Port Alberni Plywood Site Environmental Assessement

8/16/2019 Port Alberni Plywood Site Environmental Assessement

1/39

City of Port Alberni February 2013Former Alberni Plywood Site

SLR 1 CONFIDENTIAL

City ofPort Alberni

Located at one of the most prominent places on the AlberniInlet, the former Alberni Plywood site has been a subject ofinterest by city staff and local residents for many years. Dueto the presence of contamination, it is a classic example of aBrownfield site: an abandoned or underutilized industrialproperty where past actions resulted in actual or perceivedcontamination and where there is an active potential forredevelopment. This document provides a summary of thepast and current efforts of the City of Port Alberni tostimulate the redevelopment of this important area.Documents in the Reference List were used for thissummary and we refer to these documents for further detail.

The site was initially developed in 1941/1942 and was operated byMacMillan Bloedel Limited as part of the Alberni Plywood manufacturingoperations (Alply) until 1991, when the facility was permanently closed. TheCity purchased the Alply property in 1993, MacMillan Bloedel havingindicated that known contaminated areas were remediated prior to sellingthe property. Additional contaminated areas were reportedly remediatedlater by MacMillan Bloedel during the demolition, which was completed in1998 [Ref. 1].

The site consists of three separate lotsencompassing a total area of 3.2 ha: Lots A (1.7 ha)and C (0.9 ha) are adjacent to an infilled water lotforming the current shoreline, and Lot B (0.6 ha) ismore inland and uphill adjacent to Plywood Drive(see Drawing 3 [Ref. 2]). Lots A and C have notbeen utilized for any significant activity since 1991.Only since 2005 have portions of Lot A been usedintermittently for sand blasting and heavy equipmentstorage. Lot C was used during the summer by akite surfing company and for salvage of small logs.

Lot B is currently in use as a storage yard forlumber. The infilled water lot and foreshore adjacentto Lots A and C are in the possession of CrownLands (BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and NaturalResources Operations)[Drawing 3, Ref. 2].

Photo 1: Former Alberni Plywood site.

Photo 2: Historical activities


2/39


SLR 2 CONFIDENTIAL

City ofPort Alberni

The City of Port Alberni applied and successfully received funding from theBC Brownfield Renewal Funding Program and the Green Municipal Fundfrom 2008 to 2011. The acquired funds were used to conduct tenenvironmental site investigations (see Reference List) in a staged approachwith the following outcome:

Lot A

The soil in Lot A is contaminated with a variety of heavy metals,extractable petroleum hydrocarbons (EPH) and polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons (PAH) in various areas and depths ranging from groundsurface to approximately 5 m below grade (bg) [Drawing 10, Ref. 2]).Groundwater is contaminated with zinc and light extractable petroleumhydrocarbons (LEPH) [Drawing 12, Ref. 2]). An oil-product was foundfloating on the groundwater table and this layer (in technical termscalled ‘light non -aqueous phase liquid’ (LNAPL) ) likely consists of a

weathered Bunker-C oil. The oil contamination is partly present onLot A but mostly present on the infilled portion of the adjacent water lotproperty owned by Crown Lands [Drawing 5 to 8, Ref. 2].

Lot B

Site investigations of Lot B indicated that arsenic in soil (between 2.0and 3.3 m depth) [Drawing 7, Ref. 4] and manganese in groundwater[Drawing 8, Ref. 4] were the only contaminants of concern.

Lot C

Site investigations [Drawing 8, 10 and 12, Ref. 2] indicated that arsenic(between 0.6 – 0.9 m bg) in soil and LEPH in groundwater were the onlycontaminants of concern.

Soil Vapour

A soil vapour investigation [Ref. 5] indicated that soil vapours were not aconcern at the three Lots.

Sediments and porewater

Sediments and porewater of the foreshore-area owned by Crown Lands iscontaminated with heavy metals, EPH and PAH [Drawing 13, Ref. 2]).

Photo 3: LNAPL identified ingroundwater Lot A


3/39


SLR 3 CONFIDENTIAL

City ofPort Alberni

Photo 4: Port Alberni Inlet and waterfront

A risk assessment [Ref. 6] indicated there were nounacceptable human health and ecological riskspresent at Lot B if the groundwater will not be usedas a potable water source. The risk assessment ofLot A and C [Ref 7], which was only focused on theareas owned by the City of Port Alberni, assumedthat the intended future land use at Lot A will beCommercial (CL) and at Lot C will be Urban Park(PL). The assessment indicated that for Lot A therecould be potential unacceptable adverse healtheffects for construction and utility workers whenexposed to contaminated groundwater and/or soil

vapours. Also, the results indicated potentialadverse effects to terrestrial invertebrates whenexposed to contaminated soil. No unacceptablehuman health and ecological risks where identifiedfor Lot C.

