CODE was originally contracted to excavate PCB-contaminated soil and construct a multi-layer cap system at a former R&D facility in New Jersey. The project expanded dramatically in both size and complexity with the discovery of a buried lab pack/unknown chemical graveyard.

CODE’s original contract called for the excavation of multiple “hot spots” and “semi-hot spots” in two former fill locations (Cap A and Cap B) and a one acre wetland area. During excavation, CODE found ~700 containers containing various lab pack/unknown chemical products. CODE’s HHRT was quickly mobilized to the site to manage the situation.

HIGH HAZARD REMEDIATION:

CODE’s HHRT set up a field laboratory to identify the lab packs/unknown chemicals. The drums were hand-excavated under Level B PPE, overpacked, and moved to the field laboratory for sampling/HAZCAT analyses. CODE’s field chemist conducted all required QA/QC. The identified chemicals included air reactives, water reactives, solvents, and ignitable metals. CODE bulked (as appropriate), packaged, labeled, and shipped the classified chemicals off-site for proper disposal by hazard class.

EXCAVATION/CAP CONSTRUCTION:

PCB removal operations were performed concurrently with the high hazard remediation. Soil from the “hot spots” (PCB concentrations >500 ppm) was excavated, direct-loaded into staged transport vehicles, and shipped offsite for proper disposal. “Semi-hot spot” soils (PCB concentrations >50 ppm to 500 ppm) were excavated and relocated to the Cap A area for inclusion under a multi-layer cap system installed by CODE. The capping system consisted of geotextile material, barrier protection layer soil, topsoil, and surface vegetation. A perimeter fence was installed around Cap A upon completion of the capping system.

WETLANDS/STREAM RESTORATION

One of the many challenges associated with this project involved preservation of natural wetland/vegetative growth while removing PCB-contaminated material from a wetland area and adjacent 400' long stream.

Two feet of PCB-contaminated materials (concentrations >50 ppm) were excavated from the wetland, dried, and spread over the Cap A Area prior to closure. The removed wetland material was replaced with 1' of subsoil, followed by 1' of high organic topsoil. 300+ trees were planted in support of wetland restoration. 100% biodegradable straw mat fabric was placed between the trees and the area was stabilized with a wetlands seed mixture.

In order to facilitate remediation, CODE bypassed the stream by installing a drop manhole, new endwall, and 100' of 24" corrugated plastic pipe. The remaining portion of the stream was stabilized with riprap and non-woven geotextile. The stream channel was realigned to provide a continuous grade. Jute mate was placed on the slope and bottom of the channel which was then stabilized with a wetlands seed mixture.