NEWS
Sauro's Cleanerama
Clearcreek Contractors is currently near completion
on a US EPA Brownfields project in Tacoma (the former Sauro’s
Cleanerama). Brownfields are areas that were used for industrial
purposes and because of contamination are currently abandoned, unused,
or under-used. This EPA program assists in cleaning up these sites to
not only protect the environment but to also reduce blight and help in
area redevelopment. Information can be found at -
http://epa.gov/brownfields/ and
http://www.nebc.org/Documents/brownfields09/4C-Wynkoop.pdf. Sauro’s
Cleanerama operated in downtown Tacoma as a dry cleaner from 1961
until 2000. Subsequent to Sauro’s Cleanerama departure, structures on
the site were demolished and the property remained vacant. In January
2009, the City of Tacoma purchased the property and two contiguous
properties with the intent to remediate and redevelop. A Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility Study and Interim Remedial Action Plan
(IRAP) were developed and approved in July 2009. Clearcreek
Contractors submitted a bid to conduct remedial action for this
project and was awarded the contract in August 2009. Clearcreek
initiated site activities in September 2009.
Site
Conditions/Challenges
• Site encompasses approximately 15,000
square-feet bordered by a multi-story commercial building and three
public rights-of-way
• Single access point for ingress/egress
•
Pre-construction site elevations one to two stories below surrounding
elevations
• Fill material and construction debris present from
surface grade to approximately 32 below ground surface
• Existing
retaining and gravity walls, columns and footings present within
perimeter of site
• Deteriorating vaulted sidewalks along northern
and western perimeters of the site
• 10-foot “buffer-zone” from
retaining walls back to public rights-of-way where equipment and
materials were prohibited
• Drill through fill and debris to
accommodate installation of soldier pile and tie-back anchors
•
Three separate categories of material designated for disposal
Overall, the IRAP included the installation of soldier pile, tie-backs
and lagging wall on three sides of the site to accommodate excavation
of impacted soil and debris down to groundwater while maintaining
stability of adjacent roadways and retaining walls. “Slot-cut sloping”
was conducted to remove impacted soil along the multi-story commercial
building footings. Upon reaching the engineered shoring design depth,
structural fill was imported and placed up to an elevation above the
seasonal high groundwater elevation.
One of the critical componets of
the project to accommodate remedial excavation activities and protect
adjacent roadways and retaining walls was the installaation of 58
soldier piles along the inside of the existing retaining walls. Upon
successful completion of soldier pile installation horizontal drilling
was completed and excavation commenced. To date Clearcreek has
excavated, transported and disposed of over 12,000 tons of
contaminated soil.
Did You Know?
Many of our clients are interested in Permeable Reactive Barrier walls, Soil Cement Barrier walls, and slurry walls yet assume these remediation/containment methods are only viable for large projects due to cost. However, treatment or containment walls less than 100 ft. in length may be cost effective. Clearcreek has experience in installing these remediation systems for large and smaller sized projects. We have the skill sets, personnel, tools, and equipment on-hand to allow us to be cost effective for smaller sized projects. Give us the chance to discuss with you the installation of one of these systems. We will work to ensure your project needs are met. As always, we are committed in assisting you in accomplishing your goals.