The foreshore formed by the in-filled portion of the water lotadjacent to Lot C was considered for use in the future as apublic beach. A site specific risk assessment for thisforeshore area [Ref. 8] focused on the effects ofcontaminated surface water and sediments onrecreationists (from adults to toddlers). The assessmentindicated that no unacceptable risks were identified withthe exception of the presence of heavy extractablepetroleum hydrocarbons (HEPH), where there is thepotential for adverse health effects due to prolonged skincontact. This was based on the highest concentration ofHEPH measured in a surface water sample at low tide.During sampling at low tide, an oil-sheen was alsoobserved along this foreshore area, possibly coming fromdisturbed sediments consisting mostly of wood debris[Ref. 5].

Photo 5: Water sampling at foreshore area


4/39


5/39


6/39


SLR 6 CONFIDENTIAL

City ofPort Alberni

The City of Port Alberni is enthusiastic in finding redevelopment approachesfor the Alply site. Being the most southerly waterfront property within theCity’s boundaries, the Alply site is highly visible. It is especially unsightly toall visitors to Port Alberni arriving up the Inlet. In the last few years, Port

Alberni has hosted cruise ships that have brought thousands of visitors andcrew members. Tourism is an emerging growth sector and key to therevitalization and diversification of the Port Alberni economy. Rejuvenationof this Brownfield site would enhance the viewscape/tourism attraction of theInlet, which in turn could facilitate investment in tourism services elsewherein the harbour. Furthermore, the redevelopment of the Alply site forcommercial or industrial purposes will stimulate the local economy.

Photo 7: View of beautiful Port Alberni from Mount Arrowsmith


7/39


SLR 7 CONFIDENTIAL

City ofPort Alberni

1. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2009. Former Alberni Plywood Site2125 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC, Stage 1 & 2 Preliminary SiteInvestigation . Prepared for the City of Port Alberni.

2. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2010 . Former Alberni Plywood Site – Lots A and C, 2120 and 2151 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC,Detailed Site Investigation . Prepared for the City of Port Alberni.

3. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2010 .Lot B – Former Alberni PlywoodSite, 2160 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC, Stage 1 and 2Preliminary Site Investigation. Prepared for the City of Port Alberni.

4. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2011 .Lot B – Former Alberni PlywoodSite, 2160 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC, Detailed SiteInvestigation. Prepared for the City of Port Alberni.

5. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2011 . Lot A and C – Former AlberniPlywood Site, 2120 and 2151 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC,Supplemental Investigation. Prepared for the City of Port Alberni.

6. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2011 . Human Health and EcologicalRisk Assessment, Former Alberni Plywood Site – Lot B, 2160Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC. Prepared for the City of Port

Alberni.7. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2011 . Human Health and Ecological

Risk Assessment, Former Alberni Plywood Site, 2120, 2151 PlywoodDrive, Port Alberni, BC. Prepared for the City of Port Alberni.

8. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2011 . Site-Specific Human HealthRisk Assessment Foreshore Adjacent to Lot C and Portion ofPlywood Drive, Former Alberni Plywood Site, 2151 Plywood Drive,Port Alberni, BC. Prepared for the City of Port Alberni.

9. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2011 . Remedial Option EvaluationLot A and Lot C, Former Alberni Plywood Site, 2120, 2151 Plywood

Drive, Port Alberni, BC. Prepared for the City of Port Alberni.10. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. 2012 . Product Recovery Pilot TestResults, Former Alberni Plywood Site Lot A - 2120 Plywood Drive,Port Alberni, BC. Prepared for the City of Port Alberni.


8/39


SLR 8 CONFIDENTIAL

City ofPort Alberni

Appendix 1:

Drawings:

Drawing 3: ‘Historical Site and Surrounding Land Use Plan’, DetailedSite Investigation Lots A and C [Ref. 2]Drawing 10: ‘Soil Chemistry Plan’, Detailed Site Investigation Lots Aand C [Ref. 2]Drawing 12: ‘Groundwater Chemistry Plan’, Detailed SiteInvestigation Lots A and C [Ref. 2]Drawing 5: ‘Site Plan’, Detailed Site Investigation Lots A and C[Ref. 2]Drawing 6 : ‘Cross Section A - A’ ’, Detailed Site Investigation Lots Aand C [Ref. 2]Drawing 7 : ‘Cross Section B -B’ ’, Detailed Site Investigation Lots Aand C [Ref. 2]Drawing 8 : ‘Cross Section C -C’ ’ Detailed Site Investigation Lots Aand C [Ref. 2]Drawing 7, Detailed Site Investigation Lot B [Ref. 4]Drawing 8, Detailed Site Investigation Lot B [Ref. 4]Drawing 13 : ‘Sediment and Water Chemistry Plan’ , Detailed SiteInvestigation Lots A and C [Ref. 2]


