Client:
Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority

Location:
Grand Rapids, MI

Prime Consultant:
NTH Consultants, Ltd.

Total NTH Budget:
$160,000

Project Start:
September 2011

Project Completion:
September 2012
NTH’s Value Added
In order to protect future site occupants and owners from liability from historical environmental contamination existing on-site, NTH determined it was necessary to complete environmental investigations to assess the site.

Environmental Services: Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Project Overview
The City of Grand Rapids Downtown Developmental Authority (DDA) received a Clean Michigan Initiative grant (CMI) from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) in January 2012. The Downtown Market development site was formerly home to the Sonneveldt Produce Company. The 3.45 acre site contained six buildings owned by the DDA. The completed Downtown Market is a mixed-use facility that brings together production, distribution, marketing and education about local produce. The indoor facility features a 24-vendor market hall; dozens of farmers and artisan vendors line the outdoor farmer’s market shed. The market includes rentable incubator kitchens, roof-top greenhouses, and a demonstration kitchen for kids.

Project Scope
Environmental Consulting and Cleanup Oversight
The CMI grant provided partial financial support for the required demolition and subsequent redevelopment of the site. The DDA turned to NTH who provided environmental consulting and cleanup oversight. NTH provided a comprehensive site investigation, including soil and groundwater sampling and analysis.

NTH provided the following investigation and due diligence services:
  • Phase I ESA for the 2.45 acre site including five buildings.
  • Drilled, sampled, and analyzed soil and groundwater samples from 10 soil boring locations.
  • Completed the associated Baseline Environmental Assessment for the property protecting the developer from future liability of contamination identified on-site.
  • Due to the varied populations the building would serve, NTH developed a Due Care Plan that would protect future site occupants and visitors. 
  • Construction dewatering system water assessment for discharge to sanitary sewer system including prior to discharge sampling, sampling at time of discharge and monthly monitoring sampling. 
  • Tracking and manifesting the removal of all contaminated soil and document that the materials were taken to appropriate facilities.
  • Soil sampling to complete verification of soil remediation (VSR) including several targeted hotspots.

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Removal
During construction activities, a previously unknown underground storage tank was found. The tank was approximately 13,000 gallons in size and contained approximately 11,000 gallons of water and gasoline. NTH led the removal and assessment activities, including the following services:
  • Before any removal efforts were completed, documentation of the UST was necessary including: the UST registration, notice of intent to remove the UST, notice of on-site work activity were completed to the MDEQ.
  • Retained K&D Industrial Services to complete the removal the liquids and tank. 
  • During removal activities, visual assessment of the tank and soil contamination.
  • Submittal of notice of release based on contaminated soil likely due to piping corrosion.
  • Directed removal of contaminated soil to remediate the UST area.
  • Sampled excavation walls and floors for verification of soil remediation (VSR).