Project Type: Environmental

Avalon Triangle Property Remediation

Environmental Project

Avalon Triangle Property Remediation

City of Los Angeles Harbor Department (Port of Los Angeles) • Wilmington, CA

Solution Overview

Apex team operating an excavator and heavy machinery to conduct excavation confirmation soil sampling at the contaminated Port of Los Angeles Avalon Triangle parcel.

Client:

City of Los Angeles Harbor Department (Port of Los Angeles)

Business Challenge:

  • Redevelop petroleum hydrocarbon and chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC)-contaminated Port of Los Angeles parcel into a community park

Solution:

  • Conducted detailed vertical delineation of contaminants
  • Completed an interim hot spot soil removal action (RA)
  • Performed two rounds of chemical oxidant injection
  • Provided oversight and confirmation soil sampling during Phase II RA activities

Results:

  • Sampling plans allowed the entire project team to make in-field decisions and expedite fieldwork for collection of multimedia samples

Challenge

The City’s plan to redevelop the Port of Los Angeles Avalon Triangle site into a community park comprised multi‑phase remedial activities of complex site conditions involving soil and groundwater contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and CVOCs, as well as shallow soil containing elevated concentrations of lead and/or arsenic.

Solution

Under Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) oversight, Apex conducted detailed vertical delineation of contaminants, including offsite sampling; completed an interim hot spot soil RA; performed two rounds of chemical oxidant injection; and provided oversight and confirmation soil sampling during Phase II RA activities.

Our Phase II RA involved destruction and replacement of groundwater monitoring wells, excavation confirmation soil sampling, and installation of soil vapor sampling probes. Apex performed multi‑media sampling of soil vapor, surface and subsurface soil, and groundwater and prepared an excavation summary report which documented the activities undertaken by the Harbor Department and demonstrated effectiveness of the Phase I RA (completed in 2020).

We collaborated with state regulators including the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, County of Los Angeles Public Health—Environmental Health Drinking Water Program, DTSC and the Harbor Department’s environmental, engineering, and construction divisions to develop sampling strategies and plans for the project. Apex’s deliverables included work plans, sampling and analysis plans, health and safety plans and full-scale engineering drawings for the excavation of contaminated soil and removal of contaminated groundwater.

Results

The flexibility we built into our sampling plans allowed the entire project team to make pre‑approved in-field decisions and expedite fieldwork for collection of multimedia samples which took into consideration the direction of the project and the Port of Los Angeles’ visionary end-goal for a community park.

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Site Closure Support Services for Groundwater Wells

Environmental Project

Site Closure Support Services for Groundwater Wells

City of Los Angeles, Harbor Department (Port of Los Angeles) • Los Angeles, CA

Solution Overview

Client:

City of Los Angeles, Harbor Department (Port of Los Angeles)

Business Challenge:

  • Post-remediation concentrations in site groundwater wells indicated low but persistent concentrations of dissolved-phase petroleum hydrocarbons

Solution:

  • Assessed site conditions, developed a conceptual site model, and evaluated treatment technologies
  • Evaluated soil confirmation data and concentration trends in groundwater

Results:

  • Demonstrated that residual contaminants were harmless to future receptors and remaining plumes were stable with decreasing concentrations
  • Regulator placed both Sites on an annual groundwater monitoring program with minimal sampling requirements which will produce significant savings for the City

Challenge

Following the City’s Harbor Department’s efforts involving remedial actions at Canner Steam and 1500 East Anaheim—including source removal, high‑volume contaminated groundwater extraction, and in situ biotreatment at two sites located at the Port of Los Angeles—post-remediation concentrations in site groundwater wells indicated low but persistent concentrations of dissolved-phase petroleum hydrocarbons. Despite the evidence that the groundwater has been de-designated as a drinking water source and that the residual concentrations of hydrocarbons do not represent either a human health or ecological risk, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LARWQCB) resisted requests for No Further Action (NFA) status.

