Clint Noble

Managing the Unseen Unknowns: Environmental Remediation in Support of Large-Scale Infrastructure Construction, Hydrogeologic Study and Urban Fire in the Geologic Record

Clint Noble, Environmental Manager, CDM Smith, Inc.

The Hart Bridge Ramps Realignment and Talleyrand Connector Project is in an industrial section of downtown Jacksonville focused on $63M in roadway and drainage improvements in an area situated between the St. Johns River and the TIAA Bank Stadium spanning approximately 1-mile in length. The project is key to improve traffic and drainage conditions to support the overarching redevelopment of the stadium and shipyards areas vitally important to the City of Jacksonville’s Urban Core Riverfront Revitalization initiative that will bring in additional residential and commercial benefit and uses on formerly derelict properties.  This urban corridor is heavily contaminated by a variety of anthropogenic sources dating back to the industrial revolution including an expansive layer of debris from the Great Fire of 1901.  Since the project involved the movement of over 100,000 tons of contaminated soil/sediment and 30 million gallons of contaminated groundwater produced during dewatering, the proper management of these media in sync with subsurface construction was vital to the maintenance of the production schedule and protection of the environmental health of the region including the St. Johns River.  This is one among numerous and analogous public works projects in Florida.  The cost-effective and responsible management of environmental contamination encountered during large infrastructure - community redevelopment projects is a recurring and ever-increasing need for the proper restoration of urban areas in Florida.  In partnership with the City of Jacksonville, JEA, and FDOT, CDM Smith Inc. executed on the project as the environmental consultant and Contamination Assessment and Remediation (CAR) Contractor.  An integrated soil management plan was implemented which segregated material based upon the magnitude and nature of contamination on a risk-based scenario.  Select material was re-used onsite within FDEP protocols while gross contamination was disposed at offsite facilities. Dimensions of the site and MOT limits mandated some unique handling of material onsite.  The dewatering operation along the 1-mile stretch of roadway adjacent to the St. Johns River required a groundwater pumping and treatment system to be mobile and relocated along project extents for 2 years in duration with temporary piping interwoven around construction production areas.  Contaminated groundwater was treated onsite and discharged into JEA sanitary sewer under a specialized permit which required a 24/7 operation and maintenance schedule.   This presentation will focus on the valuable lessons learned in during the execution of an infrastructure project, that at its inception, demanded the project team to remain vigilant against the “Unseen Unknowns” that literally underlie most public works projects and can result in extensive schedule delays, cost increases, environmental risk, and regulatory non-compliance if not proactively managed with all stakeholders.  Geologic / technical elements of the project to be highlighted include hydrogeologic studies to support a dewatering plan and the geologic record associated with the Great Fire of 1901.  

Mr. Noble is a Senior Project Manager and Lead Professional Geologist who brings strong knowledge of regulatory and technical framework surrounding environmental project sites not only specific to Florida, but to Jacksonville where he has spent the last 20 years on the assessment, remediation and closing of contaminated sites.  Mr. Noble modifies his approach to complicated sites based on the needs of the specific project and client.  As a PG, PMP, Project Technical Leader (PTL), construction manager, and a leader in regulatory and professional society Boards, he brings an integrated experience and approach to provide superior technical execution while managing risks associated with various stakeholders and external project team members.  Clint is currently the President of the Florida Association of Professional Geologists (Florida Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists) and a City Council appointed Board Member on the City of Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board.