Overview
Water & Air scientists and geologists provided expertise in assessing a potential property a Santa Fe College wanted to acquire for campus expansion. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) conducted by another firm was reviewed and Water & Air scientists did not concur with the results of the assessment. Phase II ESA sampling was recommended to limit the College’s potential liability should contamination be present.
- Researched the site’s history and identified former uses of the property that included an automotive repair facility and a dry cleaner.
- Identified likely areas of potential contamination using historical materials, such as aerial photographs and topographic maps.
- Sampled the soil and shallow groundwater to confirm whether impacts to the soil and groundwater had occurred from these former businesses.
- Targeted analytical testing of the types of chemicals commonly used at these facilities.
Results
No evidence of contamination was documented on the property. The college was able to purchase the commercial property and expand the footprint of the proposed campus addition in this urban location.
