AECOM was contracted to work with the client to remediate the site of a former mercury cell chlor-alkali manufacturing facility located on Howe Sound near Squamish, British Columbia. The site is more than 40 acres in size and was one of the largest remediation projects in British Columbia, totaling $44 million over 5 years. Remedial activities included construction of a hazardous waste storage and loading facility, excavation of over 160,000 cubic meters of soil, soil treatment and stabilization, water treatment, and off-site disposal of approximately 150,000 tons of contaminated material. Tackling this costly and challenging project has earned the client an award for environmental excellence.

AECOM conducted a detailed site investigation of the plant site including soil and groundwater sampling, and a comprehensive hydrogeological evaluation of the tidally influenced confined and unconfined aquifers. Hydrogeologic modeling, design, and implementation of a groundwater control and containment system were also completed by AECOM. AECOM conducted site investigations of off-site lands and waterbodies, including soil, sediment, surface water, vegetation and biota sampling. Detailed human health and ecological risk assessments also were completed for both the on-site and off-site portions of the project.