Samples, samples, samples
During the assessment of contamination by chlorinated hydrocarbons in a different Bosch facility, HPC had previously prevented the client from excessive remediation requests of the regulatory authorities by providing well-founded expertise and consulting.
Therefore, Robert Bosch GmbH retained HPC also for this complex project.

In order to determine the whole extent of the contamination, more than 200 shallow soil samples were taken, drillings and exploratory borings carried out, 400 analyses of soil samples, 150 of soil gas samples and 30 analyses of groundwater samples were carried out. In whole, the result of the investigation is composed of 5000 individual findings. In particular, heavy metals and compounds such as trinitrotoluene (TNT) as well as other nitro-aromatic compounds typical for former ammunition facilities catch our eyes. In addition, we detect VOC, BTEX, PAH and petroleum hydrocarbons.

During groundwater investigation, HPC makes an interesting discovery. The neighboring company claims by legal action that contaminated groundwater penetrated from Bosch to its own site. However, HPC determines that groundwater from the neighboring property flows to the Bosch GmbH site. Furthermore, the contaminant mix of the neighboring site shows a totally different composition. The claim is refused.

We also collect samples from building material, dust and ambient air in order to analyze them for asbestos. Due to the special location in Berlin-Spandau, all subsoil investigations are carried out in cooperation with the explosives disposal unit.  An ammunition expert secures the boring locations to avoid that bombs of World War II explode.

Evaluation of analytical results
From the evaluation of the results, HPC derives relevant paths of exposition. The potential contaminant exposition can be determined quantitatively. In order to establish various scenarios of use, we apply toxicological exposition-risk-quantification in order to determine threshold values for the various types and degrees of contamination to which man may be exposed.

These requirements lead subsequently to an estimate of remediation requirements and associated cost. Depending on the future use of the site, even costs can be discussed. In coordination with the historical registry, we develop containment and remediation scenarios.

Fractional Deconstruction
The industrial waste land is located adjacent to an idyllic river bank of the Havel. Already a couple of years ago, Bosch offered its staff to use the abandoned area on the river bank for recreation purposes and as caravan camp ground.  The staff was glad to accept. Our investigations, however, determine a significant contamination of the soil so that the area has to be cleared. We recommend that a 30-cm-layer of cover material be applied.  A woodshed has to be pulled down using protective equipment because wood preservatives had been measured in concentrations posing human health risks.

HPC estimates the cost of remediation
When removing asbestos-containing concrete floors and steel joists covered by asbestos from some of the buildings, the requirements and regulatory values of German TRGS 519 (Technical Rules for Hazardous Materials: Asbestos) must be complied with. And this represents only one cost factor of many.

We determine the total cost and the cost schedule depending on the remediation scenario. The evaluation of the contamination is subsequently integrated into an exposé used by the real estate department to offer the industrial site for sale. The evaluation is also an integral part of the later price finding of the site and delivers the right arguments for negotiations. Now, the client knows all risks of the property.

The buyer intends to use the property for industrial/commercial purposes, only, because it is located in the midst of an industrial area in the far neighborhood of a big production facility of the automotive industry. The fact that the property is located in the centre of the capital is interesting for investors because of the existence of good infrastructural connections.