Challenge. Investigate recognized environmental conditions (RECs) identified during Phase I environmental site assessment (ESA) and receive Certificate of Completion under state Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP)
Solution. The Hyder Property was a vacant site located in downtown Albuquerque where previous uses included a dry cleaning facility and gasoline service station. Based on the results of a Phase I ESA completed on behalf of the City of Albuquerque by another environmental consulting firm, INTERA performed a Phase II site investigation (SI) consisting of a geophysical survey and investigative excavations. The geophysical survey identified six anomalies at the site. These anomalies were further investigated through exploratory excavations that located five underground petroleum storage tanks (PSTs). After the PSTs were removed by the City of Albuquerque, INTERA conducted surface and subsurface soil and groundwater sampling using direct-push investigation methods (i.e., Geoprobe®). No significant environmental contamination was encountered. INTERA submitted a VRP Completion Report to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) following the completion of the Phase II SI. We also updated the Phase I ESA to fulfill the NMED requirement that a current Phase I ESA be submitted for any site being considered for VRP completion. The Hyder Property received a Certificate of Completion from the NMED VRP and is now the site of the Imperial Building—a $20 million mixed-use project consisting of a 12,000-square-foot grocery store, three upper stories with 74 living units (both affordable and market rate), a parking garage concealed by the building, and other commercial tenants with traditional storefronts facing adjacent streets. The building name honors The Imperial Laundry Company, which occupied the site for decades in the early 20th century. As part of the building construction, INTERA supported the site developer, YES Housing, by providing oversight during the excavation of soils to determine if any contamination was present. We also secure d a Covenant Not to Sue from the NMED VRP.
