Dakota/Hayes Elementary School Removal Action Workplan

Project Description: The project consists of implementing the Dakota/Hayes Elementary School Removal Action Workplan (RAW) to address elevated levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), lead, arsenic, and dioxins/furans in soil at 5710 & 5796 West Dakota Avenue (Project Site) in the City of Fresno. The remediation identified in the RAW consists of excavation and off-site disposal of approximately 370 cubic yards of soil. Background: The Project Site consists of approximately 32.57-acres and is comprised of five parcels identified by the County of Fresno as Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs): 511-011-21 (10-acre), 511-011-22 (10-acre), 511-011-27 (7.39-acre), 511-011-28 (2.59-acre), and 511-011-29 (2.59-acre). Based on a review of historical documentation (topographic maps, aerial photographs), the Project Site was used for agricultural purposes from at least 1937 to approximately 2023. Currently, the Project Site contains one small, vacant residential structure. Approximately six acres of the land are planted with inactive grapevines for raisin production, while the remainder is fallow. The Project Site is bordered to the north and west by agricultural land and rural residences; to the east by a rural residence, beyond which is a residential neighborhood; and to the south by West Dakota Avenue, beyond which is a residential neighborhood and a vacant field. Previous Investigations: In December 2022, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was completed for the Project Site. The Phase I ESA identified recognized environmental conditions (RECs) associated with historical agricultural activities and building structures, noting the potential for asbestos-containing material (ACM), lead-based paint (LBP), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and residual pesticides in soil. To further evaluate these impacts, a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) was conducted in July 2024. The investigation identified elevated concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins/furans, arsenic, and lead in the soil. The concentrations of these chemicals exceed DTSC screening levels and pose a potential risk to human health, necessitating the proposed removal action. Project Activities: The remedial measures described in the RAW consist of the excavation and off-site disposal of approximately 370 cubic yards of contaminated soil from five designated Areas of Concern (AOC-1 through AOC-5) associated with a former residence, a former outbuilding, an existing structure, and burn areas, extending up to 2.5 feet below ground surface (bgs). Staged soils will be covered with plastic sheeting during non-work hours to prevent dust generation and runoff. It is estimated that approximately 31 truckloads will be required to transport the soil to a California-licensed receiving facility for disposal. Following excavation, confirmation soil sampling will be conducted to ensure established cleanup goals are achieved. If necessary, additional localized excavation will be performed. Upon completion, the excavated areas will be backfilled utilizing on-site soils, as the need for imported fill material is not anticipated. However, any imported fill, if required, will be verified in accordance with current DTSC advisories. The fieldwork portion of the project is estimated to take approximately 15 to 30 days to complete. Project-related air pollutant emissions from excavation and disposal activities are subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). Although a formal SJVAPCD Dust Control Plan is not required due to the project’s size, best management practices will be strictly implemented such as water spraying, covering stockpiled soil, and truck tracking controls. To prevent fugitive dust generation and off-site drift, excavation areas will be actively managed using soil wetting techniques and continuous air monitoring at a minimum of two downwind fence line locations. Work will be suspended if site action levels for dust are exceeded.