Contamination and Remediation - Essay Example

CASE STUDY: CONTAMINATION AND REMEDIATION A Report Submitted by YOU YOUR ACADEMIC ORGANISATION HERE APPROPRIATE HERE OTHER RELEVANT INFO HERE CASE STUDY: CONTAMINATION AND REMEDIATION Introduction to Brownfields Brownfield refers to 'Previously Developed Land', which could have been used for industrial or commercial purposes in the past. This term was derived from 'Greenfield' which refers to a previously unused land. Generally, Brownfields are sites where reuse or development is restricted due to presence of an inordinate amount of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Any such site is unique in terms of its size, location and past history. In this era of industrialization, limited space is available for construction of industrial or commercial sites in urban and sub-urban areas. Some statistics (Bartsch 2004) in the US suggest that there are nearly a million Brownfields which previously hosted manufacturing complexes to abandoned gas stations. These can prove to liabilities to the owners, since the least amount of detection in contamination can result in problems with selling the site, obtaining financing, or planning reuse. The revitalization of Brownfields provides several environmental, economic and community benefits. It revives the land, which was rendered unproductive by the contamination. It facilitates redevelopment of the site and hence engenders the growth in the economy by creating jobs. The process of determining the levels of contamination at any Brownfield site plays a very important role. This ensures that we have a corresponding redevelopment or remediation strategy mapped out. In this research, we conduct an in-depth study on Brownfield development from an engineering view point by developing a methodology geared towards contaminant assessment and remediation. Finally we shall critically evaluate the application results of this methodology on a case study and draw inferences. Contamination Assessment and Remediation Contaminants pose serious risk to the environment. In a Brownfield, some of contaminants include agricultural waste, industrial waste, pesticides, heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury), soil-acidifying agents (e.g. sulphur), salts and petroleum hydrocarbons. Considering the case where redevelopment of Brownfield will provide site access to the public, the presence of such contaminants could have a serious effect on the public health. Hence a systematic procedure needs to be adopted towards assessing the various contaminants present at the site. Based on the past history of any site, the contaminants and their composition levels have a unique relation. There are various factors that cause contamination. Some of these point to industrial uses in the past, mining activity, careless waste dumping, leveling of sites using contaminated fillsetc. These careless activities could be seen as a result of fewer restrictions imposed on the industries. The sites which have such a past history of activities include former factories, refineries, storage depots, service stations, engine works, gas works, power stations, railway yards, and landfills. Figure1 shows the land contamination caused by an oil depot fire. Considering the lack of available sites especially in the urban sector for new industries and various enterprises, attention is diverted towards Brownfields. A new legislation (Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990) was introduced in April 2000 requiring all local authorities to assess their areas for potentially contaminated land and to take concrete remediation steps. This was the first concrete step taken by the government to address the Brownfields. To counter the real or perceived threat posed by these sites, certain assessments procedures need to be followed to grasp the ground reality. This demands an intensive research into the mechanics of the soil to determine the contamination levels. This comprises the first part of our methodology geared towards Brownfield development and is called "Contamination Assessment". This soil monitoring is directed towards assessing, lessening and preventing the effects of those substances which pose a threat to the soil, water, air or humans. Figure.1 Land Contamination caused by Buncefield Oil Depot Fire. Source: Royal Chiltern Air Support Unit, Dacorum Borough Council. A thorough contamination assessment is followed by considering the various "Remediation" options available. We shall outline our Brownfield Development methodology towards in the next section, emphasizing on each of the steps, the variables and the process that we shall eventually apply to a case study. Figure.2. Developments on Greenfield/Brownfield sites since 2000. Source: Denman, UK Figure.3. Percentage of Brownfields used for New Housing. Source: Corporate Social Responsibility Report, Wimpey (2006). Brownfield Development Methodology As we had discussed earlier, this methodology consists of basically two stages, Contamination Assessment and Remediation. We shall outline a systematic approach in five stages: Preliminary Investigation consists of gathering preliminary information from all the concerned personnel, such as site managers, ownersetc. The site history and past records of site assist in developing a background of the problem. The initial assessment here indicates if contamination exists. The strategic locations of the possible existence of contaminants are also determined. This initial assessment determines if the investigation needs to move any further. Figure.4. Soil Testing. Source: Basic Information for Organic Fertilizers. Detailed Investigation involves detailed site analysis. Soil and Ground water sampling form an integral part. This assessment analyzes whether the level of contamination is within pre-defined acceptable criteria and if remediation is required. At this stage, site-specific remediation objectives should be identified. Remediation Action Plan (RAP) involves documenting the optimum remediation solutions capable of achieving the acceptable remediation criteria for each of the contaminants. The most optimum solution that will be