Transforming Contaminated Sites into Safe, Stable Land for the Future – Great Falls Copper Refinery

Anderson Engineering provided primary design and construction management for the demolition and remediation of the 100-year-old Great Falls Copper Refinery. The project involved site stabilization, erosion control, and environmental compliance to mitigate health risks and ensure regulatory approval. It utilized 500,000 cubic yards of clean fill.

Services Provided

Client

Atlantic Richfield

Anderson Engineering provided design and construction management for the complete remediation of the Great Falls Copper Refinery, ensuring compliance and long-term environmental stability.

Challenge

Due to contamination and structural instability, the Great Falls Copper Refinery site posed significant environmental and health risks, requiring a comprehensive remediation plan to ensure compliance and safety.

Solution

Anderson Engineering provided design and construction management services to remediate the site, ensuring stability through embankment reinforcement, contamination containment, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Benefits

The remediation project delivered a safer, environmentally compliant site with improved stability, reduced liability, and enhanced opportunities for future land use.

Common Questions. Expert Answers.

Quick Answers

What was the primary goal of the Great Falls Copper Refinery remediation project?
The goal was to demolish remaining structures, stabilize embankments, and mitigate environmental contamination to ensure regulatory compliance and future site usability.
What services did Anderson Engineering provide for this project?
Anderson Engineering provided primary design, construction management, survey layout, volume surveys, and project control to oversee demolition and environmental remediation efforts.
What were the biggest challenges faced during the remediation?
A: Key challenges included high levels of soil contamination, embankment instability, and meeting strict EPA regulatory compliance deadlines.
How much clean fill was used to stabilize the site?
Approximately 500,000 cubic yards of clean fill were placed and compacted to 95% maximum dry density to reinforce the site’s structural integrity.
What measures were taken to prevent future environmental issues?
Protective covers were installed over contaminated areas, water diversion structures were constructed to control runoff, and native vegetation was introduced to stabilize soil and reduce erosion.
How did the project benefit the client, Atlantic Richfield?
The remediation ensured regulatory compliance, reduced potential liabilities, improved site safety, and prepared the site for future redevelopment opportunities.
What long-term benefits does the remediation provide?
The site is now stable, environmentally safe, and available for future industrial or commercial use without ongoing contamination risks.

Discover the Full Scope of the Project

Gain insight into the decisions, challenges, and creative solutions that brought this project to life.

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Challenge

The Great Falls Copper Refinery, a 100-year-old industrial site, faced severe environmental challenges due to contamination from years of copper and lead refining. Hazardous materials such as arsenic and heavy metals had infiltrated the soil and posed significant health risks to the surrounding community. The site’s structural instability also threatened further environmental damage and erosion, complicating potential redevelopment opportunities. Without proper remediation, the site would remain a liability, failing to meet regulatory requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state authorities.Atlantic Richfield, the site’s owner, needed a trusted engineering firm capable of executing a large-scale remediation project with precision and efficiency. The challenge was stabilizing the site, preventing further environmental degradation, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws to mitigate future liabilities.

Severe soil contamination from hazardous materials posing public health risks.

Structural instability of embankments and site features, leading to erosion concerns.

Regulatory pressure to meet EPA standards and avoid legal and financial consequences.

Solution

Anderson Engineering implemented a comprehensive remediation plan to address the contamination and structural challenges of the Great Falls Copper Refinery site. The project involved demolishing remaining structures, removing hazardous materials, and stabilizing unstable embankments. Anderson Engineering utilized advanced survey techniques to ensure precise layout and volume calculations for placing 500,000 cubic yards of clean fill compacted to 95% maximum dry density for long-term stability. The team designed and constructed water diversion and erosion control structures to prevent future erosion and protect reclaimed features, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. A protective cover was placed over all contaminated areas, effectively containing hazardous materials and reducing exposure risks—the final step involved seeding all disturbed areas to restore the natural landscape and promote ecological recovery. Through meticulous project control and regulatory coordination, Anderson Engineering assisted in the delivery of a safe, stable, and compliant site ready for future use.

Site stabilization: Placed 500,000 cubic yards of clean fill to reinforce embankments and prevent erosion.

Contamination containment: Installed a protective cover over hazardous areas to ensure long-term environmental safety.

Regulatory compliance: Designed and executed the project to meet all EPA and state environmental standards.

Benefits and Impacts

The successful remediation of the Great Falls Copper Refinery provided long-term environmental and economic benefits. Anderson Engineering’s expertise in site stabilization and contamination containment ensured regulatory compliance and minimized health risks for the surrounding community. Addressing structural instability and implementing erosion control measures reduced the risk of future environmental degradation. Completing this project allowed the client to meet EPA requirements efficiently, avoid potential legal and financial penalties, and unlock new opportunities for the site’s redevelopment.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensured adherence to environmental regulations, reducing legal and financial risks for the client.

Enhanced Site Stability: Reinforced embankments and erosion controls improved long-term structural integrity.

Future Land Use Potential: Created opportunities for redevelopment by transforming a contaminated site into a safe and stable area.

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In-Depth Project Narrative

Transforming Contaminated Sites into Safe, Stable Land for the Future – Great Falls Copper Refinery.

