CODE removed chlorine solvents, 7,500 tons of PCB/TSCA-contaminated soils, and RCRA hazardous concrete from a former R&D pharmaceutical laboratory in New York City. Work was performed under a NYSDEC consent order in accordance with the ROD in preparation for future groundwater remediation.

The 1.5 acre State Superfund site is located in a highly urbanized area in close proximity to light commercial, industrial, and junkyard facilities. The site’s contaminants of concern included benzene, dichlorobenzene, PCBs, and RCRA/TSCA wastes from old tank farms that were removed when the facility ceased operations in 1978.

This was a high visibility project involving highly elevated LDR readings and high hazard working conditions. Field personnel were required to use Level C PPE with Level B and A backup. Continuous community and perimeter air monitoring was provided by CODE’s site H&S team to ensure the safety of both the field crew and surrounding community. Foam was utilized to effectively suppress vapors during highly volatile excavation and material handling operations.

CODE initiated field work by installing perimeter fencing to secure the site. Overnight security was provided throughout the project as an additional measure of protection. Measures also were taken to protect a former production building owned by NYC that had to be left intact. Excavation in contaminated areas was conducted to refusal on bedrock at ~6 fbgs. Emptied concrete structures and concrete slabs (6" x 2.5" with rebar) were broken using hydraulic hammers. Nonhazardous soils were screened to 3"(-). Remediated areas were restored with 1,100 cy of certified clean fill, nonwoven filter fabric, and a 6" stone cover.

The off-site inventory for disposal included:

3,300 gallons of contaminated (hazardous) groundwater for treatment;
23 roll-off loads of high VOCs for thermal incineration;
92 dump truck (DT) loads of PCB waste for TSCA landfill disposal;
95 DT loads of RCRA waste for chemical oxidation at a secure landfill;
1,800 tons of recyclable concrete;
1,200 tons of hazardous concrete for RCRA disposal; and
132 tons of nonhzardous soils for permitted off-site disposal.

Work was completed on an aggressive schedule using union labor for excavation/equipment operations to the complete satisfaction of the PRP Technical Committee and involved regulatory personnel.