Redeveloping Industrial Sites in Salt Lake City

Site Overview and History?

The Chrome Works/Bumper House project site in Salt Lake City’s historic Ballpark neighborhood is a 1.49-acre brownfield site comprised of seven parcels and six buildings that formerly housed a plastics warehouse, parts and equipment storage, a residence and a chrome plating facility that had been in operation for over 40 years. The property was found to have significant soil and groundwater contamination exceeding regulatory standards.??

The project’s environmental cleanup and redevelopment aims to transform this contaminated industrial site into a multi-family housing development featuring one 5-story and one 7-story building that together would bring over 500 residential units to the area.?

Funding Support: EPA Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program?

The project team successfully assisted the client in securing crucial financial support through the EPA Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program. The RLF is a federal program designed to support the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields sites. It provides low-interest loans and sub grants to public and private entities for eligible remediation activities that revitalize contaminated properties and promote sustainable community development.?

The Revolving Loan Fund for this project is being managed by Salt Lake County and governed by the Wasatch Brownfields Coalition Board with representatives from Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City, and Ogden City.?

The success in securing this funding highlights the project team's expertise in navigating complex environmental funding landscapes and their commitment to maximizing resources for effective site remediation and redevelopment.?

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Remediation Process?

The primary contaminants of concern (COCs) included hexavalent chromium, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and various metals. Efforts to align with redevelopment plans led to the presentation of site characterization and cleanup activities in two distinct sections: the Northern and Southern Portions.?

Northern Portion?

• Underwent full site characterization under the Utah Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP)?

• Removed over 3,500 tons of metal-impacted soils containing hexavalent chromium?

• Collected over 200 confirmatory soil samples?

• Coordinated with Utah Transportation Authority on a mass transit rail line easement?

• Received "no further assessment" approval from Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ)?

Southern Portion?

• Conducted a pilot study using calcium polysulfide injection, reducing hexavalent groundwater contamination by 98%?

• Implemented an approved Remedial Action Plan (RAP) including:??

• Structure demolition support?

• Excavation and disposal of over 400 tons of hazardous waste soil?

• Removal of over 3,000 tons of non-hazardous metal-impacted soil?

• Full-scale in-situ groundwater remediation using calcium polysulfide?

Remediation Timeline?

• June 2021: Site admitted to the Utah Voluntary Cleanup Program?

• December 2022: DERR approved RAP for Northern Portion?

• February - August 2023: Soil excavation remedial actions completed in Northern Portion?

• Mid-2024: Acceptance of Remedial Action Completion Report (RACR) for Northern Portion?

• Q4 2024: Expected project close-out?

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Services Provided?

Intertek -PSI delivered a comprehensive suite of environmental services under the Utah Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) administered by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ), Division of Environmental Response and Remediation (DERR). The team began with a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to evaluate the site's history and potential contamination risks. This was followed by extensive site characterization, including soil and groundwater sampling, to precisely map the extent of contamination. Intertek-PSI also conducted thorough asbestos, lead-based paint, and hazardous materials surveys, providing critical information for safe demolition and abatement processes. The firm managed all aspects of soil remediation, from excavation and transportation to disposal, employing advanced techniques such as XRF metals data collection to guide the process.?

A key component of the project was the innovative in-situ soil and groundwater pilot study using calcium polysulfide, which Intertek-PSI designed and implemented. Throughout the project, the team performed routine groundwater monitoring, well decommissioning, and long-term performance monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of remediation efforts. Intertek-PSI's expertise extended to the development of crucial technical documentation, including Remedial Action Plans (RAPs), Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), and Remedial Action Completion Reports (RACR). Finally, the firm played a vital role in stakeholder communication and coordination, ensuring smooth collaboration among all parties involved in this complex remediation and redevelopment project.?

Conclusion?

The Ballpark neighborhood has been undergoing significant redevelopment and gentrification, with efforts to balance its historical character with modern urban needs. This redevelopment project will stand as a testament to the potential of brownfield remediation and urban renewal. Intertek-PSI is proud to have played a crucial role in supporting this transformative project. It not only addresses the environmental challenges of the site's industrial past but will also contribute to Salt Lake City's urban housing needs and support the city’s ongoing development plans in the area.?

This project showcases the positive impact that can be achieved when environmental expertise, innovative remediation techniques, and visionary urban planning come together. And it demonstrates our commitment to creating safer, cleaner, and more sustainable urban environments.?

For more information about Intertek-PSI's full range of environmental services and how we can support your project, please visit https://www.intertek.com/building/environmental/ .?