FS Engineers, Inc. (FSE) conducted a site assessment and oversaw remedial activities for a proposed 1.7-acre residential complex in eastern Massachusetts.  Portions of the site had been used as an iron foundry from the mid-1800s through 1971, and historical property uses for abutting parcels included a tannery and a brass foundry.   Previous investigations had been completed at the site and found various types of fill and debris in the subsurface not suitable as bearing materials.  Based upon a review of historical records and previous investigations, there was also the potential for encountering abandoned heating oil tanks at the site.  Laboratory analytical results collected during prior subsurface investigations revealed contaminants in the soil in excess of the applicable Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) Reporting Limits.  The site was therefore classified as a “disposal site” according to the MCP and subject to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations and reporting requirements.

Pre-Construction Activities

Prior to construction, a Release Abatement Measure (RAM) Plan was prepared for the site by FSE and submitted to the MassDEP.  The purpose of the RAM Plan was to address the excavation of potentially contaminated soils and subsequent reuse and/or disposal of the soils encountered during construction at the site.  FSE also prepared the requests for permits for the extraction, treatment, and discharge of groundwater that would likely be encountered during footing and foundation work within areas of soil and groundwater contamination.  The applications and supplemental materials for General Permit Coverage for Construction Site Dewatering were submitted the MassDEP and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The approved permit applications were then presented to the municipal public works department for final approval, prior to groundwater discharge.