Harbor View Lofts Environmental Investigation

Challenge

As part of a property acquisition, LCM Funds selected Kapur to provide a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).

The Phase I ESA revealed the site was originally developed in 1910 by the Patton Paint Company, which later merged with Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG), to manufacture and store paint, varnish, and solvent products until approximately 1970. Between 1958 and 1969, the site was used to store bulk petroleum. Hydrite Chemical Company occupied the site from 1982 to 1993.

Solution

Based upon the results of the Phase I ESA, Kapur completed a targeted Phase II ESA. The results of the Phase II ESA warranted a complete NR 716 Site Investigation including soil and groundwater sampling to determine the extent and degree of contamination. As a result of the onsite contamination, a remedial action including the excavation of the service ramp to the subgrade parking lot was completed at the site.

Due to concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the soil and groundwater at the site and the proposed use of the onsite building as residential lofts, Kapur conducted sub-slab vapor intrusion testing. The results of the vapor testing warranted the installation of a sub-slab depressurization system (SSDS). Sub-slab communication testing was also performed after installation to record and document the SSDS functionality.

Results

Kapur facilitated the redevelopment of a blighted 82,500 square foot, five-story precast concrete warehouse building with a full basement into residential lofts with underground parking.