Remediation – CTA Bus Garage Redevelopment Project

Remediation – CTA Bus Garage Redevelopment Project

Through an extensive interview process, Pioneer was selected as the environmental consultant for the redevelopment of a former CTA Bus garage in Chicago. The development plans included the demolition of a former CTA Bus Maintenance Facility and subsequent redevelopment and construction of condominiums, single family homes, an assisted-care living facility and retail space. Pioneer identified several environmental concerns after reviewing various environmental reports prepared by another consultant. These concerns included the presence of USTs, above ground storage tanks and drum/chemical storage areas associated with the historical use(s). Subsequently, Pioneer completed subsurface investigations in order to evaluate if the site had been impacted by the identified concerns. Pioneer concluded that three main areas had been impacted and required further investigation and/or remediation, including: leaking USTs (LUSTs), areas where suspect USTs may have been located, and a former dry cleaning operation. Additionally, in order to ensure that a comprehensive No Further Remediation (NFR) letter could be obtained, Pioneer also evaluated areas of the site that were not previously tested.

Pioneer prepared a scope of work to remove and properly close USTs, develop site-specific remediation objectives consistent with the proposed end use of the site using a risk-based approach (TACO), remediate residual soil and groundwater contamination, and perform off-site free product recovery. Within the first several months of receiving the contract, the USTs were removed, the site was predominately assessed and removal of impacted soil from on-site areas was completed. Approximately six months into the project, Pioneer finalized the installation of a dual-phase extraction remediation system that was designed to recover over 2-feet of diesel fuel that was identified in the backyards of a residential area. Approximately 1.5 years after system startup, Pioneer successfully recovered 3,300 gallons of diesel fuel from the subsurface, submitted for reimbursement of almost $900,000 in eligible remediation costs, and obtained a comprehensive NFR letter from the State for the non-LUST issues. Throughout this on-going project, Pioneer has provided a wide variety of environmental services associated with diverse environmental problems and has worked closely with the property owner, developer, community and regulators.