Project Experience

Free Peer Review Uncovers Overlooked Environmental Liability

PROJECT FACTS:


CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN – PETROLEUM (HYDRAULIC OIL), POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH)
KEY FACTS – FREE PEER REVIEW UNCOVERS OVERLOOKED ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY
DESCRIPTION OF SITE – AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE CENTER

SITE SITUATION:


After completing the Phase I assessment at an automotive dealership and service center, the Phase I environmental consultant identified a single Area of Concern (AOC) located in the service bay associated with the hydraulic lifts. The Phase II proposal from this environmental consulting firm recommended additional investigation including the installation of soil borings, monitoring wells, and soil and groundwater sampling. The consultant stated that long-term groundwater monitoring may be required at the site.  AcuityES was asked by the insurance carriers to complete a peer review of the proposed work plan and associated background documents.

It was in the process of reviewing the background documents, AcuityES identified a second AOC that was not addressed by the previous environmental consultant’s proposal. This additional AOC was a drainage ditch located adjacent to the dealership. Contamination was identified in the drainage ditch resulting from storm water runoff from the dealership’s parking lot.  De minimis losses from engine oil (leaking from dealership cars) resulted in petroleum impacts to the stormwater drainage ditch.

ACUITY INSIGHT:


AOC 1:: SERVICE BAY – HYDRAULIC OIL CONTAMINATION

As opposed to the original consultant who recommended an expansive investigative approach, the AcuityES solution was to simply install and sample one, expertly placed, monitoring well.

AOC 2:: DRAINAGE DITCH – PAH CONTAMINATION

AcuityES reviewed the data and determined that a limited number of near-surface soil samples were required to delineate the drainage ditch, and assess potential risks.

SOLUTION:


AOC 1:: SERVICE BAY – HYDRAULIC OIL CONTAMINATION

One groundwater sample was collected and analyzed. AcuityES verified that there were no constituents present that required regulatory action. The closure report was submitted to the State regulatory agency and a NFA (No Further Action) was granted.

AOC 2:: DRAINAGE DITCH – PAH CONTAMINATION

AcuityES performed the near-surface soil sampling and delineated impacts along the drainage ditch. A small excavator was used to scrape out PAH-impacted soil for off-site disposal. Confirmation sampling was completed and the area was reseeded. The sampling data was submitted to the State regulatory agency, and a NFA was granted.

AcuityES was able to quickly and efficiently get regulatory closure for both Areas of Concern.