Investigative soil tests in preparation for a proposed highway across the site detected high levels of organic compounds associated with coal tar residues from the plant which could be released to the Lake, the source of city drinking water. Many homes and small businesses are located in close proximity to the site.
There were 21 potentially responsible parties (PRPs). The community rejected initial remedial plans that included dredging and on-site disposal as unsightly and too costly.
The Johnson Company was instrumental in the establishment and participation in the Pine Street Canal Coordinating Council. This innovative approach included members from the PRPs, the landowners, U.S. EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the State of Vermont, City of Burlington, and several local business, residential, and environmental groups. The Council supported decision-making about the remedial investigation and remedy selection, both of which were completed by The Johnson Company.
Remedial Investigation
The Johnson Company completed a remedial investigation at the site that focused on assessing risks and off-site migration, the two drivers for remedy selection. Shallow sediment core samples were collected from 268 locations and screened in a field laboratory using X-ray fluorescence and immunoassay techniques. Biological sampling and evaluation included fish, benthic biota, flying insects, birds, and sediment toxicity testing. Stratigraphic and hydrogeologic data were used to perform transport modeling to evaluate the potential for contamination of the bedrock aquifer and Lake Champlain.
