Transportation Authority Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

Rhea was contracted by Michael Baker International to complete a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) at the Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) Murray Complex, which comprises five parcels in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The Phase II ESA was completed to determine the potential for site contamination as result of site activities in support of the property’s evaluation as the site of LCTA’s new bus storage, maintenance, and administrative facility.

The Phase II ESA conducted at the LCTA Murray Complex included the preparation of a site-specific Health and Safety Plan and a subsurface investigation, which was conducted in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials E1903-11 document entitled: “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process”. The subsurface investigation included the advancement of 20 soil borings to a depth of 15 feet below ground surface or sampler refusal using direct push technology (Geoprobe). The soil borings were continuously sampled in 2-foot intervals and screened using a photoionization detector (PID). Surface and subsurface soil samples were collected from each boring per United States Environmental Protection Agency Method 5035. Due to the possibility of groundwater contamination, ten temporary monitoring wells were installed to a depth between 15 and 20 feet below ground surface. Following installation, each monitoring well was developed prior to sampling.  Soil and groundwater samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, Hexavalent Chromium, and oil and grease. All groundwater samples and select surface soil samples were also analyzed for dioxins and furans and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Following the subsurface investigation and receipt of analytical data, Rhea prepared a Phase II ESA Report to present the results of the subsurface investigation and summarize the impact of any environmental conditions. Due to the presence of tetrachloroethene, lead, and arsenic above applicable PADEP Non-Residential Act 2 Standards, Rhea recommended a deed restriction to prohibit the use of groundwater and that engineering controls be implemented into future building designs to address the potential for vapor intrusion.

Services: Environmental Services , Civil Site Development

Industries: Transportation