Client
University of Minnesota
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The University of Minnesota retained Peer Engineering to provide comprehensive environmental services on the Andersen Library/MLAC project including Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments, site investigation and characterization, cost estimating and construction contingency planning, monitoring and testing during construction, remediation design and oversight, forensic analysis, and cost recovery/expert witness support.
The project involved mining two subterranean caverns into the sandstone bedrock 70 feet below the ground surface, and construction of a four-story above-grade building and pre-cast concrete buildings within the caverns. Extensive petroleum and coal tar contamination was present within the fractured limestone bedrock which serves as the “roof” of the mined caverns. Contaminated ground water from the limestone infiltrated into the underground caverns during and after construction.
Peer prepared a RAP and Contingency Plan that was implemented to manage contaminated materials encountered during construction. Peer conducted environmental monitoring, testing and documentation during all excavation activities. The MPCA VIC Program issued necessary regulatory approvals, a No Association Determination, and provided oversight during RAP implementation.
Following construction of the new facility, Peer designed and provided construction management for installation and operation of a 460-foot long horizontal interceptor well to mitigate impacts associated with ground water infiltration into the caverns.
Peer’s horizontal well design won a Grand Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)/Minnesota and one of twenty-four ACEC National Honor Awards in the 2002 EEA competition. Peer also received the 2003 Ground Water Project Remediation Award from the National Ground Water Association for the project.
Services Provided
- Phase I Investigation
- Phase II Investigation
- MPCA VIC Program Liaison
- Response Action Plan & Feasibility Study
- Horizontal Interceptor Well Design
- Water Treatment System Design, Installation, and Operation
- CERCLA Cost Recovery Support
- Community Participation Support
Awards
- Grand Award—American Council of Engineering Companies
- National Honor Award—American Council of Engineering Companies
- Ground Water Project Remediation Award—National Ground Water Association