Proposed Terminal 6 O'Hare International Airport
Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment
Carnow Conibear was contracted by the Chicago Department of Aviation to perform an environmental investigation for the proposed Terminal 6 area project. The assessments were performed during the early planning stages of the project to provide information and details on the potential environmental issues that may impact the project design and budget.
Carnow Conibear was contracted by the Chicago Department of Aviation to perform an environmental investigation for the proposed Terminal 6 area project. The assessments were performed during the early planning stages of the project to provide information and details on the potential environmental issues that may impact the project design and budget. The Phase II ESA investigation consisted of performing surface and subsurface soil investigation throughout the site to identify the locations of potential sources of surface and subsurface soil contamination.
Carnow Conibear also conducted hazardous building materials survey to determine the location and quantity of asbestos containing materials (ACMs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) containing ballasts and equipment, universal wastes such as fluorescent and mercury vapor lighting fixtures, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) containing equipment. The soil investigation was conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E1903. A total of 130 soil borings were advanced at various locations across the site. Representative soil samples were submitted to a laboratory for quantitative analyses utilizing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methods.
The investigation revealed the presence of benzo(a)pryene and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, arsenic, ethylene glycol at concentrations exceeding the IEPA Tier 1 soil remediation objectives (SROs) as listed in Illinois Administrative Code (IAC) Title 35 Part 742 (35 IAC 742): Tiered Approach to Corrective Action Objectives (TACO). Carnow Conibear recommended the following:
- Dispose of impacted soils with constituents concentration above the IEPA Tier 1 SROs for residential properties at a permitted landfill if the soil requires off-site removal during future construction activities;
- Remove all friable ACMs, PCBs containing ballasts and equipment, universal wastes, and CFC refrigerants prior to the buildings demolition; and
- Remove all USTs, ASTs, gas cylinders and drums, and dispose of in accordance with applicable regulations.
Additionally, as part of the environmental subsurface investigation, Carnow Conibear collected soil and groundwater data for the preparation of a preliminary geotechnical report.