A public university in Michigan was facing pressure from student groups and other stakeholders to address the aesthetic and perceived environmental impacts associated with a former dump located within the property limits of campus. Although not liable for any potential impacts associated with the dump site, the university hired Barr to help address these issues. Barr provided a desktop review of the site, assessed the nature and extent of dump materials, and evaluated the potential environmental impacts associated with the site.
Our work included historical research, soil and groundwater sampling, a baseline evaluation of groundwater/surface-water interaction and site hydrogeology, and development of a conceptual site model. We then recommended options to address stakeholder concerns regarding the aesthetics, potential environmental impacts, and physical safety hazards related to the dump’s contents and assisted the university with public and stakeholder meetings. Barr also helped with a joint state and federal permit application for remediation work and provided remedial oversight and post-construction verification sampling in accordance with the joint permit. Barr provided support following site restoration, including post-restoration inspection assistance, stakeholder interactions, and due care obligations required by Michigan’s remediation program such as Part 201.