HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-09-004 - Risk Assessment Request for Consultant Fees - Coal Tar ProjectREPORT
Report To: Finance and Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting: January 19, 2009
Submitted By: Jim Witmer, Director of Operations
Ext. 2657
Prepared By: Jim Witmer, Director of Operations
Ward(s~ Involved: Ward 6
Date of Report: January 5, 2009
Report No.: CSD-09-004
Subject: RISK ASSESSMENT/REQUEST FOR CONSULTANT FEES;
COAL TAR PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION:
That staff be authorized to issue a purchase order for consulting services to MTE
Consultants Ltd. in the amount of $475,000.00 (excluding GST} for the completion of the
Risk Assessment and Record of Site Condition associated with the Coal Tar project.
BACKGROUND:
Starting in 2006 and through 2008, the environmental restoration associated with the coal tar
clean up of the former coal gasification plant has been undertaken.
A total of 36,000 tonnes of coal tar contaminated soil was removed as non-hazardous waste for
landfill disposal from the remediation and reconstruction of Richmond Avenue, Joseph Street
and Gaukel Street. Contaminated water and groundwater was pumped and treated at a mobile,
on-Site treatment plant. The excavation of coal tar related impacts was completed prior to
reconstruction of the roadways. Remediation was completed as to not damage adjacent
buildings or disrupt sewers within the roadway that were scheduled to remain. The streets have
been reconstructed with new streetscapes, alignments and lighting. Residual soil and
groundwater impacts will be addressed through Risk Assessment.
Work was completed at the 44 Gaukel Street property between February 19, 2007 and
September 1, 2007, and included the subgrade demolition and removal of all former coal
gasification plant piping, tanks, building foundations and gas holders. Excavation extended to
maximum depths of approximately 10 metres below ground surface. A total of 78,810 tonnes of
coal tar contaminated materials were removed as non-hazardous waste for landfill disposal. A
total of 15,090 tonnes of coal tar contaminated materials were also removed for disposal as
hazardous waste. Contaminated water and groundwater was pumped and treated at a mobile,
on-Site treatment plant. Coal tar contamination remains beneath the building footprint at the 44
Gaukel Street however, the building maintains value to the City and is not scheduled to be
demolished. Therefore, engineered controls have been constructed as a containment feature
for continuing use of this building. Residual soil and groundwater impacts on the Site, including
Report No: CSD-09-004 2
under the building will be addressed through Risk Assessment. Air quality results indicate there
is no risk to tenants or occupants at the 44 Gaukel Street building.
MTE Consultants Ltd. prepared a Supplemental Environmental Characterization Report for the
Coal Tar Study Area, which is bounded by Charles Street to the north, Gaukel Street to the
east, Victoria Park to the south and Water Street to the west. The Characterization report
included a detailed investigation of soil, groundwater and organic vapours to define the limits
and extent of coal tar impacts. The results of the Supplemental Environmental Characterization
Report determined that coal tar related impacts did not extend outside the Study Area or to
Victoria Park Lake but did extend to private property at 89 Joseph Street and Richmond Avenue
that would require remedial work. The Victoria Park Entrance and private properties located
along Joseph Street and Richmond Avenue adjacent to the park, have been remediated to full
depth MOE Table 2 Standards for soil and reinstated. No other soil impacts were identified at
the private properties at the conclusion of this remedial work.
REPORT:
The environmental remediation of the coal tar impacts associated with the former coal
gasification plant located at 44 Gaukel Street has now been completed. This project has been
quite complex and has many different stakeholders. In order to ensure that the project
continues to run smoothly the City has engaged the services of consultants with experience in
dealing with the various components of the project. MTE Consultants Ltd. has been providing
the administrative oversight of the project as they are required to provide the supporting
documentation to assist the Risk Assessor in completing the final report for the Record of Site
Condition approved by the Ministry of the Environment when the project is complete. MTE
Consultants Ltd. has been supervising the contractors and ensuring that the previous contracts
have been completed in accordance with the tender documents and authorizing and addressing
external air quality monitoring, analytical testing and the preparation of the progress draws.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The funding required for engineering, consulting, ground water monitoring and analytical testing
is $475,000 excluding GST). This amount was included in the total cost estimated for the
remediation project. The budget and funding for this project was approved by Council on
February 5, 2007.
Staff recommends that Council authorize the issuance of the purchase order to this consultant.
Respectfully submitted,
James A. Witmer,
Director of Operations