Client: Village of Bedford Park | Location: Bedford Park, IL
Pioneer was contracted by the Village of Bedford Park to provide environmental site closure services in connection with a 33-acre property that was historically utilized for various industrial and manufacturing operations. Specifically, Pioneer reviewed prior site characterization data, performed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), performed supplemental subsurface investigation activities, completed “hot spot” remediation, and compiled a Comprehensive Site Investigation Report, Remediation Objectives Report, and Remedial Action Plan (CSIR/ROR/RAP) for submittal to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
The site was developed with a can manufacturing facility, which included metal working and plating operations, in 1917. Portions of the property were also used by a stone crushing facility, foundry supply company, furniture manufacturing facility, and weed killer manufacturer. Various bulk petroleum aboveground storage tanks and underground storage tanks were associated with historical site operations.
Subsurface investigation activities performed by Pioneer included the advancement of 78 soil borings and installation of 20 monitoring wells. The cumulative analytical results identified 2-hexanone, benzene, naphthalene, total xylenes, select polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs), and/or various metals at concentrations exceeding the IEPA’s Tier 1 soil remediation objectives (SROs) on portions of the property. The cumulative groundwater analytical results identified arsenic, cadmium, lead, and certain PNA concentrations exceeding the applicable Tier 1 groundwater remediation objectives (GROs).
Additionally, mercury was identified at concentrations exceeding the site-specific soil saturation limit, and arsenic, cadmium, and lead were detected at concentrations exceeding the hazardous threshold in multiple soil samples throughout an approximate 155,000 square foot area (~3.56 acres). Given the large area of soils that would require remediation under IEPA’s Tiered Approach to Corrective Action (TACO) regulations, Pioneer engaged with the agency to present a Tier 3 approach that would allow for the majority of these impacts to remain in-place through an exposure route evaluation, significantly reducing potential remediation costs. Negotiations with the IEPA required hot spot remediation of the soils with the highest concentrations of these metals, which ultimately resulted in in-situ stabilization and off-site disposal of approximately 5,500 tons of contaminated soil.
Following hot spot remediation, Pioneer performed additional groundwater and soil gas testing to assess groundwater conditions following remediation, and to evaluate residual contaminant concentrations. As discussed in the IEPA-approved RAP, residual contamination at the site will be addressed through pathway exclusion and installation of engineered barriers in portions of the site, as well as preventive and institutional controls. As of Fall 2024, the site is being redeveloped with a recreational sports complex, hotel, commercial/retail center, and associated parking areas, with all work anticipated to be completed by late 2025.
