Keys Energy Center

Storm + groundwater remediation for power plant redevelopment near protected wetlands

The proximity of the Keys Energy Center site to protected wetlands and shallow groundwater made remediation efforts consequential beyond the project boundary. Wetlands are a wildlife habitat that also protect water quality, reduce flood and erosion, and maintain fish population. Many economic products and activities depend on wetlands.

ECS Group of Companies was engaged by Keys Energy Center, LLC to evaluate and remediate elevated pH levels across outfall locations and stormwater retention ponds at the 170-acre site, which was being redeveloped into a combined-cycle, natural gas-fired power plant.

Challenge: Alkaline groundwater threatened workers and wetlands

Improper execution of lime-based soil stabilization produced alkaline groundwater conditions across the 170-acre site. The core challenge was managing alkaline groundwater conditions that posed health risks to onsite workers and ecological risks to nearby waterways, requiring immediate investigative and regulatory response.

Solution: Long-term groundwater quality monitoring

ECS evaluated multiple soil stabilization options, coordinated regulatory response and developed remediation plans to address the elevated pH conditions. ECS’ ongoing role includes installation and operation of long-term treatment solutions and continuous groundwater quality monitoring to protect both site personnel and surrounding wetland resources.