Environmental Strategy

Hy “C” Tane Tank Farm: This site was affected by the release of approximately 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel from an above ground storage tank in December 1994.  Since then, extensive assessment and remediation efforts have been conducted by others.  Assessment activities included multiple soil, groundwater, and soil vapor investigations.  Remedial activities have included limited soil excavation, installation of a French drain system, installation and operation of a light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) skimmer system, and removal of LNAPL from individual wells by bailing, pumping, and dual-phase extraction by vacuum truck.  The site continues to operate as a tank farm.  In June of 2018, POLA-EMD awarded our team the project.  We are currently providing the following environmental services at the site:

• Annual groundwater gauging of approximately 36 wells;
• Annual groundwater sampling of approximately 16 wells using low-flow sampling protocols;
• Monthly gauging of 28 monitoring and recovery wells to observe LNAPL thickness trends;
• Monthly O&M of the onsite product recovery system; 
• Periodic removal of LNAPL from select wells; and
• Periodic disposal of investigation derived waste.

Our team assisted POLA-EMD by immediately negotiating a reduced groundwater sampling frequency (from semi-annual to annual) with the LARWQCB.  A laboratory treatability study on hydrocarbon-affected soil and groundwater from the site was coordinated by our team to assess the potential for select chemical oxidation amendments to reduce soil and groundwater impacts.  We prepared A RAP which was submitted to the LARWQCB in June 2019.  The proposed remedial methods included a more aggressive approach at removing residual LNAPL and an in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) injection program to reduce dissolved-phase hydrocarbons and move the site toward regulatory closure.

Site Assessment at Berths 191 – 193: A Baseline Environmental Site Characterization of Berths 191 through 193 was initiated by the POLA-EMD to establish environmental baseline conditions for a future tenant. Our investigation included the characterization of soil, soil gas, and groundwater at the property. These berths had a range of prior uses including a yacht club, docks for boats, marine gas and oil station, and bulk terminal. The surrounding vicinity is industrial in nature, consisting of fueling terminals, container storage yards, and various berths associated with cargo/container shipping activities. Leighton’s investigation included 49 exploratory soil borings to total depths between 5 and 9 feet bgs, installation of soil gas probes in 19 soil borings, and collection of soil, soil gas, and groundwater samples for chemical analysis. Several Chemicals of Concern (COCs) were determined to be present above regulatory screening levels. Upon completion of the Site Characterization activities, a HHRA was completed to determine if mitigation or remediation prior to any future construction at the Site would be necessary to protect human health and the environment.

Yusen Terminal (YTI) Investigation: Assessment of PCB contamination at the Yusen Terminal and compliance with TSCA regulations under 40 CFR 761. This project has been ongoing since 2013 and the work included direct interaction with the EPA Region 9 PCB Coordinator; PCB site assessments and evaluation of site conditions including groundwater; evaluation of laboratory data including historical site data and activities related to PCBs; preparation of EPA PCB Notifications; preparation of risk-based PCB disposal Workplans; PCB human health risk evaluations; implementation of EPA PCB Coordinator-approved Workplans; PCB waste disposal coordination; and oversight of PCB excavations and equipment decontamination.

Our team assisted POLA-EMD in successfully negotiating a reduced sampling density requirement with EPA for characterization of PCB-affected soils within the proposed construction area for the installation of electrical power conduits and other improvements. Site assessments were conducted by advance, in-situ, soil sampling and analysis by EPA’s preferred Methods. The soil was determined to be bulk PCB remediation waste. All work was conducted under the direct supervision of Leighton Professional Geologist Robert Lorton and Professional Engineer Mark Withrow, who are experts in TSCA regulations and requirements.