Kleinfelder provided site characterization and remediation services for the redevelopment of the former iron Foundry building in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The project involved the renovation of a circa 1890 industrial building into a collaborative multipurpose center, that would provide public community space and programming for art, entrepreneurship, technology, and workforce education.

Site Characterization 

Preliminary environmental assessment identified contaminated soil and groundwater affected with petroleum hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Kleinfelder conducted a site assessment to further characterize the impacts and determine options for remediation to mitigate risks to the future users of the building.

Remediation Design and Management

Kleinfelder collaborated with the geotechnical engineer to develop bid specifications for excavation, dewatering, and management of petroleum and PCB-impacted soil. During the planning and design phase, it was determined that some of the petroleum-impacted soils must remain in place beneath the building for structural reasons. Kleinfelder worked with the general contractor to design a vapor mitigation system to address potential vapor intrusion, consisting of passive sub-slab ventilation and vapor barrier underlying the renovated building.

Remediation of the PCB-impacted soil area was complicated by the presence of foundation elements which were required to remain in place, as well as its location within a narrow strip of land between the building and property boundary. These issues led to concerns about structural integrity of the building. Based on these complexities, a risk-based Remediation Plan was prepared by Kleinfelder and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).

Kleinfelder’s strategic risk-based Remediation Plan allowed for effective mitigation of contaminants, while preserving the structural integrity of the historic building.

The remediation activities directed by Kleinfelder helped redevelop this underutilized, historic property into a vibrant community center.

Project Results

Kleinfelder’s remediation plan was implemented, resulting in the strategic removal of PCB-impacted soils and petroleum-impacted soils, while maintaining the building’s structural integrity. Post-excavation soil assessment and post-construction soil vapor and groundwater monitoring demonstrated the plan was successful and achieved regulatory compliance.

Project Details

Location:
Cambridge, MA
Owner:
City of Cambridge