Paper Mill Redevelopment
RIVERWALK RESORT
Former Franconia Paper Mill
Client's Challenge
Aries was engaged by our client to conduct an environmental assessment for a former mill property redevelopment project. Aries Engineers performed Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), and the team identified asbestos containing materials (ACM) in and on the buildings and soils at the site. The primary challenge centered around the presence of asbestos containing materials (ACM) both within the existing buildings and in the surrounding soils. This contamination presented a major environmental obstacle that threatened to derail the client's ambitious plans to redevelop the former mill property into a vacation resort destination.
Aries’ Evaluation
Aries took a systematic and comprehensive approach to address the environmental challenges facing this redevelopment project. The assessment phase involved multiple critical components designed to fully understand the scope of contamination and develop effective remediation strategies. The team conducted a pre-demolition hazardous material survey of all site buildings to identify hazardous materials within the structures prior to any demolition activities. This thorough assessment was essential for developing proper safety protocols and remediation procedures. Recognizing the financial and regulatory complexities involved, Aries helped the client with enrollment in the NHDES Brownfields Program and helped secure funding through the NHDES Brownfields Clean Up Revolving Loan Fund Program (BCRLF). This strategic approach provided both regulatory framework and financial resources necessary for the extensive remediation work. The team developed detailed asbestos abatement and demolition specifications for the safe removal of existing site buildings, ensuring all work would meet stringent environmental and safety standards. Additionally, Aries completed a NHDES-approved Remedial Action.
Aries’ Solution
The remediation and redevelopment strategy implemented by Aries successfully transformed the contaminated former mill site into a thriving hospitality destination. The solution enabled the complete redevelopment of the property as a full-service hotel and condominium resort. The project achieved significant milestones, proving the effectiveness of the remediation approach and the viability of the redevelopment concept. The success of this project extended beyond environmental remediation to create economic value and community benefit. The exceptional quality and impact of this redevelopment project received national recognition when, on December 17, 2017, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) announced the Former Franconia Paper Mill redevelopment as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Award. This prestigious recognition confirms both the technical excellence of the remediation work and the transformative impact of the project on the local community.
The case study shows how strategic environmental assessment, proper regulatory engagement, and comprehensive remediation planning can successfully transform contaminated brownfield sites into valuable community assets while meeting the highest environmental and safety standards.