selected is the one which will minimize the cost benefit and maximize the environmental outcomes. The Remediation Strategy sets out redevelopment options for each selected pollutant and determines if it must follow In-situ (on site) or Ex-situ (off-site) technologies. Site Remediation implements the RAP. The Implementation Plan sets a clear set of goals that need to be achieved to ensure RAP is completely put into practice. It addresses design, implementation and verification aspects along with a long-term plan for monitoring the remediation. Validation stage ensures all the objectives have been achieved and lists them in the form of a report to marks the end of remediation. The results of the analyses are compared with the project guidelines. If some of the limits of the contaminants are not satisfactory, it might be required to perform additional analyses. Figure.5. Site Remediation of former auto-dealership. Source: Idrabael Italia. Case Study: Bronx Community Paper Company, NYC, USA This case study (Andermann 1999) relates to the success story of Bronx Community Paper Company in New York City, USA. The Social Design Notes (2003) further explain the motive behind this Brownfield development. The present site where this paper company now stands was formerly the Harlem River Yard, which was basically a 96 acre wasteland located at the southern tip of Bronx, NYC. In 1873, early rail yard developments had started. In the year 1905, its central section was sold. After several decades of use, it was declared a Brownfield in 1971. From that point on, it projected an area plagued with economic, social and environmental issues. By 1980's, Bronx reported the highest rate of gang related crimes. There was rapid rate of infrastructure decay. The per capita income was on the lower side and the area accounted for 20% male unemployment. This covers the socio-economic history of Bronx. In 1991, Allen Hershkowitz, a scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) proposed this site for a Paper Recycling Mill. This innovative plan was geared towards a highly efficient paper mill based on greener technologies. It was meant to revitalize the fading economic condition of the locality. Also it would contribute towards the environmental and social benefits of the region. Hershkowitz's plan to develop a world-scale recycled-paper mill was just the spark Bronx was awaiting. The mill was to be built on the southern tip of Bronx and on either side of the Triborough Bridge. The plan was so environmentally sound that it would account for 330,000 Tons per year of recycled newspapers and magazines (nearly 25% of the waste paper of NYC) or 3.8 million trees saved every year. Considering the size of the mill, it would create 2000 construction jobs and 600 full time jobs. It was expected to generate annual tax revenue of $40 million. The infrastructure set up also did not account for much trouble. This was an ideal example of a Brownfield development model. Considering the large scale of the project, it was planned to be a joint effort between the two NGO's, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association. In the year 1992, both groups began collaboration. The two paper companies Warren and Modo also agreed to invest in the mill. Everything seemed to be on track, until in 1995, a coalition act backed by a rail advocate tried to hinder progress. The progress resumed after the1996 State Approval. However from 1997 through 1999, external factors further delay the project. The final phase of mill construction was scheduled for a 2000 date. Around $600 million was the expected cost to bear for this project in 1999. The year 2002 was scheduled to be the project completion year. Paper supplied to the mill was anticipated to come from the collection of Sanitation and private sources, approximately 10,000 Tons/day. The potential clients were newspapers in the Bronx Region. As is the case with any Brownfield project, financial funding, government backing and persistent project management are the key assets. There is always resistance in some form, which causes delays, but a project capable of having such a large impact must have a strong management to keep it moving. Now having studied all the background details, it is important to use our Brownfield engineering development model. The environmental conditions had to be considered. As we had discussed earlier, the first step is Soil Analysis for Contamination Assessment. Since, this area was restricted to any illegal dumps or industrial activities in the vicinity, only mild pollution had occurred. Next, it was important to identify the major pollutants and their locations in our second stage. These were identified as Asbestos (in old railroad shed), Lead (soils close to the bridge from vehicles above) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (from diesel in soil and in 6 burried tanks). The next step is to consider all the Remediation options to remove and dispose these contaminants. In any paper mill, water is the primary element in the manufacture of paper. The water used by the mill would be dumped into streams, rivers and lakes. Considering the large scale of plant operation and the loads of chemicals used, it was decided that the mill will use less toxic substances. Further, it was decided that 80% of the water flowing out of the mill would be treated by the Wards Island Sewage Plant. This was another environmental resource which was optimally planned. The next environmental factor is Air Pollution. With the use of pollution control technologies, the mill expected to cleanse out any pollutants. The architecture of the mill was also designed to save the energy resources by allowing better air circulation and also facilitated use of natural lighting. Figure.6. View from the Bronx with Triborough Bridge in the Centre Source: Bronx Community Paper Company. Figure.7. Paper Machine Building in the background. Source: Bronx Community Paper Company. Figure.8. Map of the area surrounding Tri-Borough Bridge. Source: Bronx Community Paper Company. Analysis of the Case Study Inspite of all its positive intent, the Brownfield development project faced several