This is a follow-up on the work notice for upcoming remediation work at the RFS Corporation Yard that was completed between October 10 and November 1, 2017.
Based on environmental investigations at the RFS being conducted under a State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control Order, a Final Removal Action Workplan (RAW) was completed in 2014 describing soil and groundwater remediation that needs to be conducted in three portions of the RFS. The purpose of this action was to remove soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals in areas of the Corporation Yard and at one transformer location. The contamination is believed to have been cause by legacy leaks and spills of motor and transformer oils and other petroleum products from facilities operations. This action will lead to the removal of approximately 150 cubic yards of soil to DTSC approved off-site locations. The work is being done to ensure that maintenance or construction workers are not exposed to contaminated soil during construction of future facilities in these locations.
Beginning Tuesday October 10, 2017 a hazardous materials contractor working for UC Berkeley dug soil from twelve small locations using shovels and electrical demolition hammers. Soil was dug by hand used to avoid damaging shallow utility lines with some soil dug by back hoe once utiliies were located. The excavation areas range in volume from one to approximately 40 cubic yards and were no deeper than three and a half feet below the existing surface. Soil from the excavation pits was placed directing into cubic yard boxes or placed onto a backhoe for storage in a roll off bin. Work was completed on November 1.
All work was conducted under oversight by DTSC, with collaboration by the US Environmental Protection Agency, and by the campus Office of Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S). For updates and current environmental news at the RFS, please go to the RFS Environmental Website at rfs-env.berkeley.edu. For any questions or more information, please contact EH&S at 510-6442-3073 or ehs-ep@berkeley.edu.