Soil Vapour Assessment and Detailed Site Investigation, 169 Bridge Street

Following Stage 1 and 2 Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI) in 2011, the Town of Princeton will conduct a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) to assess the health risks and level of contamination and to identify any necessary remediation strategies for a long-unused derelict brownfield property in the downtown core, next to the current town hall. This study will be the first of its kind for the town, and supports the objectives of the town’s Official Community Plan and its Climate Action Charter. The planned site redevelopment will centralize a host of municipal and provincial government services in a pedestrian oriented civic centre, as well as create a new public square, to help revitalize the downtown area and reduce urban sprawl. The 2011 preliminary site investigations detected high levels of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOC) in soil and groundwater samples ― the legacy of a former dry cleaning operation on the property, which poses a potential threat to human health. Following the recommendations from the Stages 1 and 2 PSI, the study includes preparing a Site-specific Health and Safety Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan, a soil vapour analysis, and a Detailed Site Investigation, which will determine the extent of contamination and any necessary remediation strategy. This study, as a mandatory step of the site redevelopment, will help to address the economic aspects under use of the property and the social aspects of an abandoned lot in the heart of the community. Once remediation is complete, this valuable property will form the cornerstone of Princeton’s civic precinct. The redevelopment building will aim at implementing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) components, such as energy efficiency measures, water conservation measures and local procurement. The study results will be documented on the town’s website, as will the resulting remediation activities. This will allow other communities to follow Princeton’s progress and encourage them to undertake similar initiatives. (Project description from original funding application)