With a total budget of almost $80 million, the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) demolished 416 barracks-style public housing units and replaced them with a new mixed-use development featuring traditional neighborhoods, retail shopping, parks and community services. BWSC led the team that assisted the CHA with its successful $35 million HOPE VI grant application and also provided Phase I and II environmental assessment, design and construction oversight  for demolition of the old units, remedial design and construction oversight for removal of hazardous materials, and assistance in construction of new infrastructure and sitework for the new development.

During the environmental investigation, lead-containing foundry sand was discovered at several locations. The sand (much of which was found beneath existing living units) would have to be removed after demolition but before construction of new units, a narrow window of nine months. A Phase II assessment was completed in just six weeks to determine the scope of the problem. Based on this work, BWSC led CHA in development and negotiation of a Brownfield Agreement and remedial strategy with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to facilitate the clean-up process and provide liability protection for CHA.

Through an ultra-fast-track process, BWSC completed the TDEC approval process and prepared demolition and remediation specifications within six months, drastically abbreviating a process that normally takes from one to two years. The process included preparation of a site remediation Work Plan including hazardous sand treatment protocols, reducing remediation costs by millions of dollars. A total of 78,250 tons of foundry sand was removed and 61 buildings were demolished.

Key notes
Demolition and revitalization of public housing
Environmental investigation revealed lead-containing foundry sand
TDEC clearance and cleanup accomplished on ultra-fast-track
New mixed-use development with traditional neighborhood, and retail shopping and community services