As a subcontractor to West Coast Contractors, SEF provided quantity measurements on a project to remove nickel contamination at the old Glenbrook Nickel site. The site was formerly used to off-load, store and distribute nickel ore imported from New Caledonia. Glenbrook operated the site intermittently from 1992-1998. The nickel contamination level poses no threats to humans but could be a problem for birds and small mammals.

Oregon DEQ is requiring removal of contaminated soil from the site in the area located under the pier and SW along Coal Bank Slough. From core samples, DEQ determined excavation would be necessary down to 1.75’-2.25’. A 0.5’ layer of sandy gravel would be placed in the hole first then 3”-12” armor rock would bring it back to the original grade. Habitat mix consisting of sandy gravel and oyster shells would be spread over the project area.

SEF survey crew responsibility was:
1. Measure the original surface to develop a Digital Terrain Model (DTM).
2. Measure excavation and backfill depths.
3. Measure the final as-built surface to develop a DTM.
4. Supply all data to SEF engineering dept.

SEF engineering responsibility was:
1. Determine all quantities excavated and backfilled.
2. Generate AutoCad drawings and cross section profiles.

The project was complicated by the fact that all excavation in the tidal areas needed to be completed and back filled while the tide was out. No work was allowed in areas covered by water. This meant that work began at 3:00 am the first day because that was when the tide would leave the area exposed. The excavation areas had to be small in order to be completed prior to the return of the tide. Try to imagine an excavator, crane, bobtail and a surveyor all trying to do their job in a hole that typically was about 30’x30’x2’. It was a credit to all involved that there were no injuries.