Site Investigations + Remediation

Project Description

Ongoing Project, Residential Redevelopment, Squamish

The Problem

Ambleside Environmental (Ambleside) is currently engaged to complete Stage 1 and Stage 2 Preliminary Investigations, a Subsequent Detailed Site Investigation (DSI), Remediation and BC MOE Certificate of Compliance at a 13 000 m2 industrial Site scheduled for a major residential redevelopment in Squamish, BC.  Multiple land uses at the site have contributed to the historical development of the District of Squamish.  These prominent land uses included: multiple maintenance shops and truck storage for logging operations, storage for BC Rail, storage for Carney’s Waste Systems including storage for pump trucks used at FMC and other chemical plants, and a welding shop.

The Solution

Ambleside completed a Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigation (Stage 1 PSI).  This included a thorough review of the historical land use of the Site and identified Areas of Potential Environmental Concern (APECs) associated with current and historical land use at the Site and at neighbouring properties.

A Stage 2 Preliminary Site Investigation plan was developed and implemented to evaluate the environmental quality of soil and groundwater at the Site, at target locations based on the APECs identified within the Stage 1 PSI.  The investigation was completed by using subsurface drilling methods along with remedial excavations and test pits advanced by hydraulic excavators.

Soil and groundwater was sampled and submitted for regulated contaminants of concern associated with each APEC.  Results were compared to applicable standards and indicated soil and groundwater was contaminated with regulated parameters.

Based on the findings of the Stage 2 PSI, a concurrent Remediation Program and DSI Program are being developed and implemented.

The Benefits

By completing the scheduled DSI and Remediation Program, a Certificate of Compliance can be issued for the site, certifying remediation of the property to BC MOE standards.  This ensures both protection to the environment, and human health, prior to vast residential redevelopment.  Site remediation allows for continual growth within municipalities and the reuse of brownfields (i.e. sustainable development).