Fast Track Phase II of Paper Mill Site

Details:
The goal of this investigation was to obtain support from the EPA and NC DENR for redevelopment of a closed pulp and paper mill under a brownfields agreement. Before allowing the prospective purchaser to proceed, the agencies required documentation of environmental conditions and preparation of an environmental management plan. The $100,000 project involved rapid identification and quantification of environmental risks at the 530-acre property. This assessment included examination of groundwater quality surrounding four closed landfills as well as within numerous process areas of the shuttered mill, surface water quality downstream of a 65-acre wastewater treatment lagoon, sediment quality on and off of the plant site, and environmental impacts associated with mercury use in the plant. Subsurface soil and groundwater characterization techniques included installing 21 temporary wells using direct-push technology and three permanent bedrock wells using auger and air rotary techniques. The site is located at the confluence of two regional drainages, the Davidson River and the French Broad River, and within a major geologic feature, the Brevard Fault Zone, which added to the complexity of the project.

The investigation, data analysis, and regulatory negotiations had a strict schedule of 45 days from notice to proceed, due to restrictions imposed on the prospective purchaser.  In response to schedule constraints, Altamont developed a dynamic investigation work plan, which was refined as necessary in response to new information as it became available. The work plan afforded our client a cost-effective work product, and allowed Altamont to make timely decisions based on actual site conditions. The site investigation and environmental management plan were completed on time. The agencies approved the plan, and the prospective purchaser took possession of the property.

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