Solution

Apex assessed site conditions, developed a conceptual site model, and evaluated treatment technologies to determine best approach for each Site. After a remedial approach was selected, Apex provided technical oversight on behalf of the City of Los Angeles during implementation of remedial measures for both soil and groundwater. Following the completion of active remediation, Apex evaluated soil confirmation data and concentration trends in groundwater. The interpretation of these data sets were used to prepare expert technical arguments, interpretative maps and graphs, and develop regulatory framework descriptions for inclusion in closure request presentations to the agency.

Results

Through multiple meetings with LARWQCB, Apex worked with Harbor Department staff to establish the structure and approach that will be used to present the final required technical data and arguments to the LARWQCB by which site closure will be requested. Although both Sites were largely petroleum hydrocarbon releases, the presence of other chemicals of concern, including chlorinated volatile organic compounds, precluded the use of the State’s low threat closure policy. Therefore, Apex prepared risk-based arguments and developed multiple lines of evidence to demonstrate that exposure routes were incomplete, thus rendering residual contaminants harmless to future receptors, and that the remaining dissolved-phase plumes were stable with concentrations decreasing due to natural biodegradation processes. Although the State has not yet granted full closure, both sites were placed on an annual groundwater monitoring and sampling program with requirements that only a subset of wells be sampled, saving the City of Los Angeles tens‑of‑thousands of dollars in long-term monitoring costs.

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Environmental Support Services

Environmental Project

Environmental Support Services

Real Estate Developer • Sarasota, FL

Solution Overview

The location of Apex's environmental support site, an open-air shopping plaza and the front view of a grocery store.

Client:

Real estate developer

Business Challenge:

  • Remediate a contaminated site for reuse as a grocery shopping center

Solution:

  • Expert technical support and overall coordination of site remediation and contractor activities

Results:

  • Permits received in a timely manner, and project deliverables completed on time and under budget
  • Revitalization of the property with a thriving grocery shopping center

Challenge

A real estate developer hired Apex to perform environmental-assessment and coordination activities associated with the redevelopment of an open-air shopping plaza that involved razing a structure that had included a former dry-cleaning operation. The client required a time and materials not-to-exceed budget.

Solution

Apex provided environmental support to facilitate the installation of new utilities and structures to accommodate a new grocery shopping center in an area of contaminated soil and groundwater.

Our services included:

  • Preparation of signed/sealed Interim Source Removal and Soils Management Plans for submittal/approval by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
  • Performing pump testing to facilitate dewatering design and water treatment equipment design; dynamic water samples contained concentrations of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) at 12,300 parts per billion (ppb) and trichloroethylene (TCE) at 7,870 ppb
  • Performing soil characterization sampling in the area of proposed excavation activities
  • Obtaining a sanitary discharge permit from Sarasota County for treated dewatering effluent
  • Assisting the general contractor (GC) to obtain a dewatering/discharge permit for areas outside of contaminated zones
  • Designing a signed/sealed sub slab depressurization system (SSDS) for installation within the new grocery facility by the GC as well as installation oversight
  • Performing limited soil excavation, transportation, and proper disposal for a “hot spot” area identified subsequent to removal of the former dry cleaning facility foundation; a total of 309 tons of soil were properly disposed
  • Installing, operating, and overseeing a sanitary sewer bypass system per Sarasota County permit requirements
  • Designing, procuring, installing, and performing 24/7 operation of a 300-gallon per minute (gpm) treatment system (including a settling tank, bag filtration, air stripping and carbon polishing) to support dewatering operations. The system operated from May 10, 2019 through June 8, 2019; a total of 25 air samples were collected, and 48 system water samples were collected during operation
  • Preparing a PE signed/sealed Interim Source Removal Report summarizing all activities during construction for submittal/approval to FDEP
  • Coordinating between the city, county, FDEP, insurance consultants, and private stakeholders

Results

Apex continually explored operational cost-saving measures to complete the project under the original budget estimate. This included proactively managing the treatment system operation, whereby the full storage capacity of the on-site frac/settling tank was utilized, resulting in fuel and labor savings. While delays were associated with the general contractor’s activities, Apex was able to execute the work under budget. The client was thrilled with the results and the successful completion of the aforementioned activities, which facilitated the construction of the new, and currently operational, grocery shopping center.

