Paint Manufacturing Plan, Emeryville, CA

Client: Sherwin-Williams Company

Location: Emeryville, CA

Summary: Cardno ENTRIX staff works closely with the client to develop strategy for presenting technical issues to the multiparty Stakeholder Group to resolve community and regulatory concerns for this high profile site. Cardno ENTRIX has prepared a Remedial Investigation (RI) report for an active paint manufacturing plant located in an active redevelopment community adjacent to San Francisco Bay.

The data from the RI is being used in the preparation of a human health and ecological risk assessment. Arsenic in soil and groundwater and lead in soil are the primary constituents of concern. This risk assessment includes the evaluation of background soil concentrations for arsenic and development of site-specific, human health risk-based soil and groundwater concentrations, which are protective of potential future land use of the site and surrounding area.

Receptors being evaluated include commercial or retail workers, residents of high-density live/work units, construction workers, and utility/ maintenance workers. Although this risk assessment focuses on human health effects, potential impacts to Temescal Creek, located adjacent to the site, were also evaluated. Development of a conceptual site model and evaluation of the potential fate and transport conditions of the site were used in the screening ecological evaluation. The results determined minimal site impacts to the Creek and San Francisco Bay, which were accepted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the City of Emeryville, and the other neighboring businesses and community members represented in the Stakeholder Group.

Highlights: Prior to Cardno ENTRIX participation, the stakeholders were highly suspicious of the project results and tensions were high. Cardno ENTRIX technical and communication skills have created credibility with regulators and community members for the project, smoothing and enhancing progress to a high visibility site.