patersongroup Phase I - Environmental Site Assessment 538, 544 & 560 Rideau Street and 501 Besserer Street Ottawa, Ontario Prepared For

Transcription

1 Geotechnical Engineering Environmental Engineering Hydrogeology Geological Engineering Materials Testing Building Science 538, 544 & 560 Rideau Street and 501 Besserer Street Ottawa, Ontario Archaeological Studies Prepared For Richcraft Group of Companies Paterson Group Inc. Consulting Engineers 154 Colonnade Road South Ottawa, Ontario Canada K2E 7J5 February 26, 2013 Tel: (613) Fax: (613)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ii 1.0 INTRODUCTION SITE INFORMATION SCOPE OF WORK METHOD OF INVESTIGATION 4.1 Historical Research Field Assessment FINDINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5.1 Historical Review Exterior Assessment Interior Assessment Adjacent Properties ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 Assessment Recommendations STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS APPENDIX Aerial Photographs Figure 1 - Key Plan Drawing No. PE Site Plan February 26, 2013 Page i

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Assessment A was carried out for the properties located at 538, 544 and the vacant property at 560 Rideau Street and 501 Besserer Street, in the City of Ottawa, Ontario. The purpose of this environmental assessment was to research the past and current use of the site and adjacent properties and identify any environmental concerns with the potential to have impacted the subject property. The historical research indicated that the subject site was originally developed with numerous residential dwellings prior to All the residential dwellings on 560 Rideau Street and 501 Besserer Street have since been demolished and these sites remain vacant. As discussed in this report, an automotive business did operate at 560 Rideau Street in the past. Paterson were involved in the decommissioning of this part of the site in 1996 and further investigated it in All testing carried out during the aforementioned investigations met the previous MOE criteria and also meets the current MOE standards. The buildings at 538 and 544 Rideau Street were both converted to restaurants on the ground floor with apartments above. No significant changes were observed to the subject buildings at 538 and 544 Rideau Street since that time. Neighbouring properties were developed earlier than 1928 for residential purposes. Research did not identify the presence of any operations on the neighbouring properties which are considered to pose an environmental concern to the subject property. Following the historical review, a site visit was conducted. No significant concerns were noted with the current use of the subject site or immediately adjacent lands. Based on the results of the assessment, it is our opinion that a Phase II - Environmental Site Assessment will not be required for the property at this time. Recommendations As discussed in Section 5.3 of this report, asbestos may be present within the drywall joint compound, plaster (including decorative stipple finishes), linoleum and vinyl floor tiles throughout the buildings. These materials were generally in good condition. Lead-based paints may also be present on original painted surfaces. A designated substance survey (DSS) of the buildings will be required prior to the disturbance of any potentially hazardous substances or demolition work, in accordance with O. Reg 490/09 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. February 26, 2013 Page ii

4 1.0 INTRODUCTION At the request of the Richcraft Group of Companies, Paterson Group conducted a (ESA) of the properties located at 538, 544 and 560 Rideau Street and 501 Besserer Street, in the City of Ottawa, Ontario. This report has been prepared specifically and solely for the above noted project which is described herein. It contains all of our findings and results of the environmental conditions at this site. 2.0 SITE INFORMATION Address: Location: Latitude and Longitude: 538, 544 & 560 Rideau Street, 501 Besserer Street Ottawa, Ontario. Located at the southeast corner of Rideau Street and Cobourg Street, in the City of Ottawa, Ontario. Refer to Figure 1 - Key Plan in the appendix for the site location ' 55" N, 75 40' 39" W Site Description: Configuration: Area: Zoning: Current Use: Services: Irregular 3600 m 2 (approximate). TM6 - Traditional Main Street. The subject site is occupied by two (2) buildings with restaurants on the first floor and apartments on the second and third floors. The two buildings have basements and cover a small portion of the subject site. The remaining property (560 Rideau Street and 501 Besserer Street) is vacant. The subject site is situated in a municipally serviced neighbourhood. February 26, 2013 Page 1