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Land Remediation and Development Branch Voluntary Cleanup Program

Environmental Project

Land Remediation and Development Branch Voluntary Cleanup Program

Petra Development • Washington, DC

Solution Overview

Older storefront before the voluntary cleanup program and corrective action plan was put into action by Apex.

Client:

Petra Development

Business Challenge:

  • Redevelopment and remediation of five vacant businesses and associated land formerly consisting of retail and industrial use, in an underutilized and historically neglected block of northwest Washington, DC.

Solution:

  • Following enrollment into the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) voluntary cleanup program (VCP), a corrective action plan (CAP) was approved by DOEE in December 2019.

Results:

  • Apex completed all remedial activities required to bring the site back into productive use and the project was awarded “Certificate of Completion” status by the DOEE Land Remediation and Development Branch.
  • The Soapstone redevelopment project has contributed to revitalizing a formerly underutilized land to create safe neighborhoods while increasing the city’s tax revenue base.

Challenge

The client acquired the underutilized and contaminated property for redevelopment. The redevelopment consisted of remediating and replacing five vacant retail spaces with the newly constructed apartment building known as The Soapstone, intended to serve as a gateway project at the Missouri Avenue—Georgia Avenue Crossroads. The project anchored the transformation of an important, yet historically neglected block. Remediation of contaminated materials at the site was conducted by property developer Petra Development, who enrolled the site in the District of Columbia DOEE Land Remediation and Development Branch VCP in August 2019. Since 2001, the VCP has helped developers to safely remediate contaminated properties other than those impacted with petroleum hydrocarbons, allowing for future beneficial use.

Solution

Apex completed environmental assessments at the site from 2018 through 2020 to better evaluate subsurface conditions in support of future redevelopment activities. Our work included performing Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments (ESAs), a comprehensive site assessment (CSA) to delineate the extent of soil and groundwater contamination, long‑term monitoring of groundwater from the onsite wells, and building hazardous material survey. Apex prepared the CAP which was approved by DOEE in December 2019 for implementation. The VCP CAP proposed large-scale excavation and off-site disposal of all impacted site soils, pump and treat of residual contaminated groundwater, if encountered, and installation of vapor intrusion mitigation system (VIMS) in the new building.

Results

As of October 2021, Apex had completed all remedial activities required to bring the site back into productive use, including removal of all known underground storage tanks (USTs). Confirmation sampling of soil and groundwater verified that the property is safe for all potential future uses, including its planned residential use as The Soapstone apartment complex. As a result of this successful VCP remediation project, residually contaminated soil and groundwater at the site no longer present a risk to human health and the environment.

The project was awarded “Certificate of Completion” status by the DOEE Land Remediation and Development Branch on February 3, 2022. The Soapstone is a modern six-story apartment building comprised of 49 residential units and is currently nearing completion. The project includes green roofs, a bioretention facility, and a permeable pavement system.

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Navigating Complexities in Leaking Underground Storage Tank Remediation

Environmental Project

Navigating Complexities in Leaking Underground Storage Tank Remediation

Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety • Colorado

Solution Overview

high‑pressure ozone/oxygen bio-sparge systems, used to address hydrocarbon impacts during remediation of leaking underground storage tank sites throughout Colorado.

Client:

Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety

Business Challenge:

  • Diverse environmental challenges due to unique geological conditions
  • Large portfolio of impacted sites
  • Recognized Environmental Professional (REP) certification requirement for project managers

Solution:

  • Expertise in regulations, innovative approaches to remediation, and industry guidance updates

Results:

  • Impactful outcomes through revitalized aquifers, enhanced groundwater quality, and industry‑leading environmental transformation across Colorado

Challenge

Apex has been at the forefront of site assessments and cleanup efforts for orphaned leaking underground storage tanks (LUST) facilities across Colorado since 1994, operating as a contractor within the State Lead Program under the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety.

A distinctive feature of challenges lies in our dual role: the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) serves both as our client and the state regulator for our responsible party clients. This regularity context adds an extra layer of complexity to our operations, requiring us to seamlessly navigate compliance standards while ensuring effective project management and remediation outcomes.

