Landfill Remediation and Wetlands Mitigation
Project Background

On June 26, 1998, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection issued a consent order requiring the University to thoroughly evaluate the nature and extent of soil, surface water, and groundwater pollution emanating from the university landfill, former chemical pits, and an ash disposal site. The consent order also required UConn to propose and implement the remedial actions necessary to abate the pollution.

In response, the University developed a Wetland Mitigation Plan and Closure Plan which outlined strategies for remediating the landfill and former chemical pits. These strategies included the following:

- Installation of a final cover over the landfill and chemical pits

- Implementation of a long-term monitoring program for groundwater and surface water and a plan for post-closure maintenance of the cap and remediation systems

Additionally, parking facilities and habitat conservation areas were created for educational and recreational use.

Pictured above: 2009 HEEP Preservation Area

The landfill remediation process resulted in the preservation of ~31 acres of wetlands and ~33 acres of uplands. Other notable activities include:

• Removal of ~40,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and sediment
• Restoration of ~3 acres and creation of ~2 acres of wetlands and a created vernal pool
• Installation of impervious cap and a parking lot
• Installation of a leachate collection system
• Commitment to ground water monitoring for 30 years and wetland inspections for 10 years

Detailed project reports from the closure and remediation process are available at the the UConn Landfill Project website.

Remediation of the landfill and construction of the Hillside Environmental Education Park (HEEP) was completed during the summer of 2008. Extensive wetland monitoring continues throughout the project site which includes keeping a careful eye on types of vegetation, soil moisture levels, and wildlife.

    
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