Assess & Assist Program

The City of Ocala, through a Brownfield Grant awarded in 1998, created the RENEW OCALA office to manage its brownfields program. A Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) was created consisting of an 108 square block area in through the heart of downtown Ocala. Grant monies were used to provide environmental site assessments (ESAs) for prioritized market-ready properties located in the CRA. HSW was retained by the City to perform Phase I and II ESAs. A cost-saving cooperative program was created whereby City personnel conducted a significant portion of the Phase I ESAs and then HSW performed Phase II activities, as needed. In addition, HSW prepared specifications for land surveying work so that the City's survey crews could perform these services inhouse.  More than 15 Phase I ESAs were performed for various properties in accordance with ASTM Standard 1527, as amended. Of the properties where Phase I ESAs were performed, Phase II ESAs were conducted at
nine (9) sites.

HSW employed various methods to conduct streamlined and cost effective Phase II activities including: use of Direct Push Technology (DPT) to collect groundwater and soil samples, installing temporary, small-diameter monitor wells, and using an on-site mobile laboratory to obtain real time data in order to modify the field investigation to complete the site assessment in one mobilization. Prior to performing Phase II ESA activities, site-specific Quality Assurance Plans (QAPs) were prepared following the EPA's protocols under the Brownfield Assessment Grants. These QAPs were submitted to the EPA for review and approval. HSW maintains several master service contracts with minority / women owned businesses to perform various services ranging from laboratory, drilling
and surveying services. These contracts were utilized, where possible, to meet or exceed the requirements of the Brownfield Assessment Grants.

Findings of the Phase I and II ESAs were summarized into clear, concise and well-written reports. As requested, HSW also explained the findings and any recommendations (including estimated costs to perform additional site rehabilitation activities) with identified stakeholders.