Notably, every LUST project in Colorado mandates that the primary project manager holds a REP certification. This requirement underscores the significance of our team’s expertise and qualifications, further emphasizing the intricacies and demands of managing LUST projects in the state.

Solution

Over the years, Apex has tackled a diverse array of LUST projects, each presenting unique challenges. From petroleum impacts in clay to bedrock, we have successfully addressed complex scenarios that demand innovative solutions. At any given time, Apex supports between 20-40 active remediation projects throughout the state of Colorado, with an impressive average gross annual revenue of $1.25M.

Apex’s proven expertise and intimate familiarity with the intricate landscape of the state of Colorado underground storage tank/aboveground storage tank (UST/AST) regulations have been pivotal in our ability to manage a multitude of projects across the state. Apex’s track record includes successfully overseeing the cleanup of numerous projects, serving as a testament to our deep-rooted knowledge and ability to navigate regulatory complexities. We’ve not only managed remediation efforts but also actively contributed to refining and updating Colorado Oil and Public Safety regulatory guidance, showcasing our commitment to driving industry standards forward.

Apex’s innovative approach has been instrumental in surmounting challenging scenarios. We have employed advanced techniques such as complex aquifer tests utilizing packers in bedrock to support the remediation of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) plumes that impact groundwater supply wells. Furthermore, we’ve installed high‑pressure ozone/oxygen bio-sparge systems, effectively addressing hydrocarbon impacts in exceptionally tight clay and bedrock sites throughout Colorado. Our repertoire extends to a diverse range of in-situ remediation technologies, including but not limited to soil vapor extraction (SVE) with and without air sparging (AS), enhanced bioremediation employing various terminal electron acceptors, enhanced reductive dichlorination (ERD), pump and treat systems, and multi‑phase extraction.

Results

Through the strategic implementation of in-situ remediation technologies, Apex has successfully rejuvenated contaminated sites, restoring environmental integrity and safeguarding community resources. The use of high-pressure ozone/oxygen bio-sparge systems and complex aquifer tests has significantly enhanced our ability to tackle hydrocarbon and MTBE plume challenges in challenging geological settings, leading to substantial improvements in groundwater quality.

Apex’s commitment to precision and technical excellence has translated into measurable outcomes, including improved aquifer health and the revitalization of impacted groundwater supply wells. Additionally, our contributions to regulatory guidance updates underscore our proactive stance in shaping industry best practices and reinforcing compliance standards. With a comprehensive toolkit of proven methodologies and a dedication to continuous improvement, we continue to drive positive transformation in the realm of environmental remediation across the state of Colorado.

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Petroleum Restoration Program

Environmental Project

Petroleum Restoration Program

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) • Florida

Solution Overview

Client:

Florida DEP

Business Challenge:

  • Rehabilitate hundreds of contaminated sites throughout the state of Florida
  • Adherence to strict budgets and timelines

Solution:

  • Excellent program management
  • Adaptable and responsive project team

Results:

  • Completion of major task order contracts
  • Clean closure of numerous sites

Challenge

Florida DEP is responsible for numerous response actions and site rehabilitation activities, including the Petroleum Restoration Program (PRP), which encompasses the technical oversight, management, and administrative activities necessary to prioritize, assess and clean-up sites contaminated by discharges of petroleum and petroleum products from stationary petroleum storage systems. These sites include those determined eligible for state-funded cleanup using qualified contractors selected through competitive procurement or recommended by the property owner or responsible party and state lead contractors under direct contract with the DEP, as well as non-program or voluntary cleanup sites funded by responsible parties.

Since 2014 Apex has provided assessment and remediation of petroleum-contaminated sites regulated under Chapter 62-780, F.A.C. under an Agency Term Contract (ATC) for all three regions of Florida DEP’s PRP.

Solution

Apex has managed over 100 sites concurrently at multiple locations throughout Florida. Much of our success in this program is due to our team’s consistent adaptation to changes in the ATC’s funding levels, remediation expertise, leadership, and focus regarding clear, timely, and concise communication with regulatory authorities and stakeholders.

