Client
City of Oshkosh
Services provided
Civil engineering
Construction testing and observation
Environmental remediation
Geotechnical engineering
Grant writing assistance
Permitting
Surveying
Project overview
The City of Oshkosh (City) acquired a seven-acre riverfront parcel to develop as a new park and performance venue. However, the parcel, historically used as a coal gas manufacturing operation, had significant environmental issues and was undergoing remediation. The City faced several challenges in its development plan:
- The new park development could not interfere with the remediation system or expose the public to contamination.
- Fill material was present at depths of over 10 feet.
- The site development concept plans were underfunded.
Approach
STS assisted the city in identifying and securing a substantial portion of the project funding through federal Environmental Protection Agency and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources brownfield redevelopment grants. STS assisted in preparing grant proposals and managing the process through the grant award.
STS worked with the City’s park development team to find solutions to the project challenges. For example, STS modified the existing remediation system to satisfy architectural requirements while maintaining an environmental barrier. STS also designed an innovative trench system that allowed the City to plant trees and add landscaping elements that greatly enhanced the parcel’s aesthetic value. Finally, STS provided recommendations for a deep foundation system for the performance pavilion that fulfilled the design requirements and greatly reduced the need for off-site disposal of contaminated fill material.
Client benefits
- STS’ grant application experience helped secure a significant portion of the project funding.
- Integration of environmental, geotechnical and civil engineering expertise led to an approach that considerably reduced the amount of environmentally impaired soil requiring off-site disposal.
- Expert field staff trained in all aspects of environmental and construction testing saved the client time and money during construction.
|