9/39


10/39


11/39


12/39


13/39


14/39


15/39


16/39


17/39


18/39


19/39


SLR 9 CONFIDENTIAL

City ofPort Alberni

Appendix 2:

Executive summary of reports


20/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 1 CONFIDENTIAL

REFERENCE 1

Former Alberni Plywood Site 2125 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC, Stage 1 & 2Preliminary Site Investigation, 2009

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On behalf of The City of Port Alberni, SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. completed a Stage 1 and 2Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) of the former Alberni Plywood Site located at 2125 PlywoodDrive in Port Alberni, BC (hereafter referred to as “the Site”). The Site consists of a 1.73 ha lotcurrently owned by the City of Port Alberni, adjacent to a foreshore area owned by the Provinceof British Columbia (Crown) and administered by the Port Alberni Port Authority. The Site iscurrently used for industrial storage, but was formerly the location of the Alberni Plywood mill,which operated from 1942 to 1991.

Objectives

The objective of the Stage 1 PSI was to document the current Site conditions and, based onavailable sources of information and observations during the Site reconnaissance, identifyformer and/or current practices at the Site and in the surrounding area that may represent areasof potential environmental concern (APECs). The purpose of the Stage 2 PSI was to assess theareas of potential environmental concern identified during the Stage 1 PSI and establishwhether areas of environmental concern (AECs) were present, relating to soil and/orgroundwater contamination events that may have occurred on the Site and/or on adjacentproperties, which may have impacted the Site. A secondary objective of the Stage 2 PSI was toutilize and assess the results of ultraviolet induced fluorescence cone penetration testing (UVIF-CPT), an innovative technology for assessing soil stratigraphy and the presence of petroleumhydrocarbons.

Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigation Results

Based on the review of historical information and observations during the Site reconnaissance,four (4) on-Site and two (2) off-Site APECs were identified. The APECs and associatedpotential contaminants of concern (PCOCs) for the Site are summarized in the following table:

APEC Location Source/Activity PCOCsEnvironmental Risk

(Rationale)On-Site Areas

1 !"#$%%&' )*$% +%*", -.&#*/&).*/& *#

0%1&/"$ !"%&-

2"3"*4"5)$-& 1+)& #*/

6*")-/76-$*" *# #*/8&/9%:4**' 9%+"-

;? @AB? C


21/39


22/39


23/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 4 CONFIDENTIAL

One AEC was identified with off-site contamination, present within the water lot adjacent toLots A and C, within the areas beneath the former buildings and wharves. Hydrocarbons andmetals contamination in excess of the applicable CSR sediment criteria was identifiedthroughout this area, however, was most elevated in the area adjacent to Lot A. Areas adjacentto the wharf and foreshore of Lot C had extensive woodwaste, and therefore, sediment samplescould not always be obtained. Sediment samples were collected within the small bay adjacentto Lot C; hydrocarbons and metals concentrations were in excess of BC sediment criteria forseveral parameters. In the pore water and seep water samples collected in similar areas to thecore samples; hydrocarbon contamination was not identified; however, elevated metals andsulphur concentrations were noted.

The following table presents the areas and contaminants of environmental concern identifiedduring the Site investigation, as well as estimated volumes of contaminated soils, whereappropriate:

AEC Description Contaminants of Concern Area (mSoil/Sediment Groundwater/

Porewater

On-Site1A Foreshore Fill LEPH, HEPH, VPH,

antimony, arsenic, barium,copper, molybdenum, tin, zinc

benzo(a)anthracene,benzo(a)pyrene,

benzo(b)fluoranthene

zinc 2100 3500

1B Foreshore fill andLNAPL anddissolved

hydrocarbonplume

LEPH, HEPH LNAPL, LEPHw 3100 4800antimony, copper, lead, tin,

zinc

2 and2A

Sandblast grit barium None identified 400 200

3 Sandblastmaterials – former hopper

storage area andsurface

staining/burnarea

HEPH, antimony, arsenic,chromium, copper,molybdenum, zinc

None identified 720 200

4 Surface staining HEPH, arsenic, zinc None identified 225 100

6 Lot C – centralarea

None identified LEPHw 2500 Minimal

9 Foreshore Fill arsenic, zinc None identified 750 500

Off-Site

7 Foreshore areabeneath former

wharves andbuilding

cadmium, copper, zinc,acenaphthene,

acenaphthylene, anthracene,benzo(a)anthracene,benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene,dibenzo(a,h,)anthracene,fluoranthene, fluorene, 2-

