Remediation and development of a former landfill and rail yard in Virginia USA

Approaches to the redevelopment of contaminated properties vary depending upon many factors including type/extent of contamination, risk, regulatory authorities, cost, the resources/desires of the owners, and the value and demand for the property. This paper presents a case study of the Carlyle Site, a 75-acre Brownfields site in Alexandria, Virginia that has been transformed from a property formerly occupied by landfills, a scrap yard, a rail yard, and other commercial and industrial operations to a desirable, mixed use commercial/residential/retail district that includes mid-rise office buildings, upscale high-density residential buildings, and retail space. Environmental management planning played a key role in decision making at each step of the redevelopment process for each property, starting with the conceptual planning and purchase and sale negotiations, and proceeding through construction and environmental closure. The integration of proactive and innovative environmental management approaches with development planning and execution was successfully used to control overall environmental costs, maximize property value, and provide the owner with a larger return on his investment. Examples of the role of environmental management at each step in the redevelopment process include: Considering environmental factors during development master planning to minimize overall development cost. Considering environmental conditions in sequencing of property marketing and development. Managing perceived environmental risk to maximize property value and minimize costs. Using effective risk based remediation goal setting. Benefits of regulatory Brownfields or Voluntary Remediation Programs. Using in situ characterization and soil management plans to obtain regulatory acceptance, minimize handling, and reduce costs and cleanup times.