Cleanup
Long after the plant and more than 3,500 others across the nation ended production, federal and state agencies determined that certain byproducts of the manufactured gas process pose potential hazards to human health and/or the environment under certain conditions. Residual materials associated with plant operations - including coal tar that contains chemicals such as benzene, naphthalene and some metals – were discovered in soil and groundwater in the vicinity of the site. Those materials were detected at two distinct depths: between 0-60 feet below ground surface (also referred to as Operable Unit 1 or OU1) and between approximately 200-315 feet below ground surface (also referred to as Operable Unit 2 or OU2). The Orlando Gasification Plant Site Group is tasked with cleanup under the direction and guidance of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
With portions of a cleanup remedy now designed and approved by the EPA for OU1, work is scheduled to begin on an initial cleanup phase in March 2018, and last for approximately three months. That work will involve removal and replacement of surface soils, parking areas and sidewalks on portions of the site. Contractors will be required to follow emission control procedures to minimize any impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Additional construction to finalize the approved remedy for OU1 will likely take place in 2019, and includes construction of underground walls to encapsulate a portion of the site, an engineered cap over affected areas, and biosparging outside the wall. These remedies are based on scientific and engineering best practices.
The EPA has approved a pilot study to gather additional data and test a potential remedy for OU2, which will begin around 2020, after the conclusion of OU1 cleanup. The pilot study will last for a number of years, depending on its results, and at the conclusion, the process of selecting a permanent remedy will begin. Any remedy the EPA ultimately selects will be published for public comment.
With portions of a cleanup remedy now designed and approved by the EPA for OU1, work is scheduled to begin on an initial cleanup phase in March 2018, and last for approximately three months. That work will involve removal and replacement of surface soils, parking areas and sidewalks on portions of the site. Contractors will be required to follow emission control procedures to minimize any impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Additional construction to finalize the approved remedy for OU1 will likely take place in 2019, and includes construction of underground walls to encapsulate a portion of the site, an engineered cap over affected areas, and biosparging outside the wall. These remedies are based on scientific and engineering best practices.
The EPA has approved a pilot study to gather additional data and test a potential remedy for OU2, which will begin around 2020, after the conclusion of OU1 cleanup. The pilot study will last for a number of years, depending on its results, and at the conclusion, the process of selecting a permanent remedy will begin. Any remedy the EPA ultimately selects will be published for public comment.
OU1 Cleanup
A Consent Decree outlining the approved remediation plan was executed by the EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Orlando Gasification Plant Site Group, and lodged on January 8, 2015, in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. The Court entered the Consent Decree on March 18, 2015. Since that time, planning and testing of the design occurred under the direction and guidance of EPA for implementation. With approval from EPA, construction will begin in March 2018 with plans to last three months.
Extensive planning has been done to design a plan intended to clean up the Orlando Gasification Plant Site with minimal disruption to those living or working nearby. Health and safety continues to be the top priority throughout the project. Air monitoring will be conducted to ensure health and safety is maintained. No road closures are expected during this cleanup phase, though some sidewalks and parking areas along Robinson Street may be closed. Construction work is planned to occur during daylight hours on weekdays. No nighttime or weekend work is expected.
Construction entails removal and replacement of soil, and restoration of any sidewalks and pavement impacted by that work. Contractors will be required to follow emission control procedures to minimize any impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
Detailed information about the full OU1 remediation plan is available on the EPA website. The remedy consists primarily of soil excavation and/or treatment, construction of underground walls to encapsulate a portion of the site, and an engineered cap over affected areas. In addition, areas outside the wall will be treated by biosparging. These remedies are based on scientific and engineering best practices.
