Bernell Hydraulics Property Removal Action Workplan

The project consists of implementing the Bernell Hydraulics Removal Action Workplan (RAW) to address elevated levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons - diesel range organics (TPH-DRO), lead, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil at 8810 Etiwanda Avenue (Project Site) in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. The remediation consists of soil excavation and off-site disposal of approximately 138 cubic yards (cy) of contaminated soil and the recordation of a Land Use Covenant (LUC) restricting future use to commercial and industrial purposes. Background: The Project Site is approximately 0.75 acres and consists of a single parcel identified by the County of San Bernardino as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN): 0229-131-07-0000. Based on a review of historical documentation, the Project Site was initially developed as a California Department of Transportation maintenance yard by 1938. It operated as a metal recycling facility between 1970 and 1980, and later as a hydraulic systems fabrication, maintenance, and repair from the 1980s through August 2023. Currently, the Project Site is an unimproved, vacant parcel; all former buildings, ancillary structures, and concrete surfaces were demolished and removed early in October 2024. The Project Site is bordered by trucking facilities to the north and west, vacant lands to the south, and Etiwanda Avenue to the east. Bernell Hydraulics entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement [Docket No. HSA-FY21/22-076, dated January 2022] with DTSC to oversee the investigation and remediation of hazardous substances at the Project Site. Previous Investigations: In October 2021, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was completed for the Project Site, identifying recognized environmental conditions (RECs) associated with historical site operations, heavy oil staining, and the potential for vapor encroachment. To further evaluate these impacts, a Supplemental Site Investigation (SSI) was conducted in 2025. The SSI identified elevated concentrations of TPH-DRO, lead, mercury, and PCBs in shallow soil. These concentrations exceed DTSC screening levels, necessitating the proposed removal action. Project Activities: The RAW proposes excavating and disposing off-site of approximately 138 cubic yards of contaminated soil from three designated grid-squares: E-1 (20 cy impacted by TPH-DRO), D-2 (117 cy impacted by lead and mercury), and C-3 (1 cy impacted by PCBs-Arolclor 1254). Excavation will reach a maximum depth of 5.5 feet below ground surface (bgs). The excavated soil will be managed through a combination of direct loading into transport trucks and secure on-site staging. Staged soil will be covered with plastic sheeting during non-work hours to prevent wind dispersion and stormwater runoff. Off-site disposal of the excavated soil at licensed facilities (such as Soil Safe in Adelanto, CA; La Paz County Landfill, AZ; CWM in Kettleman Hills, CA; and US Ecology in Nevada) is estimated to require approximately 9 truck trips. Following the removal of contaminated soil, confirmation sampling will be conducted to verify that cleanup goals are achieved. Field activities are scheduled to be completed within 15 days. Soil excavation activities will be permitted through the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). To comply with dust-suppression and stormwater-management requirements, all transport trucks and earth-moving equipment will undergo tire and exterior washing before leaving the Project Site to prevent the tracking of soil onto neighboring streets. Additionally, air quality will be monitored throughout the operation to verify that dust and contaminant vapors do not exceed levels of concern. These measures include conducting perimeter monitoring to confirm emissions do not migrate beyond the Site boundaries and applying foams or other vapor-control materials to suppress any present contaminant vapors. Although not anticipated, in the event biological, cultural or historical resources are discovered in the course of project activities, work will be suspended while a qualified biologist, cultural or historical specialist makes an assessment of the area and arrangements are made to protect or preserve any resources that are discovered. If human remains are discovered, no further disturbance will occur in the location where the remains are found, and the County Coroner will be notified pursuant to the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 2, Section 7050.5.