GRAEF-USA Inc.

Fleischmann-Kurth Malting Brownfield Redevelopment

GRAEF was instrumental in redeveloping the former site of Fleischmann-Kurth Malting Company. This 8.3 acre site with over 32 buildings and structures in a heavily traveled section of West Milwaukee. GRAEF obtained a redevelopment grant of $250,000 for the developer of the site and completed site investigation and remediation for a wide range of above and below grade hazards.

Originally constructed in 1910 and added onto through the years, the specialized design of the buildings prohibit constructive reuse. Environmental hazards associated with these buildings included asbestos, lead based paint, transformers, above and below ground storage tanks, and chemical storage containers. Abatement of the asbestos containing building materials alone cost approximately $500,000. Chemical spills from nearly a century of industrial use created a complex mix of subsurface contaminants. This included contamination resulting from the extensive use of coal and fuel oil to operate blowers and kilns for the malting process, and chlorinated solvents.

By completing a thorough investigation of the asbestos and hazardous building materials and proposing innovative abatement methods to the WDNR before the start of the asbestos abatement, GRAEF saved the developer thousands of dollars in abatement costs. And through the use of focused investigation activities and chemical fingerprinting, GRAEF was able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the WDNR that portions of the groundwater contamination was from an off-site source. This enabled the developer to save additional money and to proceed with the project under a tight schedule. It also facilitated the release of TIF funds from the City of West Milwaukee. Based on GRAEF’s environmental management plan for the site, redevelopment is planned with minimal subsurface remediation.
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LOCATION Milwaukee, WI

FACTS Services Provided: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Asbestos & Hazardous Material Inspection, Sub-surface Investigation & Remediation, Brownfield Redevelopment