Formatted Title
Use of In Situ Remediation Technology at Redevelopment Sites: Keys to Success and Implications of PFAS
Background/Objectives
At the 2018 Bioremediation Symposium, an overview of the use of in situ remediation technology at redevelopment sites was presented as a platform session. The focus of that presentation was to articulate the differences in approach to redevelopment sites requiring remediation technology, as opposed to more conventional federal or industrial sites. A new paradigm for utilizing remediation technology under these circumstances was presented. This abstract is intended to provide an update through experiences on dozens of redevelopment sites, including important new lessons learned. Experiences with vapor intrusion mitigation, sediment remediation, the impact of PFAS on redevelopment, as well as how the non-technical impacts the technical (interest rates, post-COVID factors, environmental justice, site development constraints, etc.).
Approach/Activities
Through a series of project case studies, we will present the unique challenges of using in situ technologies at redevelopment sites. As we did in 2018, issues related to redevelopment include: inaccessibility to the contamination, insufficient time to perform treatability or pilot studies, coordination of remediation with construction, integration of remediation systems into the structural/architectural design of buildings and the special case of landfill redevelopment (notably, landfill gas recovery). A massive building boom in industrial warehousing occurred because of the COVID emergency. Unique challenges related to constructing these massive buildings on contaminated sites will be presented. Further, a discussion on how the presence of PFAS is being addressed in redevelopment situations, including how it may be holding back redevelopment, will be reviewed.
Results/Lessons Learned
Langan continues to learn that when well-funded developers step forward to take responsibility for contamination, redevelopment projects move forward remarkably fast. A focus on exposure pathways and identifying the regulators key concerns can quickly bring all stakeholders together to on an integrated environmental remedy. Getting buy-in from stakeholders, particularly the owner/developer, municipality and regulator are critical.