5 3.0 SCOPE OF WORK The scope of work for this was as follows: Investigate the existing conditions present at the subject site by carrying out a field study and historical review in accordance with CSA Z Present the results of our findings in a comprehensive report. Provide a preliminary environmental site evaluation based on our findings. Provide preliminary remediation recommendations and further investigative work if contamination is encountered or suspected. February 26, 2013 Page 2

6 4.0 METHOD OF INVESTIGATION 4.1 Historical Research The methodology for the program was carried out in two segments. The first consisted of a historical review which included a brief research of the past use of the site. This portion of the program was carried out by Paterson personnel from the Environmental Division. The following is a list of the key information sources reviewed by our firm. Federal Records Air photos at the Energy Mines and Resources Air Photo Library. National Archives. Maps and photographs (Geological Survey of Canada surficial and subsurface mapping). PCB Waste Storage Site Inventory. Provincial Records MOE document titled Waste Disposal Site Inventory in Ontario. MOE Brownfields Environmental Site Registry. Office of Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Fuels Safety Branch. Municipal Records The Corporation of the City of Ottawa. Intera Technologies Limited Report Mapping and Assessment of Former Industrial Sites, City of Ottawa. City of Ottawa document entitled Old Landfill Management Strategy; Phase 1 - Identification of Sites, City of Ottawa, Ontario ; finalised October Local Information Sources Personal Interviews. Previous Engineering Reports. February 26, 2013 Page 3

7 4.2 Field Assessment The second segment of the Phase I - ESA consisted of a site visit which included a cursory assessment of the environmental conditions of the subject property. The field assessment was carried out for 538 and 544 on November 14, 2011 and the field assessment for 501 Besserer and 560 Rideau Street was carried out on February 11, 2013 by personnel from the Environmental Division. As part of the field assessment, the subject site was inspected for signs of the following: Evidence of previous or existing fuel storage tanks. On-site use or storage of hazardous materials. On-site handling or disposal of liquid or solid waste materials. Above-ground piping systems, including pumps, valves and joints. Truck or rail loading or unloading areas. Electrical conduits, abandoned pipelines or pumping stations. Remnants of old buildings. Signs of surficial contamination (ie. staining, distressed vegetation). Unnaturally discoloured, ponded or flowing waters. Surficial drainage, wetlands, natural waterways or watercourses through the properties (i.e. ditches, creeks, ponds, poor drainage). Any evidence of potable water supply wells or groundwater monitoring wells (such as leak detection monitoring wells for underground storage tank systems, or abandoned systems). Any abnormal odours associated with the site, whether from on-site or off-site sources. The presence of any recent soil disturbances such as soil removal, filling, tilling, grading, etc. Asbestos containing materials (ACMs). Urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). PCB containing products. Ozone depleting substances (ODS). Lead-containing materials. Current use of neighbouring properties. February 26, 2013 Page 4

8 5.0 FINDINGS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 5.1 Historical Review Air Photo Research Historical air photos from the National Air Photo Library were reviewed. Based on the review, the following observations have been made: 1928 The subject site has been developed with numerous residential dwellings or apartments. Some properties further north of the subject site and to the northwest and northeast, appear to be developed for commercial purposes (Poor Scale) No significant changes are apparent to the subject site or neighbouring lands. The commercial use properties to the northeast and northwest of the subject site appear to have been redeveloped with residential dwellings No significant changes were made to the subject site or neighbouring properties. A highrise building has been developed at the corner of Rideau Street and Charlotte Street, further east of the subject site A larger building (suspected commercial building) has been constructed on the east side of the subject site. Most of the other buildings previously located at 560 Rideau Street have been demolished and the space appears to have been used as a parking area. A highrise building has been developed at the northeast corner of Rideau Street and Charlotte Street. The neighbouring site to the north appears vacant (Poor Scale) No changes are apparent to the subject site. Properties north of the subject site have been redeveloped with residential dwellings No significant changes were made to the subject site or neighbouring properties (City of Ottawa) All building structures at 560 Rideau Street have been demolished and the site appears to be vacant. No other changes were observed to 538 and 544 Rideau Street and 501 Besserer Street or to the neighbouring properties. February 26, 2013 Page 5

