The History of ConAgra
WithersRavenel has served as the environmental consultant for the +/- 100-acre property since 2008. Our work first included environmental consulting for the in-place closure of three large UST systems. These systems were once used for the plant’s boiler and emergency generators.
Although the petroleum UST release incident was closed, a separate chlorinated solvent release was found. It required a separate investigation and separate reporting to meet NC Division of Waste Management requirements.
WithersRavenel springs into section after explosion releases ammonia
WithersRavenel completed emergency response activities immediately after an explosion and resulting ammonia release destroyed a large part of the facility in 2009. At that time, the facility operated as a nationally known snack factory.
During the initial crisis, WithersRavenel acted for the owner. They worked with US EPA and NCDEQ officials to assess the ammonia release. They also started immediate corrective actions to limit contamination beyond the plant boundaries.
Soil barriers were erected to control surface flow, removal of affected soils was initiated, and watercourses leading away from the point of release and downhill from the factory to tributaries of the Neuse River were monitored. Due to the quantity of ammonia released, derivative nitrogenrelated compounds continued to be a primary contaminant of concern (COC), and an element of the complex regulatory reporting.
New ownership after explosion
The factory ceased operation, and ownership of the property shifted under due diligence protocol negotiated and administered by WithersRavenel. The main goal of this ownership transition was to change the property from a blighted condition. It would become a green, light industrial and commercial site.
WithersRavenel worked with the new owners in establishing land use restrictions to allow the property to undergo future redevelopment that minimized negative impacts to both the environment and the owner.
Redevelopment as an Amazon facility Initially identified as Project Axis, the building on the site is a 2.6-million-square-foot Amazon sort and distribution facility.
Learn more about the Amazon facility in Garner, NC