DuPont Chambers Works

DuPont Chambers Works
Deepwater, NJ

Partnering Lesson:

  • On-site Project Manager essential to sustained cooperation and success
  • Environmental projects respond well to Partnering
  • Internal Partnering required to cross Corps boundaries

Project Description
This 700-acre active chemical plant was previously identified by the Department of Energy as a Formerly Used Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) site. The FUSRAP was created to identify, investigate, and take appropriate cleanup action at sites with radioactive contamination from the nation's early atomic weapons program.

Project Challenges:

  • Active, chemical plant site with rigorous health and safety requirements
  • FUSRAP activities cannot impede normal plant operations
  • Project must meet CERCLA guidelines and requirements
  • Multiple stakeholders at Federal, state and local levels
  • Multiple Corps offices involvement

Issue 1: External Partnering
After several initial partnering sessions with the stakeholders, agreements were reached that needed constant reinforcement. On-site remedial actions were very successful, largely due to an on-site Corps project manager who facilitated communications and coordination.

Issue 2: Internal Partnering
While project management is under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia District, while the Baltimore District provided design expertise. Seamless teamwork was required across District boundaries and organizations, as well as effective partnering with the North Atlantic Division office, HQUSACE, and the Corps' Center of Environmental Expertise in Omaha.

Benefits of Partnering:

  • Mutual trust and commitment were established among the stakeholders.
  • Early, small successes and honored commitments reinforced the value of the partnership.
  • Constraints were met head-on and issues resolved timely and effectively as they arose.
  • Effective teamwork facilitated innovative solutions and cost savings.

Stakeholders:
DuPont; New Jersey Dept of Environmental Protection; EPA Region II; Carney's Point Twp; Pennsville Twp; Borough of Penns Grove; Salem County; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.