Challenge: To facilitate redevelopment as part of the City’s “Innovate ABQ” initiative, environmental remediation was required to address soil and groundwater contamination from historical site uses and an off-site diesel fuel release.
Solution: INTERA led the voluntary remediation process, working closely with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to ensure compliance and secure a Certificate of Completion (COC) and a Covenant Not to Sue (CNS). The team conducted environmental risk assessments, managed remediation efforts, and provided oversight for site investigations and regulatory approvals, including securing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Comfort Letter. INTERA supported the site developer, Signet, during renovation and demolition activities within the former First Baptist Church and guided environmental risk management throughout construction. The team also completed Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) reporting to maintain compliance and ensure proper implementation of engineering controls. In 2020, INTERA updated the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) on behalf of the University of New Mexico (UNM) to facilitate the property transfer and assisted in obtaining additional regulatory approvals.
Results: With regulatory approvals secured, the site was successfully redeveloped into the Lobo Rainforest Building, a three-story commercial facility that serves as an entrepreneurship center for Innovate ABQ. The property was transferred to UNM in December 2020, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic revitalization.
