Lower Schuylkill River District Redevelopment

The PIDC is facilitating the redevelopment of six properties in Philadelphia’s Lower Schuylkill River District. Sci-Tek provided Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for a site history review, regulatory data review, property visit, and professional opinion, regarding the potential for recognized environmental conditions (RECs) which may require remedial action. Some properties required a Phase II ESA with soil samples sent to a PA certified laboratory for analysis and a report documenting the activities and findings of the investigations. Details on the properties follow:

South 58th Street – The Phase I ESA found that the property had been a Philadelphia Gas Works coal gas holder facility in the 1940s and 1950s, which presents the potential for polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals in soil and groundwater. Due to this finding, Sci-Tek provided a Phase II subsurface investigation with soil borings across the property and through the large concrete pad of the former manufactured gas holder tower.

Botanic Avenue – The Phase I ESA found that the decades-long storage of large volumes of fuel, garbage disposal, railroad activity, refuse incineration, historic fill placement, and fertilizer storage had impacted the property. Sci-Tek provided a Phase II investigation proposal to address these issues.

South 56th Street – The Phase I ESA found that a diesel fuel release and cleanup was reported from an adjacent site as well as bulk petroleum storage and cement manufacturing in proximity. Due to this finding Sci-Tek provided a Phase II investigation proposal to address the on-site potential impact of these offsite issues.

Grays Avenue 1 – The Phase I ESA found that the property was first developed in 1942 as an asphalt plant operated by the City of Philadelphia. The site includes two 10,000-gallon capacity ASTs onsite that may have contained asphalt mix or fuel oil. Due to these findings, Sci-Tek provided a Phase II investigation proposal to address these issues.

Grays Avenue 2 – Provided a Phase I ESA of this property which had historically been a large volume municipal incineration site.

Botanic Avenue – Prepared an Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) for the property. The PIDC intends to use the ABCA as part of its application for a Federal Brownfield Cleanup Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

South 51^st Street – Provided a Phase I ESA of this 12-acre property which had historically been a bulk petroleum storage facility.