UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO STUDENT RECREATION CENTER PHASE II ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, MOSCOW, ID


The University of Idaho (UI) hired TerraGraphics in the summer of 1999 to help the University characterize a 5-acre parcel of land prior to development of a $16 Million Student Recreation Center (SRC). Prior use of the property included petroleum distribution, pesticide mixing, and solvent use.

TerraGraphics’ primary responsibilities were to: 1) gather available historical information to provide guidance on potential hazardous wastes onsite; 2) develop a sampling plan to address areas of concern in a cost effective manner; 3) develop removal and remediation strategies for any hazardous substances identified above risk based standards; 4) work with IDEQ and oversee any removal and/or remedial activities that may be necessary; 5) develop strategies to incorporate remedial activities into the development plans in order to achieve maximum cost savings to the University; and 6) complete activities, as necessary, to ensure that the construction schedule for the new SRC building was not delayed.

TerraGraphics worked closely with the construction contractor to either remove or cap onsite the contaminated soils in a way that would not put restrictions on future land use. The highest concentrations of PCS were removed and landfarmed at an off-site location, and Risked Based Corrective Action (RBCA) modeling was initiated to support leaving residual PCS behind. At IDEQ’s request, a risk assessment based on Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRGs) established by EPA Region IX was completed on pesticide and metals contaminated soils, and subsequent disposal was incorporated into site development activities, thereby creating a cost effective solution to an otherwise expensive problem.