As environmental consultant to the Commerce Department for brownfields assessments, Urban’s environmental engineers and scientists conducted investigations and analyses that led to the successful remediation of the site. In one instance, when buried vaults and tanks filled with contaminated liquid were discovered during the site characterization work, Urban’s remedial actions resolved the problem.

Urban also assisted in the preparation of a Buyer-Seller Agreement between the City and Federal Express. The agreement was successfully negotiated based in part on the buyer’s comfort that Urban’s remedial action plan appropriately addressed site contamination issues.

In January 2002, the Commerce Department and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation attracted the Airis Development Corporation and Federal Express, the world’s largest express transportation company, to the site. Extensive site testing and clean-up resulted in the removal and disposal of more than 15,000 tons of contaminated soil, 10,000 gallons of contaminated water and multiple tons of assorted debris.

The new $15 million FedEx distribution facility provides a strategic location for the company to better serve customers in the Greater Philadelphia region, reclaimed an abandoned site, and created 150 new jobs.

Environmental Benefits

• Removed 15,000 tons of contaminated soil and disposed of properly

• Removed 10,000 gallons of contaminated water and multiple tons of
• assorted debris

Financial Benefits

• Created 150 new jobs with a $15 million investment

• Reclaimed and reinvigorated former abandoned industrial location

• Stabilized surrounding industrial and residential communities

For more information on this project, please contact Thomas G. May, PE at tgmay@urbanengineers.com