The long-awaited remediation work at the former Majestic Hotel site is set to begin on Tuesday morning, August 28. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) approved the site cleanup work plan submitted by Terracon Consultants on behalf of the City of Hot Springs earlier this month. Terracon Consultants will provide environmental remediation oversight services, with the city’s Public Works and Solid Waste departments providing equipment and labor.
The site work will focus on the removal of lead impacted soil at the former laundry building located at the rear of the “yellow brick” section. A minimal amount of soil will be excavated, totaling approximately 1 cubic yard, which will be stockpiled onto plastic sheeting and sample tested prior to hauling to the Saline County Landfill. Additional site work will include the removal of a previously-mitigated concrete fuel tank located along the foundation wall of the hotel’s yellow brick section. The concrete fuel tank removal is being done on a voluntary basis by the city and is not part of the overall cleanup plan. All materials and debris from the site will have confirmation sampling conducted and waste disposal manifests submitted to ADEQ. The site work is estimated to take approximately three to five days and, following its completion, a certificate of property remediation completion will be issued by ADEQ. This certificate of completion will allow the property an unrestricted, residential development status, which is the highest remedial status available.