Prometheus Engineering

November 23, 2015

File No. 1.00

Mr. Mark Fisher

45 Upper College Road
Kingston, Rhode Island 02881
Re:

Geotechnical Report
Proposed Steere Hall - Superfund Site
Kingston, RI

Dear Mr. Fisher:

Prometheus Engineering is pleased to provide you with this geotechnical report for the
above-referenced project located in Kingston, Rhode Island. This report was prepared in
accordance with our proposal dated November 23, 2015. The primary objective of this
study was to provide subsurface information and foundation design criteria for the
construction of solar panels, associated paved areas, and underground utilities. The
recommendations presented herein are subject to the Limitations and Terms and Conditions
in Appendix A.
BACKGROUND
The proposed building site is located in Kingston, Rhode Island on the University of
Rhode Island campus. The site is north to the existing soccer field located to the east of
Plains Road, south of University of Rhode Island Challenge Course Road, and west of Old
North Road. There is a dirt trail that bounds the site to Plains Road with two entry or exit
ways. The site is classified as superfund meaning that it is contaminated with hazardous
substances as well as broadly defined pollutants or contaminants.
GEOLOGIC SETTING
Available USGS and USEPA publications were reviewed in order to obtain an
understanding of the area geology. The follow sections of this report describe those
findings.

Copyright

2015 Prometheus Engineering

Mr. Fisher
File No. 1.00

November 23, 2015

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Surface Geology
This area labeled the superfund site used to be used as an area for solid waste disposal from
1945 to 1987. According to URI, some of the materials dumped in this site were empty paint
cans, oil containers, pesticide containers, lab equipment, concrete scraps, and partially filled
drums. All of this material is part of what makes the elevation in this area higher than its
surroundings due to the amount of solid waste that has been dumped there.
Bedrock Geology
From the information taken in the surrounding area including the soccer field where the
proposed Steere Hall building is to be located, the bedrock is composed of Ten Rod Granite
Gneiss. It is described as medium to coarse grained that is a pinkish-gray.
SUBSURFACE EXPLORATIONS
Test Borings
Test borings N/A for Superfund site due to the nature of its properties.
Test Pits
Test pits N/A for Superfund site due to the nature of its properties.
SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS
There were no test borings completed for this exact location so these conclusions are based on
the borings taken from a nearby location.
Asphalt and Base Course
No asphalt was detected anywhere near the ground surface in this location. The
current is use of this location is a soccer field that is used by the University of Rhode Island.
Topsoil
A very thin layer of dry dark brown top soil was discovered in the first foot of the
borings taken.

Mr. Fisher
File No. 1.00

November 23, 2015

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Fill
There was fairly little fill surrounding this area but due to the nature of the site which
was never meant to be built on, there is not any fill asides from the solid waste that has been
dumped there over the years.
Silt/Sand
From looking at the nearby borings taken, there is medium dense dry gray and brown
fine sand with some gravel in it. This material is found approximately 6 to 16 feet in the
ground.
Glacial Till
The glacial till was found below the silt/sand layer and is composed of medium dense
moist sand and gravel. It is mostly grey in color and the material is found approximately 14
22 feet in the ground.
Bedrock
The bedrock in this area is quartz-feldspar-biotite gneiss and quartz-hornblende schist
and gneiss. These are known to come from the Precambrian age time period. The gneiss in
this particular area is a pinkish-grey color that ranges from 12-20 mm long.
Groundwater
According to the USEPA, they claimed Contaminated ground water migration is
under control - indicates that all information on known and reasonably expected ground
water contamination has been reviewed and that the migration of contaminated ground
water is stabilized and there is no unacceptable discharge to surface water and monitoring
will be conducted to confirm that affected ground water remains in the original area of
contamination. When the surface water as collected on-site, volatile organic compounds
were detected

LABORATORY TESTING
Laboratory Testing N/A since borings were not taken directly at this site.

Mr. Fisher
File No. 1.00

November 23, 2015

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IMPLICATIONS OF SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS

The proposed use of this site is for solar panels only and no residential use whatsoever
like the proposed building site for Steere Hall. The disposal of this waste was unregulated
until 1967 when the Department of Health found numerous violations. In 1987, URI removed
159 tons of materials and transported them to a waste disposal facility. Three private wells
near the site had to be closed to due to health concerns. Due to this discovery, work began in
order to make this site more environmentally friendly. In 2006, the construction for the
landfill caps was completed. Since that time, oxidant injections were used as part of the
groundwater cleanup project. This resulted in 90% of the VC mass in the groundwater to be
eliminated. This site is still being monitored and according to the EPA, the human exposure
status and contaminated ground water status are both under control. From this information,
building on this site can be performed for the proposed use. In order for construction to take
place, borings and laboratory samples would need to be taken to ensure the safety for
construction to take place on this site. For this project, this will not occur but if this was to
actually be carried out, these actions would need to be taken.
The solar panels are proposed to be built in top of the capped site. The elevation cant be
changed because the site cant be uncapped due to the solid waste that has been previously
dumped here. There will be room on this site designated for maintenance to occur when
necessary. Note that information for the surrounding this site was used to obtain information
as test borings at this site was not an option.

Mr. Fisher
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November 23, 2015

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We trust that this report addresses the principal geotechnical issues for this project. Please do
not hesitate to contact the undersigned with any questions or comments.
Very truly yours,
PROMETHEUS ENGINEERING

Daniel Jannetti
Geotechnical Engineer

Juan Villa
Project Manager

DYB/DRC:
Attachments:

Figure 1:
Figure 2:
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C:
Appendix D:

Locus Plan
Exploration Location Plan
Limitations/Terms and Conditions of Engagement
GINT Log Key
Subsurface Exploration Logs
Grain Size Analysis Results

Mr. Fisher
File No. 1.00
Figure 1. Locus Plan

November 23, 2015

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Mr. Fisher
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Figure 2. Exploration Location Plan

November 23, 2015

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Mr. Fisher
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Appendix A: Limitations/Terms and Conditions of Engagement

Terms and Conditions of Engagement
1. The Consultant is Prometheus Engineering.
2. In consideration of consultant performing work, client agrees to the pay the fee to
consultant.
3. Upon completing work, consultant shall exercise in a professional manner with ethical
moral standards.
4. Consultant has insurance relating to any matters pertaining to the project
5. Client accepts the design outcome risks relating to the project.
6. Consultant may suspend services upon the payment being due that is unpaid by the
client.
7. Client agrees to provide a safe working environment according to set standards when
work is completed.

Mr. Fisher
File No. 1.00
Appendix C: Subsurface Exploration Logs

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Mr. Fisher
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Appendix D: Grain Size Analysis Results

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