Linden Drive Voluntary Remediation

Environmental remediation was required at the Linden Drive property in Winchester, Virginia due to a unique history. The site, spanning 22.7 acres, was once home to Frederick County Middle School. Before that, it operated as a commercial apple orchard—a history that raised environmental concerns. Orchards often used arsenic- and lead-based pesticides, and ECS Group of Companies (ECS) confirmed these risks during the preliminary due diligence for the site, which included a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Phase II Site Assessment and a pre-demolition asbestos survey. To prepare the site for residential redevelopment, the property was enrolled in Virginia’s Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP).

How did ECS identify contamination risks?

ECS conducted a comprehensive site characterization, collecting more than 50 soil samples from shallow soils across the property. Laboratory analysis revealed elevated arsenic and lead concentrations. Using the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (VDEQ) Unified Risk Assessment Model, ECS discovered that arsenic posed a cancer risk for future residents and a non-carcinogenic hazard for children. These findings made remediation necessary before development could proceed.

What remediation strategies met VRP requirements?

ECS established a remediation target of 19.97 mg/kg for arsenic and developed a plan that balanced compliance and cost efficiency. Key actions included:

• Asbestos abatement oversight and the demolition of the former school building infrastructure.
• Soil removal and beneficial reuse, leveraging Virginia’s contaminated media guidance to redirect impacted soil to historic orchard agricultural sites—avoiding landfill disposal and saving significant costs.
• Stormwater infrastructure installation, including silt fencing, sediment traps, erosion dikes, and stormwater ponds certified by ECS’ geotechnical engineers.
• Stakeholder coordination with VDEQ, local authorities, legal counsel and property owners to maintain compliance and expedite closure.

How did ECS manage stakeholder and regulatory challenges?

Beyond technical work, ECS played a pivotal role in communication. The team worked collaboratively with VDEQ to accelerate approvals, coordinated with local officials to maintain compliance and secured agreements for soil reuse. This proactive approach reduced delays and built trust among the various parties involved.

What was the final outcome?

Remediation began in September 2024 and concluded in March 2025. ECS excavated the impacted soil, transported it to approved agricultural sites and implemented measures to reduce erosion and dust during grading. After confirmation sampling, ECS prepared a Demonstration of Completion report and worked with VDEQ to secure a Certificate of Completion in April 2025. This milestone cleared the way for residential development and showcased ECS’ ability to deliver technically sound, cost-effective solutions for complex environmental challenges.