Former Electric Storage Batter Exide Battery Facility Redevelopment “The Vivian”
From 1948 to 1982, the property operated as the Exide Battery Facility, producing lead-acid batteries before shifting to charging and distribution until closing in 2000. Extensive environmental investigations were conducted by the property owner, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
United Consulting conducted 17 Standard Penetration Test (SPT) borings in order to provide recommendations regarding the general type and condition of the subsurface soils in relation to potential foundation alternatives, site grading, and stormwater management. We also provided recommendations to mitigate the soil corrosion potential in the portion of the site that was affected by previous use of the site. Our project team successfully guided the client through the Georgia Brownfield enrollment process while maintaining the design and construction schedule for the planned mixed-use development. Through the comprehensive environmental testing conducted by United Consulting and others, historical fugitive lead particulate emissions, inadequate housekeeping, and spills were identified as the primary sources of on-site contamination.
Our experts partnered with the property owner and their consultant to implement corrective actions under the Georgia Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) following the property’s listing on the Hazardous Site Inventory (HSI). Working in collaboration they developed a Type 5 Risk Reduction Standard (RRS) remedy, incorporating engineering and institutional controls (EIC), approved by the EPD Brownfield and VRP Units, allowing most of the contaminated soil to remain in place, utilizing cap-and-cover techniques, soil and witness barriers, and enhanced erosion and sedimentation controls to meet residential end-use standards. We provided oversight into the earthwork and corrective actions throughout the construction phase of The Vivan, a 328-unit multi-family development connecting to the Atlanta Beltline’s Southside Trail Connector. In addition, we implemented a comprehensive monitoring and maintenance plan devised to ensure the longevity of these measures post-redevelopment completion.
Our team of experts conducted construction materials testing. This included testing the subgrade prior to foundations were placed, verifying the correct quantity and size of steel reinforcing was used, sampling and testing concrete. Following the conclusion of site construction, prepared the Prospective Purchaser Compliance Status Report (PPCSR) to finalize the Brownfield Process and secure the client’s final Brownfield Limitation of Liability. We also assisted in submitting the Brownfield Cost Recovery package and helped the client to recoup cleanup costs and secure approximately $3.4 million in Georgia Brownfield tax incentives.
