PUBLIC NOTICE: The National Aquarium Institute's Center for Aquatic Life and Conservation (CALC) hereby gives public notice of receipt on May 15, 2008 of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant in the amount of $200,000. The grant is intended for use toward cleanup of 12.5 acres located on the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River and adjacent to the Hanover Street Bridge; bordered by West Conway Street, Clarkson Street and the Hanover Street Bridge. As a part of this grant, the recipient is responsible to match $40,000 of funding.
The total property was purchased from the City of Baltimore (formerly known as the Dickman Street Garage) in February 2007. Approximately 6.6 acres of the property was sold to Turner Development in August of 2007, while the remaining 12.5 acres is owned by CALC and will be addressed by these remediation efforts. A 2004 environmental analysis by EA Engineering determined the site to be a brownfield, and was accepted into the Voluntary Clean-Up Program by the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE). CALC has an Inculpable Persons Status with regard to this brownfield determination.
The contaminants of environmental concern identified in soils at the site are primarily metals including arsenic, lead and mercury, and low levels of semi-volatile organic compounds. These are considered typical of urban fill areas in Baltimore, are believed to be from past construction debris used as fill, and were not generated as part of an on-site businesses or operations. A map is included indicating the approximate locations of these materials.
At this time, planning is underway for the site, and EA Engineering is working with MDE to determine the clean-up program and create the Response Action Plan for the property. Remediation work is expected to begin in 2009. Please direct any questions or comments to:
Kim I. McCalla
Sr. Director Capital Planning and Facilities
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Pier 3/501 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Phone: 410-576-3809
Email: kmccalla@aqua.org
Questions and comments related to the EPA Grant work plan should be forwarded to:
Carl Hackerman
Grants Administrator
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Phone: 410-576-1150
Email: chackerman@aqua.org
August 28, 2008
