Soil sampling by state regulators identified the presence of nitrogen and pesticides in the soil around an active agronomy facility. The facility consisted of two dry fertilizer warehouses and two pesticide mix/load facilities. Sand Creek Consultants, Inc. was hired to conduct a site investigation to define the magnitude of impacted soil and groundwater and determine a corrective action. Unique project actions included the following:

• Groundwater sampling was conducted using small diameter well pre-packs installed with a Geoprobe. This was the first time regulators had approved this type of well. Monitoring well installation costs were reduced by more than 50%.
  
  
• The extent of impacted soil was determined over a two-day period using a mobile laboratory that allowed a sampling plan based on real-time data.
  
  
• Negotiated with the regulatory agency a higher soil cleanup goal than normally approved by conducting a risk assessment to identify potential sensitive receptors. Ultimately excavated and landspread 4,100 cubic yards of ag-chemical-impacted soil, nearly 2,500 cubic yards less than would have been required if common soil cleanup goals had been used.
  
  
• Successfully negotiated with regulatory staff a delay of four years for the remediation around a second fertilizer warehouse. This delay allowed the owner to develop a long-term strategy to replace existing structures to better meet long-term goals.

Client

Location

Wisconsin USA