9 Laser copies of some of the aerial photographs reviewed are included in the appendix. National Archives Fire Insurance Plans (FIPs) from 1956 were reviewed for the subject and neighbouring properties. An automotive repair shop is present at 560 Rideau Street. A gasoline service station is present, approximately 120 metres to the west, located at 490 Rideau Street. Based on the distance of this latter site from the subject property, it is not considered to pose a risk to the subject land. Paterson has conducted a Phase I-II Environmental Site assessment on the site addressed Rideau Street, which is currently a parking area on the east portion of the subject site. Please refer to the subsection Previous Environmental Reports for further details. City Directories were reviewed for the subject and neighbouring properties back to the 1960's. A former service station was present at 600 Rideau Street, approximately 100 m east of the subject site. A former laundromat was present at 522 Rideau Street, approximately 60 m west of the subject site. Based on the description in the City Directories, it is expected that the former laundromat was not a dry cleaning facility. No environmental concerns were observed in the City Directories that have not been addressed by Paterson in previous Environmental Reports. Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) The Geological Survey of Canada website on the Urban Geology of the National Capital Area was consulted as part of this assessment. Based on the information from NRCAN, bedrock in the area of the site consists of interbedded limestone and shale of the Verulam Formation. Based on the maps, the thickness of overburden ranges from 10 to 15 m and consists of offshore marine sediments and erosional terraces. PCB Inventory The document prepared by the Canadian Council of Resource and Environment Ministers, entitled National Inventory of PCB Waste Storage Sites, dated 1988 was reviewed. No PCB storage sites were identified in the vicinity of the subject site. PCBs are not considered to pose a concern to the subject site. February 26, 2013 Page 6

10 Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) The TSSA, Fuels Safety Branch in Toronto, was contacted by on February 26, There are no underground storage tanks recorded in the TSSA registry for the subject property. The subject site is not registered with the TSSA as a private fuel outlet. Surrounding properties immediately adjacent to the subject site are also not registered with the TSSA. Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE) The Ontario Ministry of Environment document entitled Waste Disposal Site Inventory in Ontario, 1991" was reviewed as part of the historical research. This document includes all recorded active and closed waste disposal sites, industrial manufactured gas plants, and coal tar distillation plants in the Province of Ontario. One (1) closed waste disposal site was identified in the vicinity of the subject site. The former landfill is approximately 700 m west of the subject property. Based on the distance from the subject site, the former landfill is not suspected to have impacted the subject site or neighbouring lands. A search of the MOE Brownfields environmental site registry was conducted electronically on February 13, Two (2) Record of Site Conditions (RSCs) have been filed for properties in the vicinity of the subject site. An RSC was filed for the property located at 481 Rideau Street, approximately 200 metres northeast of the subject site. Based on the inferred groundwater flow towards the Rideau River, the property located at 481 Rideau Street is not suspected to pose an environmental concern to the subject site. The other RSC is approximately 900 m away from the subject site and is considered too distant to pose an environmental concern to the subject property. Former Industrial Sites The report titled Mapping and Assessment of Former Industrial Sites, City of Ottawa prepared by Intera Technologies Limited was reviewed. No former industrial sites were identified within 500 m of the subject property. The former landfill that was identified in the Ontario Ministry of Environment document entitled Waste Disposal Site Inventory in Ontario, 1991" was identified in this report. February 26, 2013 Page 7

