City of Gainesville
Water & Air Research, Inc. (Water & Air) conducted a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the Citizens Park Redevelopment area in Gainesville, Florida. The project area included Citizens Field Stadium, the Dwight H. Hunter Northeast Swimming Pool complex, the Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-Purpose Center, grassed sports fields, Gainesville Fire Rescue administrative buildings, and the Safety City training area. The assessment identified two recognized environmental conditions (RECs): the property’s former use by the Alachua County Roads and Bridges Department and its listing as a former garbage dump site.
Based on the Phase I ESA findings, Water & Air recommended additional investigation through a Phase II ESA to evaluate potential soil and groundwater impacts. The assessment included 18 soil borings with soil vapor screening and lithological descriptions, along with the collection of eight soil samples and eight groundwater samples using direct-push technology. Samples were submitted for laboratory analysis to evaluate potential contamination.
To further investigate the possibility of historical dumping, Water & Air reviewed historical aerial photographs and information obtained through personal interviews to identify areas for additional exploration. A total of 20 test pits were excavated to approximately five feet deep, allowing for a broader visual inspection of subsurface soils in areas where past dumping may have occurred.