KEY PROJECT COMPONENTS:

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

• Flexible, Phased SI/RAR Work Plan Preparation

• Citizen Participation Program

• Topographic Survey

• Geophysical Survey

• Completion of a Network of Test Probes

• Sampling/Analysis of Surface Soil Samples

• Sampling/Analysis of Subsurface Soil Samples

• Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Wells

• Sampling/Analysis of Groundwater

• Delineation of the Thickness of Fill

• Qualitative Risk Assessment

• Analysis of Remedial Alternatives

• Preparation of SI/RA Report

• Remedial Design

• Remedial Construction Oversight

For approximately 100 years, the 16.5-acre site currently occupied by Franczyk Park was utilized as an industrial complex for the manufacture of fertilizer.  In addition, rendering and soap manufacturing operations were conducted in the southeast portion of the project site and an auto wrecking facility occupied portions of the site.  After the property became vacant in the 1980’s, approximately four feet of fill material and six inches of topsoil were used to cover the site during the construction of the park.

In 1998, the City of Buffalo received correspondence from a local community center expressing concern about groundwater seeps that had been observed at the perimeter of Franczyk Park.  As a result, the City of Buffalo conducted a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment to characterize the seep areas. Although the seeps were subsequently addressed via the installation of interception collection drains, the investigation also identified fill material with elevated concentrations of metals as an environmental concern.

The information gathered during the previous site investigations was not sufficient to determine the magnitude and extent of contamination throughout the rest of the park.  Therefore, an additional investigation was required to determine if any remaining environmental concerns existed within the park. This investigative work was funded through a grant awarded pursuant to the Environmental Restoration, or Brownfield Program, component of Title 5 of the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act of 1996.  Based on the findings of the investigation, remediation of the site was determined to be warranted.  TVGA performed the remedial design under the Environmental Restoration Program as well as the remedial construction oversight.