Brownfields Cleanup Project (Health Sciences Renovation Site) Information
Description of Project | Environmental Benefits | Status of Cleanup and Renovation | Brownfields Cleanup Cooperative Agreement Work Plan (pdf)
Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) acquired the 4.37 acre former Western Auto site from the City of Sumter in 2008. The site comprises a full block and is bounded by four streets. Commercial land uses are dominant in the area. The Western Auto Service Center was constructed in the 1960s and has been vacant for many years – a visual roadblock to the redevelopment of the South Sumter community and the southern end of the City’s Central Business District.
Multiple environmental assessments and work have been completed at the site to date. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted in 2004 that identified prior uses of the site, as well as any potential contaminants. Following the 2004 assessment, two underground storage tanks were discovered on the southwestern corner of the site at the location of a former gas station. An initial groundwater assessment (IGWA) revealed gasoline contamination of groundwater in the former service station area. A Tier I assessment was completed to further investigate the soil and groundwater contamination. A Tier II Plan was submitted for review and approval by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) in 2007 and the site qualified for the SUPERB fund program which covers the costs of additional assessment and any necessary remediation. A Phase I ESA Update in conformance with the scope and limitations of ASTM practice E 1527-00 was also conducted on the subject site in 2007. This update did not reveal any new recognized environmental concerns at the site and concluded that known groundwater“ contaminated sites are not expected to present an environmental concern to the subject site based upon available data” (Phase I Update, Emerald, Inc., 2007). The site is served by City water and sewer. The update also included a title delineation of the property. Emerald, Inc. also conducted an Asbestos Survey on the subject building in December 2007 to identify the presence of any asbestos containing materials prior to the renovation of the facility. Samples were collected from the floor tile, the black mastik under the tile, ceiling material, ceiling panels and sheetrock. The study showed non-friable asbestos in the floor tile and the back mastik. An Infrared Roofing Investigation and Written Report was also completed in September 2008 by ADC Engineering. The report notes that the older roof membrane may indicate that possible asbestos containing materials were used in the original roof construction. A boundary and topographic survey of the target property was completed in October 2008. The cleanup activities under the grant will focus on the removal of an estimated 60,000 ft2 of non-friable floor tile and mastik that contains asbestos. The single-story building is approximately thirty years old with a basic construction of steel frame with brick façade and metal decking roof with a tar and gravel cover. The subfloor is concrete with an estimated 60,000 ft2 of 12” by 12” floor tile. Specific cleanup activities will include contractor demolition of vinyl asbestos tile, disposal of the floor tile and asbestos containing materials, and the demolition and disposal of any asbestos in the roof system. The SCDHEC Bureau of Air Quality will be notified at least ten working days in advance prior to any project renovation and removal work with a formal Notification of Renovation.
The cleanup is a prerequisite for the larger redevelopment effort that will involve the conversion and renovation of the existing one-story 68,800 ft2 shell of the former commercial building into a state-of-the-art Health Sciences instructional facility that will provide training programs for the four-county region’s residents in nursing and allied health programs. This facility renovation will allow the addition and expansion of health professions training to meet the need of the region’s growing and understaffed health care sector. Work has been completed on the pre-design, schematic design, design development, and construction document preparation. Following the cleanup of the facility, the project will proceed with the construction bid process and a construction, installation and facility opening schedule. Project activities will utilize existing infrastructure and parking to the fullest extent practical. Building construction activities will include demolition, concrete, masonry, interior walls, casework, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing. The new Center will significantly expand the capacity of CCTC to deliver training to local residents in nine high-demand health care occupations to include associate degree nursing, licensed practical nursing, surgical technology, medical record coding, emergency medical technician, medical assisting, pre-dental hygiene, physical therapy technology, pharmacy technology, and phlebotomy.
The cleanup of the target property will allow a significant reuse of the site as a regional educational center that will bring an estimated 300 faculty, students and staff into this economically depressed area. This increased daily traffic will make the community safer and will visually enhance the area. Deteriorated sidewalks that currently flank the site will be repaired or replaced to provide safe pedestrian routes for the entire block.
The Center presents a case study in quality infill development and sustainable land use practice. The shell of the existing vacant building will be saved and renovated as part of the new structure and existing parking areas will be rebuilt and improved. The site will utilize existing infrastructure and utilities to the fullest extent. The site is served by City water and sewer and all basic utilities are in place. In addition, the Center’s location adjacent to the new James E. Clyburn Intermodal Transportation Center will facilitate access by students to classes at both the Health Sciences facility, the CCTC Main Campus, and to surrounding underserved communities. The recently completed transit facility represents a $12 million investment by the regional transit authority to improve both inner city and rural transit services in the Santee-Lynches region.
Status of Cleanup and Renovation
As of July 20, 2009:
- Floor tile and mastic has been removed
- Existing florescent bulbs are in the process of being removed and should be completed by July 31, 2009
-
Renovation project has been bid and is in the process of being awarded
- Abatement of roofing material will be part of the renovation project
- Existing monitoring wells will be protected during the site work phase of the renovation project
- Soil will be monitored during the site work phase of the renovation project
As of September 30, 2009:
- Existing florescent bulbs were all removed and disposed of by the consultant
-
Renovation project began August 3, 2009—Choate Construction Company
- Abatement of roofing material is about 50% complete
- Monitoring wells are being protected as much as possible during sitework but may require some replacements. This is being monitored by the consultant.
- Soil is being monitored and tested as it is uncovered in certain areas. No contaminated soil has been discovered and replaced at this time.
As of December 31, 2009:
- Abatement of roofing material is 100% complete
- Two underground tanks were uncovered during sitework (demolition of pavement). The contents of these tanks were tested to determine what was inside and how to dispose of properly. One of the tanks contained hazardous material that was legally disposed of with SC DHEC approvals. Both tanks have been removed.
- No contaminated soils have been discovered at this time.
- Renovation is on track for July 2010 completion and August classes