methylnaphthalene,naphthalene, phenanthrene,

pyrene

barium, iron,manganese

NotEstimated

NotEstimated

M*-&N C


24/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 5 CONFIDENTIAL

REFERENCE 3

Lot B – Former Alberni Plywood Site, 2160 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC, Stage1 and 2 Preliminary Site Investigation, 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On behalf of The City of Port Alberni, SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (SLR) completed a Stage 1and 2 Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) of the former Alberni Plywood Site, Lot B, located at2160 Plywood Drive in Port Alberni, BC (hereafter referred to as “the Site”). The Site consistedof a 0.57 hectare lot, owned by the City of Port Alberni. The Site was currently and historicallyused as a parking lot and storage yard for lumber.

Objectives

The objective of the Stage 1 PSI was to document the Site conditions and identify former and/orcurrent practices at the Site and in the surrounding area that may represent areas of potentialenvironmental concern (APECs). The purpose of the Stage 2 PSI was to assess the areas ofpotential environmental concern identified during the Stage 1 PSI and establish whether areasof environmental concern (AECs) were present, relating to soil, groundwater and/or vapourcontamination events that may have occurred on the Site and/or on adjacent properties.

Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigation Results

Based on the review of historical information and observations during the Site reconnaissance,one (1) on-Site APEC was identified. The APEC and associated potential contaminants ofconcern (PCOCs) for the Site are summarized in the following table:

Areas of Potential Environmental Concern and Potential Contaminants of Concern

APEC LocationSource/Activity PCOCs

PotentiallyImpacted Media

Environmental Risk(Rationale)

On-Site Areas

1


25/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 6 CONFIDENTIAL

Soil analytical results indicated all samples were below analytical detection limits for analyzedBETX/VPH parameters. Samples analyzed for PAH parameters indicated all samples werebelow the BC Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) Commercial Land (CL) standards, with sixsamples above the analytical detection limit for naphthalene. Three additional near surface soilsamples were above the analytical detection limit (although below CSR CL standards) forchloroform. The above the analytical detection limit results indicated the potential for soilvapour to present an environmental concern.

Additional soil analyses indicated thirteen samples collected during the drilling program inexcess of the CSR CL standards for chromium and one sample in excess of the CSR standardsfor arsenic. Please note that all total chromium results are below the regional background levelsfor Vancouver Island – Region 1, listed in the Protocol 4 of CSR; consequently these are notconsidered to be the contaminants of concern. Groundwater samples collected from two of thethree wells (BH3 was dry at the time of sampling) were all within the applicable CSR AquaticLife (AW) standards for all analyzed parameters.

Based on the detectable levels of naphthalene and chloroform identified in select soil samples,soil vapour sampling was required. One sample collected from Lot B-3 was analyzed for VOC

and volatile hydrocarbons parameters. Initial results exceeded the applicable CSR CLstandards for several VOC parameters. However, once the applicable attenuation factor wasapplied, the results were significantly below the applicable CSR standards.

Based on the results of the sampling activities, one area of environmental concern (AEC) andassociated Contaminant of Concern was identified.

Areas of Environmental Concern

AEC LocationSource/Activity

COC Impacted Media

AEC 1 J*7-.&+)- 9*/-$*" *#J$-& F1*/&.*%& C*- ;HTI

R*/8&/ 4**' +"'8+6.$"&/: )-*/+,& 0/)&"$6

J*$%

M*-&)N 0


26/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 7 CONFIDENTIAL

REFERENCE 4

Lot B – Former Alberni Plywood Site, 2160 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC,Detailed Site Investigation, 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On behalf of The City of Port Alberni, SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (SLR) completed a DetailedSite Investigation (DSI) of the former Alberni Plywood Site, Lot B, located at 2160 PlywoodDrive in Port Alberni, BC (hereafter referred to as “the Site”). The Site consisted of a0.57 hectare lot, owned by the City of Port Alberni. The Site was actively and historically beingused as a parking lot and storage yard for lumber.

Objectives

The objective of the DSI was to delineate the metals contamination identified during the drillinginvestigation conducted as part of the Stage 2 Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) betweenNovember 2009 and January 2010. Due to new BC Ministry of Environment TechnicalGuidance 6 ‘Water Use Determination’, in effect: February 1, 2011 soil and groundwater resultsfrom both the Stage 2 PSI and this DSI were also compared to Drinking Water (DW) Standards.