external challenges in the form of delays, financing problems, environment myths, bureaucracy and politics. For any Brownfield development to be successful, it is essential that all the components work in combination. The various components are Local Authorities, Local communities, Pressure Groups, Consultants and Advisors, Financial Backers, Government Agencies and Regulators, and Contractors. As we had seen in the case study, if any of these factors are in discord with the Brownfield development it can render long delays in moving the project ahead. For instance, we saw the there was no issue with Financial backing for the Bronx Community Paper Company, but still the project got delayed to 2002. This was because the pressure groups were against the set up of the mill and also since there were no stringent measures from the government agencies and regulators to handle theses external factors. Figure.9. Critical Factors in Brownfield Development. Source: Ciria This case study is one of the best examples of Brownfield development. It started off with a good plan of converting the brownfield into a paper mill, and it just optimized every environmental factor that came its way. The mill provided tax revenue, employment, saved trees, improved the locality's social and economic environment apart from cleaning up the idling and derelict Harlem River yard. It is interesting to question if the factors that were really inducing a delay in commencement of the mill were really commensurate with the positive impact that failed to happen for several years. Clearly, it showed a major lapse of the government in implementing a law, which would overrule any external objection. In the words of President Clinton, "The Bronx Community Paper Company teaches us that we have the power, if we muster the will, creativity, and cooperation, to recover lost pieces of America's environment, return them to good health, protect other lands and resources from being destroyed, and even create environmentally friendly jobs in the process."< http://www.islandpress.org/bookstore/details.phpprod_id=905> The understanding and the engineering methodology that we developed on contamination assessment and remediation, when applied to the case study proves to be the most critical factor in the Bronx Community Paper Mill. Without the proper contamination assessment of the site, no further progress would have been made in site remediation. While this case study did not touch upon the various remediation techniques, we shall outline some of these here. Based on the type of contaminant, site constraints and the various other variables, different treatment methods can be used. They are mechanical treatment, thermal treatment, chemical treatment, biological treatment and various other civil engineering methods. These treatments focus on separating the contaminant and later treating it appropriately. Various other methods in Geotechnical engineering help determine the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the soil and the underlying sub-soil. These also contribute towards understanding soil mechanics. Conclusion In the research conducted so far on Brownfield development, we have explored the various techniques, adopted a methodology and applied it to a case study. In doing so, we have observed that this Brownfield development greatly improves the socio-economic fabric of any community and works towards having positive impact on the environment. Also it has an inherent engineering approach, which systematically facilitates the Brownfield development. Although the UK government is working towards fulfilling its target of constructing 60% of new homes on Brownfields, there still remains 66,000 hectares of land under Brownfields. A similar situation exists for all the other countries trying to consolidate and redevelop the large percentage of contaminated sites. It is important that governments realize the significance of Brownfield development and ensure that sufficient financial backing, strong infrastructure and good land management laws are provided to curb land contamination and encourage entrepreneurs to invest in remediated Brownfield sites. Reference list Andermann, M(2000).Bronx Community Paper Company[online].[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Bartsch, C(2006).Getting Started with Brownfields -- Key Issues and Opportunities: What Communities Need to Know.April 2006.Available from:Name of Author.[Assessed9 December 2008]. Bronx Community Paper Company[online].(2003).[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Bronx Ecology[online].(2008).[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Brown, K & Diarmid, M(1999).Brownfield Revitalization[online].[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. CIRIA(2008).Contaminated Land[online].[Accessed10 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Cymru, L.(2006).Land Contamination: A Guide to Developers.July 2006.Available from:Name of the list.[Assessed8 December 2008]. Denman, T.(2008).Development of Greenfield/Brownfield sites since 2000[online].[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. E,. Jim(2008).[online].[Accessed9].Available from World Wide Web:. Ellison, J.(2008).Taking a Soil Test[online].[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Environmental Protection Agency[online].(2008).[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. 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Site Investigation and Remediation[online].(2008).[Accessed8 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Site Remediation and Waste Management[online].(2006).[Accessed8 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Smith, G.(2008).Contributions of Brownfield Development to Urban Internal Expansion and Urban Renewal in Practice.In:Garry Smith, Brownfields Development, 44th ISOCARP Congress 2008,19 September 2007,China. Soil Monitoring[online].(2008).[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Wards, C.(2008).Contaminated Land[online].[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Wimpy, G.(2006).UK Brownfield Use[online].[Accessed9 December 2008].Available from World Wide Web:. Read More