Table of Contents

Great Falls Copper Refinery Remediation: A Comprehensive Environmental Solution

Introduction: Addressing Contaminated Sites with Expert Remediation

The Great Falls Copper Refinery, a century-old industrial facility, faced significant environmental challenges due to contamination from copper and lead refining processes. Anderson Engineering was entrusted with site remediation, providing primary design and construction management to address soil contamination, structural instability, and regulatory compliance. The project involved large-scale demolition, embankment stabilization, and the strategic placement of 500,000 cubic yards of clean fill to ensure environmental safety and future land use.

With regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) increasingly scrutinizing projects, delivering a solution that met compliance standards while ensuring long-term site stability was essential. Anderson Engineering’s expertise in remediation engineering oversight, construction management, and environmental planning made it the ideal partner for this complex project.


Challenges of the Great Falls Copper Refinery Site

Over its 100-year operational span, the Great Falls Copper Refinery accumulated significant contamination due to hazardous materials such as lead and arsenic seeping into the soil. These contaminants presented environmental and public health risks, necessitating immediate action to mitigate further impact.

Key Challenges Faced by the Client:

  • Severe Soil Contamination:
    Contaminants such as arsenic and lead were detected in high concentrations, posing risks to groundwater and nearby communities.
  • Structural Instability:
    The site’s embankments, originally constructed as part of the refinery’s operations, showed signs of erosion and potential collapse, threatening nearby land and infrastructure.
  • Regulatory Compliance Pressure:
    The site is listed under the EPA Superfund program, so the client faces stringent deadlines and legal implications if remediation efforts are delayed.

Beyond regulatory concerns, the project posed significant logistical challenges due to the scale of the demolition and the need to work within active industrial zones. Anderson Engineering was tasked with overcoming these obstacles while ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding environment and community.


Anderson Engineering’s Comprehensive Remediation Approach

Phase 1: Site Assessment and Planning

Anderson Engineering began by conducting a comprehensive site assessment, including:

  1. Survey Layout & Volume Surveys:
    • Used advanced surveying techniques to establish project boundaries and calculate required fill volumes accurately.
  2. Environmental Sampling & Risk Analysis:
    • Conducted soil and groundwater testing to determine contamination levels and formulate remediation strategies.

Phase 2: Structural Stabilization

To address embankment instability, Anderson Engineering implemented:

  • Placement of Clean Fill:
    • Approximately 500,000 cubic yards of clean fill were strategically placed and compacted to 95% maximum dry density, ensuring structural integrity.
  • Slope Reinforcement Measures:
    • Engineered solutions such as geo-grid installations and erosion control blankets were applied to prevent future deterioration.
Stabilization TaskVolume (cubic yards)Density Achieved
Clean Fill Placement500,00095% Dry Density
Embankment Reinforcement120,000N/A

Phase 3: Contamination Containment and Site Rehabilitation

Following stabilization, the next critical step was contamination containment, achieved through:

  • Protective Covering:
    • All contaminated areas received a protective cover to isolate hazardous materials from exposure and prevent leaching.
  • Water Diversion Structures:
    • Designed diversion channels to manage stormwater runoff and protect reclaimed areas from erosion.
  • Seeding and Vegetation:
    • Native vegetation was reintroduced to stabilize soil and enhance the site’s visual appeal.

Key Technologies Used:

  • In-situ stabilization techniques to minimize excavation.
  • Real-time monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance

Throughout the project, Anderson Engineering maintained rigorous quality control measures, including:

  • Regular Compliance Audits: Ensuring alignment with EPA and state guidelines.
  • Health and Safety Protocols: Implementing strict safety measures for on-site personnel and local communities.

By integrating cutting-edge engineering techniques with a deep understanding of regulatory requirements, Anderson Engineering successfully transformed the contaminated site into a stable, compliant area for future use.


Results and Long-Term Benefits

Key Achievements:

  • Regulatory Approval:
    The project met all EPA and Montana state regulatory requirements, ensuring the site is no longer a liability.
  • Enhanced Environmental Safety:
    Contaminated soil was effectively contained, preventing further risk to groundwater and public health.
  • Future Land Use Potential:
    The site is now safe for potential redevelopment, opening commercial or industrial project opportunities.

Measured Outcomes:

MetricBefore RemediationAfter Remediation
Soil Contamination LevelsHighBelow EPA Standards
Structural StabilityUnstable EmbankmentsFully Reinforced
Compliance StatusNon-CompliantFully Compliant

Client Benefits:

  • Cost Savings: Avoided potential fines and legal complications by achieving full compliance.
  • Community Impact: Improved public perception and safety, addressing long-standing concerns.
  • Sustainability: Introduced erosion control measures and sustainable land use practices.

Take the Next Step with Anderson Engineering

Is your industrial site facing environmental challenges? Anderson Engineering specializes in large-scale remediation projects, ensuring compliance, safety, and sustainability.

Contact Us Today:
📞 Call: (801) 972-6222
📧 Email: sales@andersoneng.com
🌐 Visit: www.andersoneng.com

Comprehensive Engineering Solutions

Full List of Services Provided For This Project

Land Surveying and Mapping
Construction Staking
Volumetric Surveys
Soil and Groundwater Sampling and Analysis
Reclamation and Site Restoration Services

Disclaimer: This summary includes AI-generated content and project-specific details that may not apply to your project. For personalized advice, contact Anderson Engineering—we’re here to help!