Ashland II Soil Remediation

Ashland II Soil Remediation
Tonawanda, New York

Partnering Lesson:

  • Issue resolution matrix was written and followed.
  • Environmental issues handled through Partnering.

Project Description
Ashland II was a FUSRAP soil remediation project with numerous stakeholders having varied expectations. Complicating issues was a rigorous completion schedule to use as a program execution indicator for successful project completion. Local citizen groups, politicians, state regulators, contractors, suppliers, transporters, disposers and property owners were gathered early in the construction to discuss issues and methods of resolution.

Project Challenges:

  • One prominent public environmental group and a state regulatory agency were perceived to be particularly critical of our execution of the program.
  • Coupled with the tight schedule, miscommunication between the various parties would seriously jeopardize successful attainment of completion.
  • This project was the first test of the Corps of Engineers' ability to manage the FUSRAP program.

Issue:
By including the various stakeholders from the start, a team approach to solving problems was established. Key people from the critical transportation and disposal component of the project were highlighted on a communication matrix that became increasingly important when those issues arose. Immediate action could be incorporated into project plans without cumbersome correspondence trails to be overcome. This matrix also proved helpful in enlisting the regulator in a problem-solving session. Their buy-in was crucial to the project since their final approval was necessary for project closeout.

Benefits of Partnering:

  • Stakeholder buy-in from the start
  • Critical path adherence
  • Fast track resolution of problems
  • Resolution of problems at lowest level possible

Stakeholders:
USACE, NEW York State Department of Environmental Conservation, United Refining Corp., ITT-Kaiser, Conrail, Town of Tonawanda, Coalition Against Nuclear Material in Tonawanda, other private property owners.