Previous Results

The Stage 2 PSI included the advancement of nine boreholes, three of which were completedas monitoring wells. An additional seven surficial soil samples were collected, along with twogroundwater samples and one soil vapour sample. Analytical results of the soil, water andvapour samples identified two soil samples in excess of the BC Contaminated Sites Regulation(CSR) for Commercial land (CL) standards for arsenic and chromium. Based on the results ofthe Stage 2 PSI, an Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) was confirmed for metals in soil.

Detailed Site Investigation Results

The Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) included the advancement of five boreholes proximal tothe one identified AEC. Soil samples collected from the boreholes at various depths weresubmitted to ALS Canada Ltd. (ALS) for metals analyses. Analytical results indicated that allsamples analyzed were within the CSR CL standards for arsenic; however one sampleexceeded the CSR CL standard for chromium.

Based on the results, the AEC has been delineated with three small areas of metalscontamination identified. It is likely that the impacted area is due to the heterogeneity ofimported fill material or natural occurrences and is not indicative of a large area of

contamination.Manganese in groundwater exceeded the CSR drinking water standard in monitoring well LotB -2 (and Lot B-1 in November, 2009), and is likely of natural occurrence or from a source zoneupstream and east of the property.


27/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 8 CONFIDENTIAL

Based on the results of the sampling activities, two AECs were identified with the confirmedContaminants of Concern (COCs) presented in the following table:

Areas of Environmental Concern

AEC LocationSource/Activity

COC Impacted Media

AEC 1J*7-.&+)- 9*/-$*" *#

J$-& F1*/&.*%& C*- ;HT?C*- ;HU +"' C*- ;HVWI

R*/8&/ 4**' +"' 8+6.$"&/:)-*/+,&X9*))$1%& $89*/-&' #$%%

0/)&"$6 +"'6./*8$78

J*$%

AEC 2


28/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 9 CONFIDENTIAL

REFERENCE 5

Lot A and C – Former Alberni Plywood Site, 2120 and 2151 Plywood Drive, PortAlberni, BC, Supplemental Investigation, 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On behalf of The City of Port Alberni, SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (SLR) completed asupplemental investigation on the former Alberni Plywood Site. The investigation included alimited groundwater and surface water monitoring and sampling program, a soil vapourassessment and LNAPL (light non-aqueous phase liquid) bail-down tests.

Objectives

The objective of the supplemental investigation was to further assess volatile organiccompounds (VOCs) as contaminants of concern (COC) on Lot C as well as re-assesshydrocarbons in the groundwater. Additionally, this program included a soil vapour investigationwithin previously identified areas of environmental concern (AECs) across the Site that includedvolatile parameters in their lists of COCs. To assess potential future environmental risks,surface water samples were collected from the beach area between Lot A and C. LNAPLbail-down tests were conducted to assess recovery possibilities for free product.

Investigation Results

A groundwater monitoring program was conducted on all accessible wells on Lot C; MW22 andMW24 could not be located during the program. Samples collected from three wells(MW16, MW23 and MW25) were submitted to ALS for hydrocarbons, PAHs and VOCsanalyses. Analytical results indicated that all samples were below the CSR marine Aquatic Life(AWm) and drinking water (DW) standards. Detectable levels of multiple PAH parameters andHEPH were noted in MW23.

Previous soil and groundwater sampling programs conducted across Lots A and C identifiedmultiple AECs, with volatile parameters, specifically naphthalene or chloroform as confirmedCOCs. The presence of these volatile contaminants indicated a need for a soil vapourassessment for the Site. Ten soil vapour probes were installed within previously identified

AECs, however after the vacuum testing and leak checks, samples could only be collected fromseven probes. The samples collected indicated concentrations were below the applicablestandards, with the exception of SVP10. In SVP10 concentrations of VPHv, benzene and1,2,4-trimethylbenzene exceeded the vapour standards representative of the breathing zone ofconstruction workers.

Six surface water samples were collected at high and low tide. The results of the analyses

indicated that concentrations of copper, zinc, benzo(a)pyrene and chrysene exceeded the BCWQ Guidelines for Marine Aquatic Life in all three low tide samples. Furthermore, lead inSW11-6 exceeded the BC WQ Guidelines for Recreation and Aesthetics. Surface watersamples collected at high tide (SW11-1 to 3) were not exceeding BC WQ Guidelines.

Bail-down tests in four monitoring wells showed varied results. Recovery of LNAPL as in-situremedial technique will likely be more effective in the area of MW9 and MW10.


