Former Parkway Hospital site in Forest Hills set for environmental remediation, redevelopment
Property to undergo major cleanup before mixed-use development
The long-vacant Parkway Hospital site in Forest Hills is set to undergo a major environmental cleanup as part of its planned transformation into a mixed-use development featuring senior affordable housing, family units, and community space.
Remediation process to address contamination
Applications have been filed to enroll the property at 70-35 113th St. into the New York City Office of Environmental Remediation’s Voluntary Cleanup Program, a key step in addressing contamination on the site before redevelopment can begin. The remediation process, which includes extensive soil excavation and groundwater testing, will be guided by a Remedial Action Work Plan that is currently open for public comment through March 20.
Contamination findings
According to the Remedial Investigation Report, Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), metals, and a pesticide above cleanup guidelines were found in the soil. Additionally, groundwater samples found Volatile and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds, as well as metals, exceeding the limits for quality groundwater. Oil vapor samples reflected low levels of petroleum-related compounds and elevated chlorinated Volatile Organic Compounds. Lastly, the indoor air samples discovered elevated levels of a chlorinated Volatile Organic Compound. This level was higher than the Air Guideline Value established by the New York State Department of Health.
Remedial Action Work Plan
Several elements have been included in the Remedial Action Work Plan to address these findings. The proposed remedies have been included in a draft of the Remedial Action Work Plan, with the final version expected to be put together based on public comments. After the final Remedial Action Work Plan is put together and approved, it will be posted on the Office of Environmental Remediation’s website. A second fact sheet will also be issued before remedial work on the former Parkway Hospital site begins.
Remediation elements
Elements of the current remedial action proposal include:
* Preparing a Community Protection Statement
* Performing all the required New York City Voluntary Cleanup Program Citizen Participation activities
* Performing more investigation of the groundwater and soil vapor to precisely show the prior findings
* Implementing a Community Air Monitoring Plan for Volatile Organic Compounds and particulates
* Establishing site-specific Track 4 Soil Cleanup Objectives (SCOs) to develop customized soil cleanup levels for the contaminated property
* Excavating and removing the soil/fill exceeding the Track 4 SCOs
Soil excavation and disposal
As the soil/fill is removed, the footprint of additions expected at the northern and western portions of the property and a sub-grade courtyard will be excavated 3-30 feet below grade. The proposed landscaping areas will also be excavated another two feet. Additionally, an arsenic hotspot will be excavated at least three feet. Based on the current proposed remedial actions, around 4,473 cubic yards of soil would be excavated from the site.
Other remedial actions
Other elements include:
* Transportation and disposal of the soil/fill material at permitted off-site facilities in accordance with applicable handling, transport, and disposal laws and regulations
* Collecting and analyzing end-point samples to find how well the remedy is performing with respect to the attainment of Soil Cleanup Objectives
* Installing a vapor barrier/waterproofing system below the concrete slab under and behind the foundations of the additions to the building
* Constructing and maintaining an engineered composite cover featuring existing and new building slabs, concrete paving, and two feet of clean soil in a recreation area and landscaped areas to stop exposure to any residual soil/fill that may remain under the site
Conclusion
The remediation process is a crucial step in transforming the former Parkway Hospital site into a vibrant mixed-use development that benefits the community. The remedial action plan will ensure the site is safe for future occupants and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the remediation process?
A: The purpose of the remediation process is to address contamination on the site before redevelopment can begin.
Q: What are the contamination findings?
A: According to the Remedial Investigation Report, Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), metals, and a pesticide above cleanup guidelines were found in the soil. Additionally, groundwater samples found Volatile and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds, as well as metals, exceeding the limits for quality groundwater.
Q: What is the next step in the remediation process?
A: The next step is to finalize the Remedial Action Work Plan, which will be posted on the Office of Environmental Remediation’s website. A second fact sheet will also be issued before remedial work on the former Parkway Hospital site begins.
