Bracher Elementary School Master Plan Project

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) approved the Removal Action Workplan (RAW) for the Bracher Elementary School Campus (Project Site). The Cleanup document, referred to as a RAW, summarized previous environmental investigations and concluded that the remediation of soil is required to protect human health and the environment. The RAW addressed the impacts of the chemical of concern identified as, organochlorine pesticides (4,4-DDE) and metals (arsenic, lead, cobalt, mercury) in shallow soil. Remediation activities include: • Conduct limited excavation of the top 1 foot of affected soil across all current and future landscaping within the redevelopment area, including removal of the eastern soil stockpile; remove approximately 20,000 in-place cubic yards, requiring approximately 1,600 truckloads; and transport and dispose of the excavated soil off site. • Backfill with clean imported fill verified in accordance with DTSC’s Information Advisory on Clean Imported Fill Material (October 2001); install hardscape caps (building slabs, concrete/asphalt sidewalks and parking areas, rubber play surfaces, artificial turf); and install softscape caps consisting of a geotextile marker and a minimum of 1 foot of certified clean fill in landscaped areas. • Air/dust controls and monitoring during soil handling: implementation of the Dust Control Plan and Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP) with specified action levels and work stoppage thresholds, and adherence to BAAQMD lead/dust requirements. • Site security and implementation measures (perimeter fencing, work-zone controls, utility clearance, Health and Safety Plan (HASP), biological/cultural resources compliance consistent with IS/MND mitigation). • Preparation of a Removal Action Completion Report (RACR) documenting excavation, disposal manifests, air monitoring results, and post-action risk evaluation of soils remaining in place under the cap. • Finalize and implement a Site-wide Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Plan for the cap and record a Land Use Covenant (deed restriction) to require non-interference with the remedy and manage any future intrusive work. The Santa Clara Unified School District approved the Bracher Elementary School Master Plan Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) (State Clearinghouse Number 2024120148) on January 23, 2025. DTSC determined the prior environmental analysis adequately addresses the RAW activities, including soil import and export, and these activities will occur within the previously evaluated project boundaries. DTSC prepared a Statement of Findings, and the RAW will comply with all applicable IS/MND mitigation measures.