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Former Dry-Cleaner Soil Remediation
Digging of the footer support beam trenches
Project Details
- Client: Retail Center – Richmond, VA
- Project: Soil Remediation
- Contract Value: $350,000
- Contaminant: Perchloroethylene (PCE)
Remediation Photos
Related Services
Background
Soil underneath the single-story commercial brick structure was impacted with chlorinated solvents (perchloroethylene, also known as perc or PCE) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a result of dry cleaning operations over a 30-year time span. The 20,000-sq.-ft. commercial building that had housed the dry-cleaning service was on the end of an occupied, active strip shopping center, but the former drycleaner tenant space was vacant during performance of the soil remediation project.
Description of Work
MARCOR was contracted to perform excavation and disposal of the contaminated soil. Excavation included an approximate 140-cubic-yard area that encompassed the main telephone switchgear room and the main electric feed in addition to the former dry cleaner tenant space. Working closely with a structural engineer and the county building dept., MARCOR underpinned the building footers so the soil could be excavated up to 15 feet beneath them. Approximately 225 tons of soil were extracted, loaded, and disposed off-site at an approved, licensed disposal facility.
In addition to the soil, MARCOR also managed the encountered groundwater, which was also contaminated with VOCs. Before the area could be backfilled, soil samples were taken for analysis to ensure that all impacted material had been removed. (Residential cleanup standards were achieved.)
The first layer of backfill consisted of moderate-strength concrete, capped by flowable fill. This created a support monolith for the entire corner of the shopping center. Following insertion of the fill, an interior slab was poured and the carpet replaced. Exterior areas that had been disturbed were re-paved to match existing conditions.
Throughout the entire project, the building deflection was less than one millimeter. All work was performed safely, on schedule, and to the full satisfaction of the customer.