Additionally, through our participation in DEP’s Contaminated Media Forum and Florida Brownfields Association, Apex has supported DEP in updating waste cleanup regulations and guidance documentation.

Results

Apex has successfully managed major task order contracts with variable workloads, quick turnaround responses, and multiple task assignments through development and execution of a streamlined structure that integrates management, technical, and facility resources for high quality and cost-effective contract performance. Central to this structure is a dynamic management organization that ensures controlled flexibility, encourages communications, and depends on a diversity of personnel capabilities.

Our program management team effectively draws on qualified staff and other corporate resources to meet rigorous schedule and task needs.

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New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal Brownfield Site Redevelopment

Environmental Project

New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal Brownfield Site Redevelopment

New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal, LLC • New Bedford, MA

Solution Overview

Aerial view of New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal before site redevelopment.

Client:

New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal, LLC

Business Challenge:

  • Environmental assessment; remediation oversight; civil/site design; and regulatory permit processing with array of local, state, and federal authorities for redevelopment of a marine facility to support offshore wind development.

Solution:

  • Worked effectively with Massachusetts State Enhanced Remedy program committee to prepare and submit work plans for the Superfund site’s bulkhead improvements and dredging permits needed to install a new bulkhead and allow dredging to occur.

Results:

  • Successfully delivered the waterside work and designed around the New Bedford Port Authority’s Phase V Dredge campaign schedule, a key step in the redevelopment of the large brownfield site which will support job creation in the city of New Bedford and the emerging offshore wind industry.

Challenge

Apex is supporting the redevelopment of an existing 38.53-acre brownfield site located in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts into a marine terminal facility to support offshore wind development, a growing industry in the US. The property, underutilized and partially vacant for decades, is located in close proximity to offshore development. The site formerly housed a bulk petroleum distribution terminal and an electrical power generation station.

New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal, LLC hired Apex to provide site assessment, remediation oversight, civil/site and engineering design for landside and waterside components and, most critically, guide them through a complex regulatory process involving obtaining an array of permits from local, state and federal agencies, including demolition, overall site development, and state and federal waterways.

Solution

Apex (and our subconsultants) have assisted New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal, LLC with the evaluation and engineering necessary to demolish most of the onsite structures, including the former power plant building, four large capacity bulk petroleum storage tanks, a warehouse, a service garage, and several other buildings/shed structures.

Our team brings invaluable insight and expertise surrounding the client’s expectations and goals having performed environmental due diligence on this comprehensive project in early 2021. Apex’s project management staff have successfully guided the team through several important phases of the project.

Phases have included:

  • Demolition planning
  • Geotechnical evaluation and engineering in which Apex developed geotechnical recommendations for preparing the existing soils to safely support the wind turbine components, vehicles, and the moving cranes
  • Civil/site design and engineering, including the stormwater management system
  • Preparation of site plans
  • Local and state permitting to achieve the necessary grades for the redevelopment and stormwater system

Apex’s services on this project include performing a traffic study and preparing and distributing (via public spaces and newspaper advertising) an environmental justice public notice detailing the process of the project in five languages.

Most notable among our roles on this project is delivery of the waterside work schedule, designed around the New Bedford Port Authority’s Phase V Dredge campaign (expected to begin in September 2023 and conclude in January 2024). New Bedford is a Superfund site requiring dredging and bulkheads be permitted though Massachusetts State Enhanced Remedy program. Apex worked effectively with the program’s committee to prepare and submit work plans and recently received approval from the City of New Bedford’s Planning Board, which led to obtaining the bulkhead improvements and dredging permits needed to install the new bulkhead and allow dredging to occur.

The work is now at a stage where final design work can proceed. Apex is currently coordinating with the marine engineer to incorporate waterfront bulkhead and pier designs into our plans for overall site development and permitting. Our team is successfully adapting to the marine engineer’s frequent changes in the design as we perform oversight of subconsultants’ design work involving lighting, fencing, electrical and landscape architecture services.

Results

We are actively preparing and filing numerous permits—involving both landside and waterside components—with state agencies, including the state fire marshal and Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act; local agencies; and federal agencies, including US Department of Marine Fisheries and US Army Corps of Engineers.

