The North Chollas Burn site was a historic burnsite where municipal waste, heavy metal, lead, zinc, and cadmium was burned during the late 1930šs and 1940šs. The burnsite was being transferred to the City of San Diego to build residential homes. The original closure method was cap in place. Once the preliminary site assessments were complete, Dean Ryan performed an alternative analysis and determined that a clean closure was a better solution for the site.
After sampling, testing, and other appropriate assessments and analyses were completed, Dean Ryan applied for reclassification from hazardous waste to a non-hazardous waste site and were approved for the reclassification request. The cost savings were tremendous, hazardous waste Class I hauling was quoted at $200.00 per ton and due to our successful re-classification of the site, the cost was reduced to $30.00 per ton. Additionally, there was no liability associated with the clean closure since there was no liability associated with the material still in place.
Dean Ryan professionals also served as liaison to the local community during project activities. The North Chollas Burn site is located next to an elementary school and down stream from North Chollas Community Park and North Chollas reservoir. Dean Ryan interfaced with all local entities including homeowners associations and the school district board to communicate the benefits of clean closing the site and to gain a spirit of cooperation from all stakeholders. The project was completed successfully, on time, and millions of dollars below budget due to our innovative and cost effective alternative approach from cap-in-place to clean closure and the successful re-classification of the site. Upon completion of the remediation plans, Dean Ryan also assisted the City of San Diego with project management during the construction phase.