29/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 10 CONFIDENTIAL

REFERENCE 6

Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, Former Alberni Plywood Site – Lot B, 2160 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC, 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (SLR) was retained by the City of Port Alberni to conduct aHuman Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA) for Lot B (hereafter referred to as theSite), which is located at the Former Alberni Plywood Site in Port Alberni, BC. Previous Siteinvestigations conducted by SLR at the Site identified chromium and arsenic in soil andmanganese in groundwater exceeding British Columbia (BC) Contaminated Sites Regulation(CSR) numerical soil standards for Commercial (CL) land use and drinking water standards(DW), respectively. The detected contamination is associated with historical and current use ofthe Site as a parking lot and a storage area.

SLR understands that the intended future land use at the Site will be commercial. The purposeof the HHERA is to determine the potential risks to human health and ecological receptorsarising from potential exposure to contaminants identified at the Site in excess of applicableCSR numerical standards. The HHERA was conducted using the available data for the Site thatis representative of current Site conditions.

A summary of the HHERA is as follows:

Arsenic and chromium were identified as COPCs in soil for the protection of human healthbased on maximum detected concentrations of these metals exceeding the most stringentCSR Schedule 5 Commercial (CL) Matrix Numerical Soil Standards. However, maximumdetected concentrations and/or the 95% Upper Confidence Limits of the mean (UCLM)concentrations of arsenic and chromium detected in soil samples collected at Lot B wereless than the CSR Schedule 5 Commercial (CL) Matrix Numerical Soil Standards for thesite- specific factor human “intake of contaminated soil” and/or CSR Protocol 4 regional background soil quality estimates for Vancouver Island. Therefore, it can be concludedthat human health risks associated with exposure to arsenic and chromium in soil at Lot Bmeet CSR risk-based standards. In addition, maximum concentrations and/or 95% UCLMconcentrations of arsenic and chromium exceeded CSR Schedule 5 CL Matrix NumericalSoil Standards for the matrix specific pathway “groundwater used for drinking water”. However, because chromium was not detected in groundwater beneath Lot B and arsenicwas detected in concentrations less than the CSR DW standard, these metals havelimited potential to leach to groundwater and were not selected as COPCs in groundwaterfor protection of human health. All other substances in soil met applicable numericalstandards.

Manganese was identified as a COPC in groundwater for the protection of human healthbased on exceedance of the drinking water standard (DW). DW standards were usedconservatively for COPC screening in groundwater even though the Site is supplied bymunicipal water and groundwater is not and will not be used as drinking water.


30/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 11 CONFIDENTIAL

No COPCs were identified in vapour for the protection of human health. Predicted indoorair and outdoor air concentrations were less than the CSR Schedule 11 Commercial (CL)Generic Numerical Vapour Standards.

Trespassers were identified as current human receptors of concern; future humanreceptors of concern include commercial workers, utility workers and constructionworkers. Potential exposure pathways considered for these receptors include incidentalingestion of soil, dermal contact with soil and inhalation of fugitive dust and soil vapours.Dermal contact with groundwater was identified as a potential exposure pathway for utilityand construction workers.

The soil and vapour exposure pathways were considered to be incomplete or insignificantbecause no COPCs were identified in soil, or soil vapour. Although human receptors ofconcern identified at Lot B could have contact with soil, or soil vapour, the likelihood ofadverse effects on human health is low.

Hazard quotients for manganese via dermal contact with groundwater for bothconstruction and utility worker receptors were less than the CSR risk-based standard of1E+00, indicating that adverse health effects from exposure to manganese in groundwaterare not likely to occur.

No COPCs were identified in groundwater for the protection of aquatic ecologicalreceptors. Maximum concentrations of constituents detected in groundwater were lessthan CSR Schedule 6 Aquatic Life standards to protect marine (AWm) aquatic life.

Arsenic and chromium were identified as COPCs in soil for the protection of ecologicalterrestrial or aquatic receptors based on maximum concentrations of these metalsexceeding the most stringent CSR Schedule 5 Commercial (CL) Matrix Numerical SoilStandards. However, 95% UCLM concentrations in soil samples collected at Lot B wereless than the CSR Schedule 5 Commercial (CL) Matrix Numerical Soil Standards for thesite specific factors “toxicity to soil invertebrates and plants” and “groundwater flow to surface water used by marine aquatic life (AWm)’ and/or CSR Protocol 4 regional background soil quality estimates for Vancouver Island. It can be concluded that risks toecological receptors from arsenic and chromium in soil are acceptable under the CSR.

No terrestrial ecological receptors of concern were identified at the Site based on absenceof ecological habitat at Lot B. Direct soil contact and soil-to-groundwater pathways wereconsidered incomplete. Therefore, evaluation of risks to ecological receptors was notperformed as part of this risk assessment.