Notably, Apex secured a permit from the state to allow for the beneficial reuse of 13K tons of asphalt brick and concrete from the demolition of the former buildings as backfill and grading material on the net fill site which reduces the amount of offsite fill necessary to complete the grading.

This project, which is located in a blighted downtown that is also considered an environmental justice area, will transform a historic and underutilized port into a busy working waterfront. The New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal will provide long-term operation and maintenance to vessels bringing crews and materials to offshore wind facilities throughout the state, supporting job creation in New Bedford through the emerging offshore wind development industry. As a result of Apex’s involvement in this project, the client has realized significant time and cost savings and was able to obtain the required permits from the various regulatory jurisdictions to keep this project moving and on schedule.

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Wind Farm Due Diligence and Environmental Permitting

Environmental Project

Wind Farm Due Diligence and Environmental Permitting

Confidential Client • Tehachapi Wind Resource Area, Kern County, CA

Solution Overview

Client:

Confidential client

Business Challenge:

  • Understand permitting requirements and gaps for a non-operational wind farm with plans for future reactivation

Solution:

  • A comprehensive due diligence and permitting review to identify gaps and get the site into compliance

Results:

  • Timely completion of the project to client satisfaction, allowing the transaction to proceed as planned and with an understanding of future compliance burdens (costs)

Challenge

The client was looking to purchase a non-operational wind farm and reactivate site operations. With complex permitting requirements, the client needed a consulting partner who could help identify gaps and address issues needed to repower the farm.

Solution

Apex performed a due diligence and environmental permitting review on behalf of our client, the prospective purchaser. Apex identified potential gaps in compliance documentation and developed recommendations and cost estimates for the property to regain compliance with regulations.

The federal, state, and county regulations addressed included the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), California Fish and Game Code protections to various wildlife species and streams, California Endangered Species Act (CESA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) protections on air hazards, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations on microwave beam transmissions, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) regarding environmental concerns, California Public Resources Code 5097.995‑6097.996 regarding cultural resources, and Kern County building permits and zoning ordinance. Apex reviewed all documents provided by the project proponent.

Each document was reviewed to identify the associated permitting authorities and associated law(s) or regulation(s). The purpose of each review was to assess completion of agency permitting requirements and to identify potential gaps that could cause future regulatory burdens after the facility became operational. This project was constrained by a tight timeline, requested by the proponent but also delays in receipt of pertinent documentation. Apex coordinated with multiple parties and ensured staff expertise and availability to meet both the technical scope and schedule.

Results

As previously mentioned, schedule was a constraining factor on this project due to the property transaction and timeframe for receipt of environmental documentation. Apex was able to meet the client’s needs through external communication with various stakeholders and internal staff allocation.

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Florida Brownfields Program Golf Course Remediation and Redevelopment

Environmental Project

Florida Brownfields Program Golf Course Remediation and Redevelopment

Commercial Real Estate Development Company • Miami-Dade County, FL

Solution Overview

Apex employees providing soil and groundwater testing on the brownfields site

Client:

Commercial real estate development company

Business Challenge:

  • Redevelopment of a golf course contaminated with arsenic, in tandem with construction and related earthwork activities

Solution:

  • A comprehensive assessment and regulator approved Soil Management Plan (SMP)
  • Remediation of arsenic in groundwater using an in situ chemical reduction
  • Coordination with developers to ensure design considerations for contaminated soil
  • Preparation of Engineering Control (EC) and Engineering Control Maintenance Plans (ECMP) for the warehouses, a park and road, and a lift station

Results:

  • Successful remediation and redevelopment of the site under Florida’s Brownfields program, returning it to the tax base
  • Over $1M in tax credits to the developer through the Voluntary Cleanup Tax Credit program

Challenge

Apex was retained to conduct site assessment (including a Sampling Work Plan) and remediation during redevelopment of a former golf course by a prominent national developer. Apex conducted Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments (ESAs) and completed a Combined Site Assessment Report and Soil Management Plan (SMP, Chapter 62‑780.450 FAC) which was approved by the Miami‑Dade County Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM). The primary contaminant of concern at the site was arsenic. The SMP included waste management provisions.

