DTC was retained by the project architect, JCJ Architecture, Inc. to perform complete engineering and environmental services for the construction of a new Pre-K through eighth grade elementary school.

Services included:

  • Site layout and vehicular circulation;
  • Landscaping and site lighting;
  • Extension and/or relocation of site utilities such as water distribution, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system and electric/communication/cable television/gas;
  • Permitting;
  • Environmental investigations, remedial designs as well as remedial oversight;
  • Structural design, HVAC and fire protection design.

The site was developed prior to 1889 with residential and light industrial uses, including a brewery. The brewery was demolished in 1939 and the site was redeveloped as Father Panik Village, a housing project. The housing project occupied the site until 1994, when all buildings were razed. Since 1994, the site has remained vacant. The project site consists of two parcels of land, totaling approximately 9.3 acre.

DTC reviewed two previous environmental assessments performed for the site and developed and implemented a Phase III investigation. The Phase III scope of work included the advancement of 38 soil borings, completion of three of the soil borings as groundwater monitoring wells, excavation of 18 test pits, and collection of 97 soil samples and three groundwater samples for laboratory analysis.

Releases of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), lead, and arsenic were identified in fill material at the site. The presence of these compounds was attributed to coal, ash, and asphalt pieces in the urban fill. Localized areas of petroleum hydrocarbon impacted soil were also identified, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in groundwater.

DTC prepared a remedial action plan, site/civil engineering and environmental plans and specifications. DTC’s remedial action plan approach included maximizing the reuse of impacted fill beneath the school building to minimize off-site disposal. A subslab venting system was designed to address the potential of volatile organic compounds in groundwater to migrate into the overlying building. DTC was on site nearly full-time for a four-month period to oversee the implementation of the remedial actions, which were completed concurrent with site preparation and construction.

The new state-of-the-art school facility serves 750 children from the Eastside of Bridgeport.