University of Buffalo School of Biomedical Science Site Assessment

Project Story

Fisher Associates was retained by the State University Construction Fund (SUCF) to complete Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) investigations at the locations of five (5) of the properties under consideration for the new University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering (UBSM). Fisher Associates first evaluated the parcels, located at 960 Washington Street, 911 Main Street, 929 Main Street, 957 Main Street, and 963 Main Street via Phase I ESAs to determine the potential for environmental issues and liability.

Based on the findings of the Phase I ESAs, Fisher Associates conducted Phase II Investigations that included subsurface soil investigations through the use of soil borings and test pits. The soil borings were advanced to the top of bedrock (approximately 80-feet below grade), and were sampled at various depths in each soil boring. The soil samples were sent to a NYSDOH-approved laboratory for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), heavy metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

The results of the laboratory analysis indicated that the soils at the site would require special handling precautions and disposal procedures during the construction phase, and would require a Soil Management Plan (SMP).

During the investigations, Fisher Associates was the primary point of contact with the SUCF. Fisher Associates also provided guidance and served as the project liaison between the SUCF and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Department (NYSDEC) in developing recommendations for the site.