Soil Excavation & Disposal

Prior to performing any excavation at the University that will result in off-site disposal, it is necessary to collect soil samples for chemical analysis to determine the type of disposal facility that will be utilized.  Because the majority of University property is located in an urban setting that contains historic fill of unknown origin, the chemical results of soil sampling typically categorize the soil as regulated waste and trigger a reporting requirement to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  In that event, the soil excavation activities at the project, must follow a prescribed process that is outlined by DEP in the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) and all work must be overseen by a Licensed Site Professional (LSP).

Prior to performing any excavation at the University that will result in off-site disposal of soil, an LSP must be hired to prepare and implement a soil sampling plan, to make any required regulatory notifications, to prepare and submit any regulatory reports and to prepare specifications to address soil management and disposal requirements during construction.  The attached Request for Proposal [PDF] can be used to solicit bids for soil management activities by an LSP.

In order to ensure that LSPs working at the University understand Harvard-specific requirements for soil management activities, the EH&S Department has compiled the attached list of Licensed Site Professionals [PDF] who have done satisfactory work for the University.

Based on the soil sampling results at a specific project, the LSP will prepare specifications and drawings that detail the classification of soil at the site, stockpile/storage requirements, dust and odor control, and disposal documentation and facility requirements.  To ensure that earthwork contractors are given clear direction on University standards for such work, the EH&S Department has prepared the attached Excavated Soil and Material Management Template Specification [MS Word].  The LSP should incorporate this specification into the design documents that he/she prepares for a specific project.  The EH&S Department has also prepared the attached list of Harvard approved landfills for disposal of soils [PDF]

By using the Excavated Soil and Material Management template specification above, the Contractor is required to submit certain documents prior to the start of excavation activities and other documents before close-out of their contract.  The attached list of Contractor Submittals and Close-out Documents is provided for reference.