Based on the results of the HHERA, arsenic and chromium in soil and manganese ingroundwater meet CSR risk-based standards and no further investigations or actions arerecommended at Lot B. It should be noted that this HHERA was performed assuming thatgroundwater beneath Lot B will not be used as a source of potable water. The conclusions ofthis HHERA are valid under the assumption that groundwater will not be used as drinking water.


31/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 12 CONFIDENTIAL

REFERENCE 7

Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, Former Alberni Plywood Site,2120, 2151 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC, 2011

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (SLR) was retained by the City of Port Alberni to conduct aHuman Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA) for two areas: Lot A (industrialequipment storage area, 2120 Plywood Drive) and Lot C (log sort area, 2151 Plywood Drive),which are located at the Former Alberni Plywood Site in Port Alberni, BC. Previous Siteinvestigations conducted by SLR and other consultants identified volatile organic compounds(VOCs), petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metalsconcentrations in soil and/or groundwater exceeding BC Contaminated Site Regulation (CSR ) numerical standards. Light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) was also observed. Thedetected contamination is associated with historical Site use as a plywood manufacturing plantowned and operated by MacMillan Bloedel, with recent Site use as an industrial storagelocation, and with historic infilling to create level ground for industrial use.

SLR understands that the intended future land use at Lot A will be Commercial (CL) and at LotC will be Urban Park (PL). The purpose of the HHERA is to identify Contaminants of PotentialConcern (COPCs) at Lots A and C and to quantify potential risks to human and ecological users(i.e., Receptors of Concern) of these areas.

The HHERA was performed on Lots A and C which are under ownership of the City of Port Alberni. Lands adjacent to Lots A and C and Plywood Drive, comprising an in-filled portion of awaterlot and foreshore area of Alberni Inlet, which are owned by the Crown and managed by thePort Alberni Port Authority (PAPA), are NOT part of the lands considered for quantitativeevaluation in the current HHERA for Lot A and Lot C.

The results of the HHERA indicate the following:

Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) :

Lot A:

COPCsThe following COPCs were identified for the protection of human receptors:

COPCs for the protection of human receptors Lot ACOPC Soil Groundwater Vapour

Antimony X X Arsenic X X

Molybdenum X XManganese X

VPH X XLEPH XHEPH XLNAPL X


32/39


33/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 14 CONFIDENTIAL

! The estimated HQs are likely to represent a worst case scenario becauseexposure to LEPHw was estimated using the surrogate approach, whichassumes that LEPH is comprised of two of the most toxic compounds that maybe present in the LEPH mixture.

! Cancer risks were not quantified because there is insufficient toxicological dataregarding the carcinogenic potential, if any, of the COPCs identified in theseenvironmental media.

Exposure to soil vapour : the results indicate potential adverse health effects which canoccur while performing intrusive activities.

! Non-cancer risk estimates for construction worker and utility worker receptorsfrom exposure to soil vapour exceeded the CSR risk- based standard of 1E+00.

! The non-cancer risk estimate of 3E+00 for VPHs aliphatic was attributed to theVPHs aliphatic surrogate n-hexane

! Cancer risks were not quantified because there is insufficient toxicological dataregarding the carcinogenic potential, if any, of the COPCs identified in theseenvironmental media.

Lot C

COPCsThe following COPCs were identified for the protection of human receptors:

COPCs for the protection of human receptors Lot CCOPC Soil Groundwater Vapour

Manganese X

Receptors

The identified receptors of concern are:

! Current land use: trespassers

! Future recreational land (PL) use: recreational park users, utility workers andconstruction workers

Exposure pathways

The following complete exposure pathways were identified and quantified in the HHERA:

Exposure pathways Lot CReceptor Incidental

ingestionof soil

Dermalcontactwith soil

Inhalation ofparticulates

Dermalcontact withgroundwater

Inhalationof soilvapour

Utility and constructionworker

X X


34/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 15 CONFIDENTIAL

Identified Human Health Risks

Exposure to groundwater : the results did not indicate potential health effects.

! The HQs derived for utility and construction workers from potential exposure tomanganese via dermal contact with groundwater were less than the CSR risk-based standard of 1E+00

Ecological Risk Assessment: (ERA)

Lot A

COPCsThe following COPCs were identified for the protection of terrestrial ecological receptors:

COPCs for the protection of terrestrial ecological receptors Lot ACOPC Soil Groundwater

Arsenic X

Copper XZinc XHEPH X

No complete groundwater exposure pathways were identified for ecological receptors withinthe boundaries of Lot A

Receptors and exposure pathways

The identified ecological receptors of concern with complete and potentially significantexposure pathways, are:

! Invertebrates (e.g. earthworms) and plants (e.g., grass) through direct contactwith surface soil.

