Downtown Ventura Sewer and Water Line Replacement Project - City of San Buenaventura

In 2008, the City of San Buenaventura replaced main water and sewer lines in the downtown area of the City. During the water and sewer line replacement project, trenching was conducted within several streets.  In places, the trenching was adjacent to gasoline service stations that have known releases of petroleum hydrocarbons which have affected the soil and groundwater. On behalf of the City of San Buenaventura, Rincon Consultants conducted environmental monitoring during the trenching to monitor the excavations for the presence of petroleum contaminated soil.

Obvious soil discoloration, petroleum odors and elevated photoionization detector readings were noted for soil excavated during trenching. The analytical results for the soil samples collected from the trenches indicated that elevated concentrations of gasoline and diesel range petroleum hydrocarbons were present. The concentrations were such that the soil required special handling and was recommended to be disposed at Santa Maria Sanitary Landfill. This project showcases Rincon's experience in construction monitoring for public works projects.

To minimize the disruption to traffic flow in the work areas, the trenching and pipeline replacements were performed during the night.