Operations
• Former Gasoline UST.

    In order to address these AOCs, a soil and groundwater sampling program was implemented to evaluate the subsurface conditions and groundwater quality at the site.

    Based upon the data presented in the ESA/SI and this Remedial Investigation Report/ Remedial Action Workplan (RIR/RAW), Brinkerhoff requested that NFAs be issued for AOC-1 and AOC-4. Brinkerhoff proposed to address the remaining AOCs (AOC-2 and AOC-3) via the installation of a cap combined with the establishment of a Deed Notice to address PAH contaminants remaining on the site. Brinkerhoff, on behalf of the property owner, requested separate RAW approval for soils to enable construction activities to move forward. Groundwater was addressed as a separate issue as discussed below.

    Since the residual levels of PCE and 1,1-dichloroethane that remained in the property's groundwater were above the NJDEP Groundwater Quality Standards, additional investigative/ remedial action was required before an NFA was requested. Brinkerhoff proposed the following: the installation of two monitoring wells to delineate the extent of impacted groundwater and determine if the contaminants were migrating from an off-site source; conducting two additional rounds of groundwater sampling and analysis to determine if natural attenuation was proceeding; and, if natural attenuation was not proceeding, conducting a rising head slug test to evaluate the hydraulic conductivity. The slug test was used in the calculation of a Classification Exception Area or Well Restriction Area, which was placed on the groundwater in AOC-3. Following completion of the work, an RAW was prepared and submitted to the NJDEP.