Significant exposure of terrestrial wildlife to soil COPCs is not expected to occur due to theabsence of terrestrial habitat able to support a viable community of terrestrial mammalsand birds.

Identified Ecological Risks

Exposure to soil : the results indicate potential adverse effects to terrestrial invertebrates.

! HQs derived for soil invertebrates and plants from exposure to soil COPCsexceeded 1 for arsenic, copper and zinc.

Exposure to groundwater : Incomplete pathways.

Lot C

No soil COPCs were identified at Lot C and thus potentially complete receptor exposurepathway combinations were not quantified in the ERA. No complete groundwater exposurepathways were identified for ecological receptors within the boundaries of Lot C.


35/39


36/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 17 CONFIDENTIAL

Recreational receptors (adults, teens, children and toddlers) were identified as receptorsof concern for the Study Area under the assumption that the foreshore of Alberni Inletadjacent to the in-filled portion of Lot C will be used as a public beach in the future.

Incidental ingestion of surface water and sediments and dermal contact with surface waterand sediments were considered to be complete exposure pathways and were quantified in

the SSHHRA for the recreational receptors.The results of the SSHHRA indicated the following:

The non-cancer risk for recreational receptors for all four age groups from exposure toCOPCs identified in sediments and surface water is considered to be acceptable, basedon the CSR risk-based standard for non-carcinogens, with one exception.

The exception was HEPHw, where there is a potential for adverse health effects due todermal contact. These HQs were derived using the maximum concentration of HEPHw of6,090 μg/Lin a surface water sample (SW11 -6) collected at a low tide.

Cancer risk estimates from exposure to carcinogenic COPCs for recreational receptorswere less than or equal to the CSR risk-based standard of 1E-05 for all COPCs, indicatingthat the likelihood of adverse carcinogenic effects to occur from exposure to carcinogenicCOPCs identified in surface water and sediments within the Study Area while recreating islow.

Cancer risk estimates derived from cumulative exposure to carcinogenic PAHs detected insediments and surface water (expressed as benzo[a]pyrene TPE) did not exceed the CSRrisk-based standard of 1E-05.

The risk estimates derived in this SSHHRA for future recreational receptors through exposure toCOPCs identified in sediment and surface water reflect not only contamination released fromthe upland areas of the former Plywood site but also contamination associated with the in-filledportion of land owned by PAPA as well as antropogenic sources (metals and PAHs) and other

industries located along the Alberni Inlet shoreline. Due to the presence of potential multiplesources of contamination in the Study Area, it is beyond the scope of this SSHHRA to deriverisk estimates that are associated only with the upland area of Lot C and the Plywood Driveright-of-way.

REFERENCE 9

Remedial Option Evaluation Lot A and Lot C, Former Alberni Plywood Site, 2120,2151 Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC, 2011

On behalf of the City of Port Alberni, SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. completed a RemedialOption Evaluation on Lot A and Lot C of the former Alberni Plywood Site, located at 2120 and2151 Plywood Drive in Port Alberni, BC. The nearshore upland area adjacent to Lots A and C,which is owned and leased out by the province, was also included in the evaluation. ThisRemedial Option Evaluation was intended to assist the City of Port Alberni in selecting anenvironmental sound business solution for the site.


37/39


38/39

APPENDIX 2

SLR 19 CONFIDENTIAL

The different aspects of the remedial options were compared using a qualitative method, andare summarized in the following table:

Qualitative Comparison of Remedial Options

Qualitative Component Remedial OptionCompleteRemoval

Partial Removaland Capping

In-situ remediationLNAPL and capping

Isolate, Control,Monitor

Estimated Cost -(5,540 k$)

0(2,335 k$)

+(1,630k$)

0(2,315k$)

Duration and care measures + + 0 -Removed bulk, risk

reduction + 0 0 -Risks of failure

(%; costs fallback scenario)+

(0%: 0 k$)+

(


39/39

APPENDIX 2

REFERENCE 10

Product Recovery Pilot Test Results, Former Alberni Plywood Site Lot A - 2120Plywood Drive, Port Alberni, BC, 2012

Likely, the oil product is not viscous enough to latterly enter the well. Alternatively, soildisturbance during installation of the well mixed the highly contaminated soil with lesscontaminated soil, thus enhancing adsorption of the hydrocarbon product to the soil andreducing the LNAPL.

Currently, the recovery of LNAPL with product recovery wells is deemed not a cost-effectiveremedial technique for the remediation of extractable petroleum hydrocarbons. We recommendmeasuring the LNAPL thickness in the recovery well on a monthly basis for the next six monthsto investigate whether recovery of the product may be feasible over the longer term.