Pier 4 Time-Critical Removal Action

Client: Port of Tacoma
Implementation of complex project with DMMP and sediment cleanup characterization, engineering design, dredging, and wharf realignment.

Overview of Floyd|Snider Contributions

Close coordination and strategic negotiation with the DMMP and USEPA
DMMP coordination and suitability determination
Successful integration of the cleanup requirements with the Port’s redevelopment operational goals 
Completed time-critical removal within 3 years of identifying contamination
Permitting and agency coordination
Design support and review

Project Summary

As part of the Port of Tacoma’s process to design and permit the reconfiguration of Pier 4 (which consisted of aligning Pier 4 with Pier 3 within the Husky Container Terminal), soil and sediment samples were collected to characterize the project cutback material for open-water disposal or beneficial habitat reuse under the DMMP.

During the characterization sampling events, tributyltin (TBT)-contaminated sediment was identified underneath and at the face of Pier 4. Based on the magnitude of the exceedances, USEPA determined that the cleanup of these TBT-contaminated sediments was to proceed as a time-critical removal action. The work occurred under two distinct phases. Phase 1 included the USEPA time-critical removal of approximately 71,000 cubic yards (CY) of tributyltin-contaminated sediments located under Pier 4. Phase 2 included cutback of the existing bank to accommodate the pier reconfiguration and the open-water disposal of approximately 500,000 CY of sediment.

As part of the Port of Tacoma’s process to design and permit the reconfiguration of Pier 4 (which consisted of aligning Pier 4 with Pier 3 within the Husky Container Terminal), soil and sediment samples were collected to characterize the project cutback material for open-water disposal or beneficial habitat reuse under the DMMP. During the characterization sampling events, tributyltin (TBT)-contaminated sediment was identified underneath and at the face of Pier 4. Based on the magnitude of the exceedances, USEPA determined that the cleanup of these TBT-contaminated sediments was to proceed as a time-critical removal action. The work occurred under two distinct phases. Phase 1 included the USEPA time-critical removal of approximately 71,000 cubic yards (CY) of tributyltin-contaminated sediments located under Pier 4. Phase 2 included cutback of the existing bank to accommodate the pier reconfiguration and the open-water disposal of approximately 500,000 CY of sediment.

Our Approach

Floyd|Snider led a multidisciplinary team that supported the Port with the implementation of all phases of the Pier 4 Time-Critical Removal Action.

This work included project management; multiagency team and stakeholder negotiations and coordination; DMMP and sediment cleanup characterization; remedial action work plan development; engineering design, including structural and geotechnical evaluations; berth deepening design; and significant integration of a new wharf structure with portions of an existing wharf.

The Floyd|Snider Team worked closely with the Port and the regulatory agencies to implement the complex project on a highly accelerated schedule. Our team successfully supported the Port by integrating the cleanup requirements with the redevelopment operational goals to achieve the Port’s necessary project timeline. The time-critical removal action was completed within a few years of identifying the contaminated sediments. The Floyd|Snider Team provided assistance throughout construction implementation, negotiating all steps in the process with the USEPA and other regulatory stakeholders. Approximately 71,000 CY of TBT-contaminated sediment was dredged, transloaded, and disposed at an upland landfill.

Project Milestones:

2014. Agreed Order with USEPA for site evaluation
2015. Action memorandum for time‐critical removal action
2015. Second Administrative Order on Consent for Phase 1 removal action
2016. Phase 1 removal action completed
2018. Phase 2 pier reconfiguration completed

Floyd|Snider led a multidisciplinary team that supported the Port with the implementation of all phases of the Pier 4 Time-Critical Removal Action. This work included project management; multiagency team and stakeholder negotiations and coordination; DMMP and sediment cleanup characterization; remedial action work plan development; engineering design, including structural and geotechnical evaluations; berth deepening design; and significant integration of a new wharf structure with portions of an existing wharf.

The Floyd|Snider Team worked closely with the Port and the regulatory agencies to implement the complex project on a highly accelerated schedule. Our team successfully supported the Port by integrating the cleanup requirements with the redevelopment operational goals to achieve the Port’s necessary project timeline. The time-critical removal action was completed within a few years of identifying the contaminated sediments. The Floyd|Snider Team provided assistance throughout construction implementation, negotiating all steps in the process with the USEPA and other regulatory stakeholders. Approximately 71,000 CY of TBT-contaminated sediment was dredged, transloaded, and disposed at an upland landfill.

Project Milestones:

2014. Agreed Order with USEPA for site evaluation
2015. Action memorandum for time‐critical removal action
2015. Second Administrative Order on Consent for Phase 1 removal action
2016. Phase 1 removal action completed
2018. Phase 2 pier reconfiguration completed

Project Team

Floyd|Snider
KPFF Consulting Engineers
Hart Crowser
Aspect Consulting
Confluence Environmental