Avila Beach Remediation

Pipelines for the Avila Beach offshore loading facility ran under the main street of this coastal resort town. During their years of operation, the pipelines leaked diesel, gasoline, and crude oil and gas, causing soil contamination. After years of public forums, oil company officials assembled a team and began developing a work plan for the excavation and remediation of the hydrocarbon-affected sand, and the removal, demolition, and replacement of the town of Avila Beach. This Brownfield Development project consisted of the following:

• Separation of 9.5 acres of clean-up effort into three excavation areas called cells
• Temporary relocation of utilities
• Relocation of 70 residents, demolishment of 23 buildings and 27 residential units, and excavation of 31 parcels
• Installation of interlocked steel panel sheet pile deep into the soil to create a wall around the perimeter of the excavation cells
• Excavation of more than 200,000 tons of affected material and bringing in an equal amount of clean soil
• Transportation of 10,000 truckloads a total of 2.8 million miles to dispose of the waste
• Reconstruction of public utilities, street improvements, and a park

Cannon prepared plans, specifications, and cost estimates for grading, drainage, and structural shoring for several affected properties. This included the layout of steel sheet pile cofferdam, removal and replacement of sand, placement of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner, and the design of temporary storage facilities for stockpiling the hydrocarbon-affected sand.

We prepared plans and specifications for 4,000 feet each of water, sewer, storm drain, gas, and wire utility mains. We worked closely with the client, utility companies, regulatory agencies, contractors, and other consultants to prepare a well-planned design within the project’s timeframe. Cannon also developed a feasibility study of options for solidification and/or excavation of hydrocarbon-affected sand prior to excavating.

The scope of work included a cultural resources evaluation to identify historically significant buildings to be saved. In addition, we participated in planning meetings to implement the master plan that included installation of buildings, streets, and utilities. Cannon processed the project permitting for over 60 permits from more than 10 government agencies. We participated in meetings with the agencies and prepared work plans, project schedules, and permit compliance reports weekly.

The town of Avila Beach, its amenities, and roads are open to the public. A new pedestrian plaza features decorative concrete, an observation deck, colorful landscaping, and a unique tide pool fountain. It remains a popular vacation spot for locals and visitors year-round.