Brownfield Redevelopment of the Former Fisher Body Plant No. 1 in Flint, Michigan

PM Environmental, Inc. (PM) was contracted to complete comprehensive environmental services in support of the redevelopment of a contaminated former General Motors Plant in Flint, Michigan.

Based on the findings of Phase I ESA the property consisted of approximately 34.04 acres, including three (3) former manufacturing buildings.  The subject property was utilized for the manufacture of automotive bodies from approximately 1922 until 1986, prior to conversion for use as a research, development, and technology center through 2009.  Numerous RECs were identified including several former USTs and ASTs, former chemical storage and manufacturing areas, former assembly lines, power plant operations, previously documented soil and groundwater contamination, etc.

A Phase II ESA was completed under the City of Flint’s EPA Site Assessment Grant that consisted of a geophysical survey over interior and exterior areas of the subject property, the advancement of 25 soil borings to collect soil and water samples at the RECs, and test pitting to investigation anomalies consistent with the presence of orphan USTs.  Extensive petroleum and metals contamination was encountered in soil and groundwater and has been documented throughout the subject property, including beneath the subject property buildings. 

Based upon the “facility” status of the subject property under Michigan P.A. 451, Part 201, a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA) was prepared for the client to obtain liability protection for existing contamination.  A Section 7a Compliance Analysis (Due Care Plan) was also prepared in accordance with Section 20107(a) of Michigan Part 201 outlining appropriate management activities necessary to protect site occupants from the documented soil and groundwater contamination.

Due to the subject property’s “facility” status, a Brownfield Plan was prepared on behalf of the client for the pursuit of MEGA tax credits, which was subsequently approved. Sustainability and energy consulting services were also completed including a Green Property Condition Assessment (PCA) to determine green alternatives to building equipment maintenance and upgrades, a LEED Certification Feasibility Analysis, and an Energy Incentive Evaluation to identify incentives and energy cost reductions associated with green building upgrades.