11 City of Ottawa Old Landfill Document The document prepared for the City of Ottawa entitled Old Landfill Management Strategy, Phase I - Identification of Sites, City of Ottawa, was reviewed. The landfills identified in the Ontario Ministry of Environment document entitled Waste Disposal Site Inventory in Ontario, 1991" were also noted in the document prepared by Golder Associates. No other landfills were identified in the vicinity of the subject property. Previous Environmental Reports The following reports were reviewed: Environmental Site Remediation Program, Existing Commercial Site, Ottawa, Ontario, prepared by John D. Paterson and Associates Limited, dated January 3, 1997 Geotechnical Investigation and Phase I-II Environmental Site Assessment, 560 Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario, prepared by John D. Paterson and Associates Limited, dated July 10, Paterson supervised a remediation program in 1996 on the eastern portion of the site, where an automobile dealer operated historically. Approximately 500 metric tonnes of impacted soil were removed from the site at the time. Confirmatory testing did not identify any contaminant concentrations that exceeded the MOE standards at the time, or, that would exceed the current MOE standards. As previously discussed, Paterson has conducted a Phase I-II Environmental Site Assessment for the east portion of the subject site (560 Rideau Street). A total of seven (7) boreholes were advanced to depths ranging from 6.25 m to m. No visual or olfactory observations of petroleum hydrocarbons were noted in any of the samples obtained from the boreholes. Samples that were submitted for laboratory testing did not contain any detectable concentrations that exceeded the MOE standards at the time, or, that would exceed the current standards for the site. A subsurface investigation, consisting of the placement of two (2) boreholes, was carried out for 501 Besserer Street in November No signs of deleterious materials or hazardous substances were observed during the subsurface investigation. A review of our files for other properties in the area did not indicate any environmental concerns with respect to the subject land. February 26, 2013 Page 8

12 Personal Interviews The current tenants of the commercial restaurants, both Angelos Pizza and Passage of India, were on site at the time of the assessment. Both tenants indicated that they were not aware of any fuel storage tanks currently or historically on the site. They were unaware of any environmental concerns with respect to the subject site or neighbouring properties. 5.2 Exterior Assessment Buildings The subject site is occupied by two 3- storey commercial/residential buildings with single basement levels. The buildings are finished off with red brick and stone foundations. The subject buildings had sloped and shingled roofs with the exception of the north of the building addressed 538 Rideau Street, which was flat, tar and gravel. Site The buildings occupy a small portion of the subject site with a large fenced in asphalt area on the east end of the site. Site drainage consists primarily of sheet drainage to catch basins along Rideau Street. The site is generally flat, while the regional topography is sloped downward to the west. It should be noted that the site at 501 Besserer Street and 560 Rideau Street was snow covered at the time of our visit on February 11, Potential Environmental Concerns Fuels and Chemical Storage There were no signs indicating the current presence of aboveground or underground storage tanks observed at the time of the assessment. No fuel or chemical storage was observed on the exterior of the property. Waste Management Domestic waste and recycling is stored in containers at the rear of the buildings and is collected on a weekly basis by the City of Ottawa s waste collection services. No concerns were identified with respect to the waste management procedures. February 26, 2013 Page 9

13 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) No potential sources of PCBs were observed on site. The electricity for the subject site is aboveground. A pole mounted transformer was observed along Rideau Street. No leakage or staining was observed in the area surrounding the pole mounted transformer. 5.3 Interior Assessment A general description of the interior of the buildings is as follows: Floors consist of a combination of poured concrete, ceramic tiles and carpet. The walls consist of lathe and plaster and drywall. The ceilings consist of suspended ceiling tiles and drywall. Lighting throughout the buildings is provided by incandescent and fluorescent fixtures. The building addressed 538 Rideau Street is heated by a natural gas fired boiler. The building addressed 544 Rideau Street is heated by a natural gas furnace located in the basement for the commercial unit and natural gas fired boiler for the apartment units. It should be noted that only the commercial units and basements were available for inspection at the time of the assessment. Potentially Hazardous Building Products Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) The potential asbestos-containing materials observed at 544 Rideau Street include plaster (including decorative stipple finishes), drywall joint compound, and suspended ceiling tiles. These materials were generally in good condition at the time of the inspection. The potential asbestos-containing materials observed at 538 Rideau Street include drywall joint compound and suspended ceiling tiles. These materials were generally in good condition at the time of the inspection. It should be noted that an interior inspection of the 2 nd and 3 rd floors of each building were not conducted at the time of the assessment. Based on the age of the subject buildings (circa 1900's), asbestos containing materials may be present in the apartment units. February 26, 2013 Page 10

