MBTA Environmental Engineering Services

BETA has provided a variety of environmental consulting services in support of the rehabilitation of the Longfellow Bridge Approach Viaduct and construction of a new West Head House at the Charles/MGH Red Line Station. The project will address structural deficiencies, bring the structure into compliance with current codes, replace the station platforms, and provide a second means of access through a new West Head House. Services performed by BETA include a hazardous materials building survey, a subsurface investigation, LSP services, MCP regulatory compliance, environmental permitting, and construction oversight. Building surveys included visual assessment, sampling and analysis, and quantification of building materials containing asbestos, lead-based paint (LBP), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Information generated by BETA was used to assist MBTA in planning and budgeting for proposed site improvements. BETA’s hazardous materials survey reports discussed health and safety implications for site renovation workers and special handling/disposal requirements for the identified hazardous materials.

BETA staff provided MCP services including review of existing environmental reports and filings under the MCP related to the project area and worked in close coordination with the MBTA Environmental Management Department. The effort provided baseline knowledge of historic environmental subsurface conditions and known hazardous materials that will need to be addressed during construction. BETA also assessed soil conditions during geotechnical soil boring activities to evaluate the potential for contamination. Any contaminated materials encountered during construction will be managed properly under BETA’s LSP supervision.

BETA is preparing an Environmental Permitting Report, an Environmental Management Plan, and a Design for the Environment (DFE) Guidance Report. The Environmental Permitting Report describes the environmental approvals and permits required to supplement the Environmental Review and Permitting Checklist for the project. The Environmental Management Plan provides a framework for tracking all elements of environmental compliance as well as procedures to be followed to achieve compliance throughout all phases of the Project. The Design for the Environment Guidance Report identifies design options that assist in automating environmental compliance for hazardous materials handling, air emissions, indoor air quality, and stormwater management. It is also intended to identify sustainable design options and provide input on noise and vibration control features. These efforts are being completed by Cross-Spectrum Associates.