Solution

Apex successfully oversaw soil remediation in the form of soil management during construction of a warehouse on the former golf course. Soil management activities also included daily air monitoring and compliance with a site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP). Contaminated soil was placed in areas suitable for re-use including beneath building pads, asphalt-paved roads and a 2-ft clean soil cap. Apex prepared an Interim Soil Management and a Final Soil Management Report. Apex profiled and oversaw disposal of non-hazardous sediment and organic material.

Apex conducted groundwater monitoring before, during, and after construction and obtained off-site access for installation and sampling of monitoring wells. Groundwater monitoring is ongoing. Apex conducted a detailed hydrogeological investigation in an area where arsenic concentrations exceeded cleanup target levels (CTLs). Innovative assessment technologies were used, including Hydraulic Profiling Tool (HPT) to characterize contaminant flow paths. Using the results of the hydrogeological investigation, Apex prepared a feasibility study evaluating eight remedial technologies for advantages, obstacles, approximate costs, and regulatory considerations. Apex designed a pilot test plan to address the arsenic in groundwater in this area; the selected remedial design was in-situ chemical reduction designed to convert arsenic into arsenopyrite. The Pilot Test Plan presented details of the in-situ chemical reduction remedial design, including amendment composition, injection, and monitoring details.

Apex implemented the pilot test plan once approved by regulatory agencies. Apex has conducted two rounds of injections and is monitoring the progress of remediation. Apex also prepared three separate EC and ECMP for the warehouses, a park and road, and a lift station. ECMPs included inspection logs for ECs.

All plans and reports for this project were signed and sealed by a Florida professional geologist (PG) or professional engineer (PE).

Results

Key to the success of this project was the inclusion of a cleanup plan during the development planning; Apex participated in pre-construction meetings with the developer and engineers so that construction, earthwork/soil management and drainage design were tailored to a contaminated site.

Cleanup activities were conducted under Florida’s Brownfields program. To date, the developer has received over $1M in tax credits through the Voluntary Cleanup Tax Credit program. Redevelopment of the large, unused tract of former golf course land put the property back on local tax rolls and created numerous jobs in conjunction with occupants of the warehouses in an area that benefits from economic redevelopment.

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Comprehensive Environmental and Natural Resource Site Development Support

Environmental Project

Comprehensive Environmental and Natural Resource Site Development Support

Confidential Commercial Developer • Tillamook, OR

Solution Overview

Client:

Confidential commercial developer

Business Challenge:

  • Assist with complex permitting challenges and agency compliance for parcel development

Solution:

  • Provide comprehensive site development support including natural resources, stormwater management, and geotechnical evaluations

Results:

  • Successful permitting and agency coordination allowing the site development to proceed

Challenge

The developer was seeking a firm who could assist with customized natural resource evaluation, mitigation, and permitting services at a 2.1-acre commercial parcel in Tillamook, Oregon.

Solution

Over one acre of impacts to regulated wetlands and waters were proposed based on intended development of the commercial parcel. The permitting was a complex removal-fill application to comply with Tillamook County, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requirements. This level of proposed impacts also required mitigation including a feasibility study of potential off-site mitigation, cost‑benefit analysis, and negotiation with the local mitigation bank.

Our services included:

  • Field delineation of on-site wetlands
  • Mitigation site review and feasibility study
  • Functional assessment
  • Geotechnical services
  • Stormwater management planning
  • Alternatives analysis
  • Mitigation banking
  • Permitting
  • Agency coordination for natural and water resource components of the project

Results

The initial wetland delineation and mitigation feasibility review was conducted in the spring of 2017, receiving DSL concurrence. This included a review of mitigation options and high-level cost estimates, allowing the landowner to make informed decisions regarding potential redevelopment or sale of the property.

Apex secured mitigation bank credit reservations and facilitated environmental permitting across all levels of regulatory authority including response to comments from interest groups and public hearings. Permitting approvals were received across agencies and departments in spring of 2020.

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