14 Lead-Based Paint PCBs Based on the age of the subject buildings, lead-based paint may be present under more recent painted surfaces. There were no concerns with respect to PCBs identified at the time of the site inspection. Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) UFFI was not identified during the site visit however it should be noted that no wall cavities were inspected at the time of the assessment. Other Potential Environmental Concerns Fuels and Chemical Storage No aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) or signs indicating the presence of underground storage tanks (USTs) were observed on site. No staining was observed in the basements of the subject buildings. Wastewater Discharges The waste water from the subject buildings is discharged into the City of Ottawa sanitary system. Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) Potential sources of ODSs observed on site include air conditioners, refrigerators and fire extinguishers. These appliances should be maintained by a licenced contractor. Sump Pits No sump pits were observed at the time of the assessment. February 26, 2013 Page 11

15 5.4 Adjacent Properties Land use adjacent to the subject site was as follows: North - Rideau Street followed by a restaurant and a parking lot; East - Residential apartment building followed by Charlotte Street South - Besserer Street followed by residential dwellings; West - Cobourg Street followed by a restaurant and residential dwellings. The current use of the immediately adjacent properties and neighbouring properties is not considered to pose a concern to the subject site. Current land use adjacent to the subject property is illustrated on Drawing No. PE Site Plan in the appendix. February 26, 2013 Page 12

16 6.0 ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 Assessment A was carried out for the properties located at 538, 544 and the vacant property at 560 Rideau Street and 501 Besserer Street, in the City of Ottawa, Ontario. The purpose of this environmental assessment was to research the past and current use of the site and adjacent properties and identify any environmental concerns with the potential to have impacted the subject property. The historical research indicated that the subject site was originally developed with numerous residential dwellings prior to All the residential dwellings on 560 Rideau Street and 501 Besserer Street have since been demolished and these sites remain vacant. As discussed in this report, an automotive business did operate at 560 Rideau Street in the past. Paterson were involved in the decommissioning of this part of the site in 1996 and further investigated it in All testing carried out during the aforementioned investigations met the previous MOE criteria and also meets the current MOE standards. The buildings at 538 and 544 Rideau Street were both converted to restaurants on the ground floor with apartments above. No significant changes were observed to the subject buildings at 538 and 544 Rideau Street since that time. Neighbouring properties were developed earlier than 1928 for residential purposes. Research did not identify the presence of any operations on the neighbouring properties which are considered to pose an environmental concern to the subject property. Following the historical review, a site visit was conducted. No significant concerns were noted with the current use of the subject site or immediately adjacent lands. Based on the results of the assessment, it is our opinion that a Phase II - Environmental Site Assessment will not be required for the property at this time. 6.2 Recommendations As discussed in Section 5.3 of this report, asbestos may be present within the drywall joint compound, plaster (including decorative stipple finishes), linoleum and vinyl floor tiles throughout the buildings. These materials were generally in good condition. Lead-based paints may also be present on original painted surfaces. A designated substance survey (DSS) of the buildings will be required prior to the disturbance of any potentially hazardous substances or demolition work, in accordance with O. Reg 490/09 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. February 26, 2013 Page 13

17 7.0 STATEMENT OF LIMITATIONS This report has been prepared in general accordance with the agreed scope-of-work and the requirements of CSA Z The conclusions presented herein are based on information gathered from a limited historical review and field inspection program. The findings of the Phase I - ESA are based on a review of readily available geological, historical and regulatory information and a cursory review made at the time of the field assessment. The historical research relies on information supplied by others, such as, local, provincial and federal agencies and was limited within the scope-of-work, time and budget of the project herein. Should any conditions be encountered at the subject site and/or historical information that differ from our findings, we request that we be notified immediately in order to allow for a reassessment. This report was prepared for the sole use of the Richcraft Group of Companies. Permission and notification from the Richcraft Group of Companies and Paterson will be required to release this report to any other party. Paterson Group Inc. Elizabeth Gardner, Technologist Mark D Arcy, P.Eng Report Distribution: Fotenn Consultants (7 copies and a pdf) Richcraft Group of Companies (1 copy and a pdf) Paterson Group Inc. (1 copy) February 26, 2013 Page 14

18 APPENDIX AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS FIGURE 1 - KEY PLAN DRAWING NO. PE SITE PLAN

19 SITE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH 1928

20 SITE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH 1944

21 SITE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH 1956

22 SITE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH 1967

23 SITE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH 1985

24 SITE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH 1993

25 SITE FIGURE 1 KEY PLAN

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